Ireland's School of Falconry
Experience the ancient art of falconry with majestic Harris Hawks at Ashford Castle. A truly unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birds are most active
Ireland's School of Falconry
Best Time
Birds are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the ancient art of falconry with majestic Harris Hawks at Ashford Castle. A truly unforgettable adventure.
"The highlight of my trip to Ireland! 10 out of 10 recommend to anyone in the area!"
🎯 Book Ahead for Peak Times
Popular hawk walks fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance to secure your spot!
📸 Let Guides Take Photos
Guides are happy to capture stunning photos and videos of you with the hawk, often with slow-motion! :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hawk Walk Experience
Ashford Castle Grounds
Experience the thrill of flying a Harris Hawk on an unforgettable walk through the castle's scenic grounds.
Meet the Birds
Ireland's School of Falconry
Interact with majestic hawks and learn about their history and care from knowledgeable falconers.
Ashford Castle Setting
Ashford Castle
Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Ashford Castle and its beautiful gardens during your falconry adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Hawk Walk in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Travel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Peak Times
Popular hawk walks fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance to secure your spot!
📸 Let Guides Take Photos
Guides are happy to capture stunning photos and videos of you with the hawk, often with slow-motion! :iphone:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the castle grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Guides are Knowledgeable
Learn fascinating facts about falconry and the birds from your expert guides. :bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Peak Times
Popular hawk walks fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book months in advance to secure your spot!
📸 Let Guides Take Photos
Guides are happy to capture stunning photos and videos of you with the hawk, often with slow-motion! :iphone:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the castle grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Guides are Knowledgeable
Learn fascinating facts about falconry and the birds from your expert guides. :bulb:
❤️ Birds are Well-Cared For
Experience a program where the birds' welfare and respect are paramount.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Ireland's School of Falconry, calling it a highlight of their trip. The knowledgeable and passionate guides, the respectful treatment of the birds, and the stunning setting at Ashford Castle are frequently praised. While the experience is highly recommended, booking well in advance is essential due to its popularity.
"My friends and I had an amazing experience on our Hawk Walk!! Because we were a larger group, we were split into two groups, led separately by Courtney and Jacob, and both of them did an amazing job taking us on the hawk walk and educating us on these amazing animals! We all loved this experience, and we continued to talk about it during our remaining time in Ireland!"
Kaitlyn Lammers
"I did the hawk walk and it was the highlight of my trip to Ireland! It is an hour long walk through the woods on castle grounds, and you get to handle a hawk the entire time. My guide was fantastic, he had all kinds of interesting facts to share about my hawk, Putog, and showed me all the other birds as well. He also offered to hold my phone and take pictures and videos since I was alone, and he was a great photographer! I now how loads of slowmo videos to share from the experience!
10 out of 10 recommend to anyone in the area!"
Kaitlin Lawless
"We did a Hawk Walk through Ireland’s School of Falconry at Ashford Castle in August of 2025. We are a family of 5 from the U.S. with 3 adult children.
What an awesome experience! We planned a few months in advance and got the time slot we wanted and communicated via email. On the day of the excursion, on the way, we got into an accident and totaled the rental car. I called Yvonne after sorting transportation to cancel our experience. This woman is a gem! She worked with our vacation calendar and rebooked us for a new tour a few days later when we had a flexible afternoon. She was so pleased to help us! No cancellation fee or admin issues, just was only concerned with our safety.
Our tour ended up being private! Tommy was our guide. We met 2 birds, the beautiful Samhradh and Lima. Do this if you can. Tommy is amazing! The birds are amazing!
He’s a biologist with tons of experience and the amount of information we received was thorough and thoughtful. The importance and great care for the birds was obvious. Tommy was animated and fun, and we all learned how to cast and land the birds. It was so fun!
The cherry on top was meeting the 6 resident ferrets! They are not the stars of the show but it was very cool to see them too. We have a pet ferret named Hot Potato so we were very excited once we found out there was a business of European ferrets living at the school!
Tommy and Yvonne and the other staff kept us entertained and laughing even after our visit concluded.
Highly recommend this tour! It is great value for the money (and Ashford Castle is a beautiful side quest)!"
Amy Shields
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ireland's School of Falconry is located at Ashford Castle in County Mayo. If you're coming from Galway, it's about a 1-hour drive. Many visitors make it a day trip from Galway or Westport.
