Description
Searching for the best things to do with kids in Dublin? Dublin Falconry is an exceptional outdoor bird of prey centre where families can view majestic raptors, watch live flight demonstrations, and handle trained birds. Set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Luttrellstown Castle Resort in Castleknock, this 526-acre estate offers an engaging and educational day out.
Prices vary depending on the chosen experience tier and group size, with individual options available alongside group bookings. Advanced booking via phone or the official portal is required to secure a slot.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines close-up animal encounters with wonderful heritage views, this destination is a brilliant choice. Its friendly atmosphere and interactive flying sessions make it a memorable trip for all ages.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Luttrellstown Castle Estate: Historic parkland grounds featuring picturesque walking paths, golf facilities, and stately architecture.
- Phoenix Park: Located a short drive away, offering vast open green spaces, herds of wild fallow deer, and Dublin Zoo.
- Farmleigh House and Estate: An authentic Edwardian estate situated nearby featuring ornamental gardens, a lake, and regular weekend markets.
- Castletown House and Gardens: Ireland's largest and earliest Palladian style country house located just down the road in Celbridge.
What Visitors Love:
- The chance to hold and fly powerful birds of prey directly to your arm creates a uniquely thrilling and immersive family activity.
- Instructors are deeply knowledgeable, incredibly patient, and make safety a top priority while sharing fascinating insights about the birds.
- The scenic backdrop of the castle estate provides a stunning, tranquil environment far removed from busy city crowds.
- The inclusion of a digital souvenir photo is a thoughtful touch that families truly appreciate.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Because sessions take place outdoors across natural terrain, bad weather can occasionally impact the comfort of the walk.
- Experiences have strict participant limits and minimum age rules, meaning they are less suitable for very young toddlers.
Attractions: Must-See Experiences & Displays
- Hawk Walk: A guided trek across the estate grounds involving handling and flying Harris hawks.
- Falcon Experience A: Combines the standard hawk walk with a high-speed lure demonstration featuring trained falcons.
- Falcon Experience B: Integrates the hawk walk and lure demonstration with an additional flying display featuring native and Scandinavian owls.
- Falcon Experience C: An extended multi-species package incorporating hawks, falcons, and four large owls including Bengal and eagle owls.
- Owl Experience: A dedicated display focusing entirely on six different owl species, concluding with flights from a massive eagle owl named Teddy.
- Falconry Courses: Structured one, three, or five-day training courses for those wanting a deeper dive into the art of falconry.
- Educational School Visits: Tailored sessions designed to teach students about bird conservation and biology.
New for 2026:
- Expanded Training Itineraries: Updated 2026 handling schedules designed to give visitors more individual glove time with newly integrated young raptors.
- Upgraded Digital Imaging: Enhanced digital souvenir photo processing systems to ensure faster delivery of participant pictures straight after the walk.
- Refreshed Educational Modules: Expanded conservation notes provided during the introductory safety briefings for school tours and family groups.