Exploring Ashford Castle Grounds

Have you ever loved an animal so much that you might cry if you suddenly found yourself with an opportunity to touch and interact with one? How would you respond if you suddenly found your dream animal in front of you and you were given a safe opportunity to interact one-on-one? 

We once saw a video of Kristen Bell with a sloth that displayed an over-the-top emotional response (check it out here). A couple of our daughters can relate to this emotional response. Ellie actually cries just imagining having an opportunity to spend time with an otter. For Rachel, birds of any kind elicit an emotional response. From hummingbirds to giant birds of prey, she is absolutely fascinated.

Nestled in the lush green landscapes of County Mayo, Ireland, Ashford Castle isn’t just a luxurious retreat steeped in history; it’s also home to one of the most enchanting places you could ever imagine: Ireland’s School of Falconry. This unique venue offers visitors the chance to engage in the ancient art of falconry, and when Kevin found out how close it was to our Airbnb, he decided to surprise our bird loving Rachel with her very own hawk walk.

Discovering Ireland’s School of Falconry

Located on the historic grounds of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland’s School of Falconry offers a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the ancient art of falconry. Renowned as one of Ireland’s top wildlife experiences, this school combines education, conservation, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

As we arrived at the school, it slowly dawned on Rachel that something special was about to happen and her anticipation was palpable! The grounds were impeccably clean and beautiful and we could see several of the hawks waiting for their turn to fly. We even got to see the unexpected entrance of a hawk that decided to fly back from its excursion—something that occasionally happens but is not concerning. Rachel’s instructor, Niamh (pronounced NEEV), was a passionate falconer and welcomed us warmly. Her enthusiasm for the hawks was contagious, and Rachel was getting visibly excited!

Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.

Falconry – Meeting Jabba

Now, let’s talk about Jabba. As Niamh introduced us to Jabba, we could see Rachel shaking in anticipation, a huge grin plastered on her face. It was love at first sight! She was a gorgeous Harris hawk, with rich brown feathers and dark, intense eyes that glinted in the sunlight. Niamh spent some time explaining the importance of trust and respect when working with these magnificent creatures. She also previewed some of the behaviors we would see while on the walk. 

Next, Jabba was transferred to Rachel’s gloved arm, and she was shocked at how light this incredible creature was, despite her powerful presence. Niamh explained the various commands she would be using during our walk, emphasizing the importance of body language and voice cues. Rachel was about to embark on an adventure that would deepen her love for all birds and the rest of us had a front row seat!

The Hawk Walk Begins

As we embarked on the hawk walk experience at Ireland’s School of Falconry, the thrill of the adventure was visibly present on Rachel’s face. She was about to have a truly uncommon experience with Jabba! Niamh instructed her to keep her arm steady. She showed her how to cast Jabba off in flight and we got to watch her open her wings wide and glide to a nearby tree. 

Watching Jabba soar through the sky was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her wings spread wide, catching the wind as she glided effortlessly above the fields. We all felt like we were witnessing something amazing. With an almost imperceptible command, Niamh directed Jabba back to Rachel.

Ireland’s Connection with Nature

During our walk, Niamh shared her own story of how she came to work with the birds. It was fun to get to know her as Rachel had this extremely unique experience. Each time Jabba swooped down to land on Rachel’s arm we marveled at her agility and grace. She was a creature of instinct and beauty, perfectly adapted to her environment.

Niamh shared fascinating stories about the history of falconry in Ireland and how falcons and other birds have played a role in their cultural heritage. We were captivated by tales of noblemen and their hawks, and how this practice has evolved over the centuries. It was a reminder of how intertwined our lives are with the natural world, and how important it is to preserve these connections.

The falconry school imports Harris hawks to give visitors an opportunity to be a falconer for the day. Native to North, Central, and South America, Harris hawks are known for being easier to handle and having a good temperament which makes them the ideal candidate for falconry. 

The walk wasn’t just about enjoying the scenery; it was also an opportunity to learn the art of falconry firsthand. As our walk continued, Rachel became more confident in her interaction with Jabba. At one point, Jabba got a bit distracted and Niamh reached into her bag and produced a chicken head to entice Jabba back into her groove.

