Wild Ireland
Description
Are you trying to discover the best things to do with kids in County Donegal? Wild Ireland is a unique wildlife sanctuary and animal park located in the rolling landscape of Burnfoot, Inishowen. It serves as an exceptional family destination where parents and children can come face-to-face with animals that once roamed ancient Celtic forests, offering an educational day out focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
Prices start from £11.00 for children and £14.00 for adults when booking online, with children under two entering completely free. Various family bundles and seasonal event tickets are available to help manage your group booking costs.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines wild animal rescues with immersive history lessons, this park is an exceptional option. It provides a peaceful, highly scannable, and engaging outdoor environment where school-aged children can watch native bears and wolves while younger ones explore the custom fairy trails.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Educational Day Out: Families can listen to passionate keepers explain how extinct animals lived in Ireland centuries ago.
- Interactive Exhibits: Walk-through viewing platforms and designated educational points bring kids closer to the natural habitats.
- Sensory Play Elements: Listening to the howling wolves and exploring woodland paths provides an immersive natural sensory experience.
Detailed Highlights
- The Brown Bear Enclosure: This large wetland habitat houses majestic rescued brown bears. Kids will love watching them splash in their custom pools and forage through the undergrowth for snacks.
- The European Grey Wolves: A dedicated woodland territory home to a pack of rescued wolves. Walking past this enclosure lets children imagine they are stepping directly into an ancient Irish storybook.
- The Lynx Forest: This hidden area features high climbing platforms for secretive Eurasian lynx. School-aged children can challenge themselves to spot these masterfully camouflaged big cats resting in the trees.
- The Wild Boar Woods: A rooting ground where curious wild boars dig through the soil. Energetic toddlers will enjoy seeing the boars use their strong snouts to find food.
- The Celtic Fairy Trail: A gentle walk-through path filled with tiny hidden fairy houses and folklore details. It offers a slower, magical pace that is absolutely perfect for younger children.
Detailed Inventory & Beyond the Main Attraction
- The Brown Bear Marsh Habitat
- The European Grey Wolf Territory
- The Eurasian Lynx Climbing Forest
- The Wild Boar Foraging Grounds
- The Barbary Macaque Monkey Sanctuary
- The Celtic Fairy Trail
- The Play Park Playground Area
- The Wild Ireland Education Center
Facilities
- Toilets & Changing: Accessible public toilets and baby changing rooms are available on-site.
- Buggy Parking: There are no indoor locker spaces, but the wide gravel paths are fully suitable for pushchairs.
- Food Options: The Wild Ireland Coffee Shop serves warm drinks, fresh sandwiches, sweet baked treats, and local snacks.
What to see
What Visitors Love
- The heartbreaking rescue stories behind each animal give the visit a deep meaning that older kids really appreciate.
- The layout is incredibly compact and flat, making it stress-free to walk around with toddlers or strollers.
- Staff members are exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and always happy to stop for a chat about the wildlife.
- The pricing is highly competitive compared to massive commercial theme parks.
What Visitors Don't Like
- Because the enclosures are large and natural, some animals may be hiding from view during cold or wet weather.
- The outdoor nature of the park means there are very few covered areas to hide from a sudden rain shower.
Pro-Tips
- Book Your Slot Early: Weekend entry times sell out rapidly online, so reserve your tickets a few days in advance.
- Wear Waterproof Footwear: The paths are rustic and outdoor-focused, meaning trainers or wellies are best after it rains.
- Catch the Feeding Times: Check the daily talk schedule upon entry so your children do not miss seeing the bears search for fruit.
Price
Price: Paid
Price Details
- Adult (16 years +): €19.91 (incl. €1.41 fee)
- Child (12 months - 15 years): €15.61 (incl. €1.11 fee)
- Concession (Student, Carer, Over 65s): €15.61 (incl. €1.11 fee)
- Family of Four (2 Adults 2 Children): €68.87 (incl. €4.87 fee)
- Toddler (under 11 months): €0.00
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: No
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (Last admission is strictly one hour before closing time).
Address: Wild Ireland, Dundrean, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, F93 KN7X, Ireland
Post Code: F93 KN7X
Council: Donegal County Counc
County: County Donegal
- By Bus: Local bus routes run from Derry city center toward Buncrana, stopping near Burnfoot village.
- By Car: Situated just off the R238 road in Burnfoot, less than a 15-minute drive from Derry city or Buncrana.
- Parking: A spacious, free gravel car park is located directly at the main entrance gate.
Rating breakdown
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