Ashford Castle is approximately a 1-hour drive from Galway city, making it a feasible day trip or stop on a longer road trip.
Yes, you can visit the grounds of Ashford Castle for experiences like the hawk walk even if you are not a guest at the hotel.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching Ashford Castle and exploring the surrounding areas. Public transport options are limited. :car:
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Ashford Castle for visitors attending the falconry school. :parking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing for the hawk walk can vary, but it's generally considered great value for the experience. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and booking information.
Absolutely! It is highly recommended to book your hawk walk experience in advance, as slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A hawk walk typically includes an hour-long guided experience where you handle and fly a hawk, along with educational insights from the falconers.
The school operates with various time slots throughout the day. It's advisable to check their schedule when booking to find a time that suits your itinerary.
The school is known for its flexibility. One visitor shared a positive experience where their booking was easily rebooked after an unforeseen accident, with no cancellation fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be walking through the castle grounds. Dress in layers as the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable. :athletic_shoe:
Yes, and your guides are often happy to help capture photos and videos of you with the hawk, sometimes even in slow-motion! :iphone:
The hawk walk experience typically lasts for about an hour, providing ample time to interact with the birds and learn from the falconers.
Visitors consistently praise the school for the excellent care and respect shown to the birds. The falconers are knowledgeable and passionate about their well-being.
The primary birds featured are Harris Hawks, known for their intelligence and trainability. You might also get to see other resident birds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ashford Castle offers various dining options, including afternoon tea and lunch, which can be enjoyed after your falconry experience.
Ashford Castle itself provides dining experiences. For other options, you would need to travel back towards nearby towns like Cong or further to Galway. :forkandknife:
Many visitors do combine the hawk walk with other activities at Ashford Castle, such as afternoon tea, to make a full day of it.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities involve you flying the hawk, with the majestic Ashford Castle in the background. Your guides are excellent photographers! :camerawithflash:
Yes, you can bring your camera or phone. Your guide can even assist in taking photos and videos for you, ensuring you get great shots. :iphone:
Morning light can be beautiful, but the guides are skilled at finding good lighting and angles throughout the day. The key is the interaction with the hawk. :sunrise:
Focus on capturing the moment of the hawk landing on your gloved hand, the majestic flight, and the stunning castle scenery. :star:
While they take excellent photos and videos, they are primarily falconers. For truly professional shots, consider hiring a local photographer if it's a special occasion. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to book family slots in advance, as they can be popular. Ensure children are comfortable with animals and can follow instructions. The walk through the castle grounds is generally easy, making it suitable for most families. The guides' willingness to take photos and videos is a huge plus for capturing family memories.
💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a private hawk walk for an even more intimate experience. This allows for personalized attention and a truly special occasion. Combining the hawk walk with a leisurely afternoon tea at Ashford Castle can create a perfect romantic day out.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Galway
Book your hawk walk for the morning or early afternoon to allow ample time for travel and to enjoy other aspects of Ashford Castle, such as its grounds or a delightful afternoon tea. This provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation within a single day excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Falconry at Ashford Castle
The school is home to several magnificent Harris Hawks, known for their intelligence and adaptability. Each hawk has its own personality, and the falconers are adept at matching them with participants. The experience is designed to be educational and awe-inspiring, providing insights into the natural behaviors and hunting prowess of these incredible raptors. You'll learn about their diet, habitat, and the historical significance of falconry.
Beyond the hawk walk, the school sometimes introduces visitors to other residents, such as European ferrets, adding another layer of wildlife interaction. The entire experience is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ashford Castle, making it a truly memorable adventure that blends history, nature, and a touch of medieval mystique.
Planning Your Visit: Logistics and Recommendations
Comfortable footwear is a must, as the hawk walk involves strolling through the castle's beautiful grounds. Dress in layers, as Irish weather can be unpredictable. The guides are not only experts in falconry but also excellent photographers, often offering to capture your memorable moments with the hawks, including slow-motion videos. Don't hesitate to ask them to take pictures for you.
Many reviews highlight the exceptional customer service. One visitor shared how the school was incredibly accommodating when they had to reschedule due to a car accident, demonstrating a genuine concern for visitor well-being. This flexibility and warmth contribute significantly to the overall positive experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit