17Views 0Comments
A Short Guide To Visiting Wonderful Eagles Flying In Sligo, Ireland – OUR CROSSINGS
Last Updated on the 24th of September, 2025
*Important Update – Sadly, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for raptors and owls has closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Some might consider birds of prey the bad boys (and girls) of the bird world, but I think it’s unfortunate that they’ve acquired that reputation.
Sure, they are known for their prowess as predators, and their antics for snatching up small animals may seem gruesome, but gifted with sharp talons, keen eyesight and hooked bills, they are among nature’s fascinating creatures.
Throw into a mix a brilliantly graceful flying skills, powerful wings and the ability to use thermals, the wind, and the lay of the land to survive and you’ve got truly remarkable birds.
There are over 560 different species of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons, which can be found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica.
Read More: 11 Amazing Things To Do In Sligo That Will Make You Stay For More
Birds of prey are apex predators who spend their lives at the top of the food chain because they have evolved exceptional senses and features that allow them to dominate their prey and conquer any rivals.
They also play an important ecological role in maintaining the environmental health of their natural habitats as they remove old, sick, and weak animals from populations and help keep their numbers under control.
I am sure you have seen a bird of prey in a photo, at a zoo, or if you are lucky – been mesmerized by these amazing creatures flying across the sky.
If you are keen to experience an up-close encounter with all shapes and sizes of fascinating free-flying falcons, eagles and owls, as well as learn about what specialized features they possess, you could stop by the Eagles Flying, which is a fantastic attraction to add to your Ireland travel itinerary.
Read More: A Local’s Guide To Exploring Wonderful Caves Of Keash In Sligo, Ireland
What is Eagles Flying
Nestled in the green hills of south Sligo, Eagles Flying is the country’s largest centre for birds of prey and a voluntary-run sanctuary for wildlife and other animals in need.
It was originally established in 1999 as an institution for private research projects on birds of prey by German-born zoologist Lothar F. Muschketat and his wife Regina who arrived in Ireland with the idea to retire.
They brought along a few birds of prey and quietly settled on the farm, but as the world spread and as more and more curious visitors arrived to take a peak at the fascinating birds, they decided to lay a foundation on what later became known as ‘Eagles Flying-the Irish Raptor Research Centre’.
Parts of it were opened to the public in 2003, and a few years later it became one of the major tourist attractions in North West Ireland.
*Fun Fact – For seven years in a row, Eagles Flying was awarded the Travelers Choice Award by Tripadvisor.
Read More: A Local’s Guide To Exploring Beautiful Gleniff Horseshoe Valley In Sligo
Reasons to Visit Eagles Flying
I have been to four Eagles Flying shows, and I still get a wave of childlike giddiness every time I get the chance to see another one.
There’s something special about the extraordinary opportunity to be so close to eagles and owls. And not to mention personal interaction with raptors.
While the excitement and plenty of photographic opportunities are guaranteed here, the main reason to visit Eagles Flying is because they are highly educational for the whole family!
The staff do amazing work educating the public on the importance of conservation and the value of all animals to the ecosystem.
As David Attenborough once said: ”No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced”.
Read More: 7 Stunning Sligo Beaches to Visit When You’re In Need Of A Breather
Watch the Eagles Flying Show
Did you ever dream about having a bird of prey landing on your bare hand?
Then Eagles Flying, with many eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons can make that dream come true.
The main events are two free-flying shows taking place every day in a specially designed arena where the birds fly around and land on the handler’s glove.
During the highly entertaining and interactive Bird Shows you can experience Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, and Owls swooping right over your head or landing next to you.
On our last visit, Ericeira was thrilled to hold out a gloved hand and have an incredible feathered creature land on it, just a few inches from her face.
However, the highly popular ‘raptor show’ is just one of the things of the project. There is also research carried out at the Birds of Prey Centre as well as time invested into looking after the sick and injured animals.
*Good To Know – The Flying Bird Shows last for about 1 hour
Read More: 20+ Memorable Things To Do In Sligo, For Every Type Of Traveller
Cuddle Up With Guinea Pigs at the Petting Zoo
Once the Bird Show is over, you can linger for a while at the supervised petting zoo.
They are fantastic places to visit as they tend to generate excitement about nature and encourage a love for animals, offering first-hand interaction with the wonderful creatures creatures.
You can cuddle up with various animals such as mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, lambs, goats, donkeys, gerbils and more.
Behind The Scenes
The last time I watched a birds of prey show at a sanctuary, I couldn’t take my eyes off an eagle casually resting on the handler’s arm.
She managed to engage the audience with every word she said, all while balancing a full-grown eagle in one hand, making me believe that the entire show was effortless.
As my eyes followed the bird, I couldn’t stop thinking about the amount of time and work that goes on behind the scenes.
I mean the birds are living creatures who breathe, eat and sleep.
There are equipment inspections, health checks, and food preparation. There’s cleaning up poop and feeding the birds those scrumptiously bloody chunks of rat, rabbit, mouse, or chick.
Then there’s building a trusting relationship with the bird and devoting time and patience to training it. Memorizing facts and perfecting the cues.
And all that just to see the birds fly for a few minutes.
Read More: A Fantastic Walk For A Weekend: Benbulben Forest Walk In Beautiful Sligo
Eagles Flying Opening Times
The sanctuary opens its doors from 1st April – 7th November and the visits are divided into time slots – 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for the day.
Live shows start at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day, so make sure you arrive on time.
Before the show starts, you get to walk around the grounds, see the various birds, and talk to the staff who are all enthusiastic and very knowledgeable.
Eagles Flying Admission Prices
- Student (over 16 with ID) – €16.90
- Children under 3 – Free
How to Get To Eagles Flying
The Irish Raptor Research Centre is located at Templehouse near Ballymote in County Sligo. It’s around 5km west of Ballymote and 24km south of Sligo town.
- As you leave Ballymote heading for Sligo you will see a sign on your left for Templehouse. Follow the sign. After about 4 miles you will see a sign on your left for Eagles Flying.
- Coming on the N4 from Dublin or Sligo, turn for Galway (N17) at Toberbridge roundabout. Go through Ballinacarrow and take the second left, there is a sign for EF.
- Address: Portinch, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Read More: A Fantastic Walk For A Weekend: Hiking Queen Maeve’s Trail In Sligo
Interesting Facts About Raptor Birds
Birds of prey are in no way a danger to man. The idea of them attacking children is a complete myth.
Eagles don’t attack live farm animals. They will feed on ones that are already dead, but they won’t attack them.
All raptors essentially eat flesh, but there are some exclusions such as the osprey with its taste for fish, and the honey buzzard, which feasts on bees and wasps.
Females are always bigger than their mates. The male will feed her and the chicks until she starts hunting when her larger size enables her to catch bigger prey.
A golden eagle can lift 12–15 pounds, almost their full body weight.
Read More: 10 Essential Items to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip to the Emerald Isle
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
Now, over to you!
Have you been to a bird show? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Sligo and have travel-related questions!