As we approached the last section of our walk, Niamh even gave Sophie an opportunity to try holding Jabba and casting her off. She was thrilled and handled the task beautifully, fully embracing the opportunity to get a closer look at her. Since we had Niamh’s last scheduled walk of the day, she really took her time with us, going above and beyond what we ever could have hoped and granting us some additional experiences!

After the Hawk Walk on Ashford Castle Grounds

As our hawk walk came to an end, we felt a mixture of sadness and fulfillment. We took Jabba back to her enclosure and said our goodbyes. After Jabba was securely tucked away, Niamh put us into a special enclosed flying space and brought out Dingle, a large owl. This is when I got super excited! I love owls, and I was actually going to get to hold one! Rachel, Ellie, and I each got the experience of “catching” Dingle as he flew from Niamh to each of our gloved arms in turn, receiving a chicken head as a treat each time. Sophie was too small to hold him, as he was significantly heavier than Jabba, but she enjoyed getting a closer view when we came in for a family photo with him.

After our time with Dingle, Niamh introduced us to a group of ferrets that live in a nearby enclosure. The owner must be a fan of Elton John (one of my favorites) as they were named Elton, John, Daniel, Rocket, and Bennie. The 5 young males have the important job of eating any remaining fresh meat that’s on hand at day’s end. They are literally the garbage disposal of the facility. They had been sound asleep and were still feeling very snuggly as she handed us each one to hold. While the musky smell of the creatures wasn’t my favorite, they were super sweet and Sophie, in particular, loved getting to snuggle them.

An Ireland Castle Steeped in History

After our incredible hawk walk, we had another treat in store. Ireland’s School of Falconry is located on the vast grounds of Ashford Castle. We decided to wander the grounds and take in the sight of the breathtaking 800-year-old castle that has undergone a magnificent transformation into a five-star hotel!

From the moment you step onto the grounds, you’re enveloped by a sense of history and grandeur. The castle’s impressive stone façade, sprawling gardens, and shimmering lake all beckon you to explore. As we walked around the castle, we almost expected to see lords and ladies promenade along the grounds.

Built on the perimeter of a monastic site in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman House of Burke, the castle and property have passed through many names over the centuries. In 1852 the estate was purchased by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (grandson to Arthur Guinness, who founded the famous brewery and brand). After his death, it was passed onto his son, Lord Ardilaun, who was an avid gardener and oversaw the development of the gorgeous gardens. He also rebuilt the entire west wing of the castle.

In 1951, film director John Ford came to the village of Cong (where the castle is located) to film the critically acclaimed “The Quiet Man.” Many of the cast and crew (including John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara) stayed at Ashford Castle during the time it took to film. The village even has a museum, B&B, and gift shop dedicated to the iconic movie.

It was in 1970 that Ashford began its evolution into the hotel that exists today. John Mulcahy bought and oversaw the complete restoration, including a state of the art golf course and development of the grounds expansion to double its previous size. American investors bought him out in 1985 and they were the owners for more than 16 years. During this time Ashford Castle was named one of the best resorts in Europe!

In 2013, the Red Carnation group bought and refurbished the hotel, as well as acquiring The Lodge at Ashford Castle, a home built for the estate manager in 1865. A 30 seat cinema room, a billiard room, a cigar terrace, wine tasting facilities, and a modern spa were all added to the castle and Mrs. Tea’s boutique was introduced. 

Today, the facility has a host of activities for guests to enjoy including boating, hiking, and horseback riding. In addition to a full spa and wellness center, the resort also offers multiple dining experiences from afternoon tea to fine cuisine. It is a popular choice for weddings and special events. While we did not stay there (it is quite a bit out of budget for us), we definitely enjoyed walking the grounds and taking in the beauty of the castle and its gardens.

Reflecting on the Falconry Experience

Our visit to Ireland’s School of Falconry at Ashford Castle was truly unforgettable. From the thrilling hawk walk with Jabba to holding Dingle, the owl, each moment deepened our appreciation for these incredible birds and the ancient art of falconry.

This unique family-friendly experience showcases the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation, making it one of the top things to do in County Mayo, Ireland.

We were also very grateful to Naimh for her expertise, obvious passion for the birds, and for the extra time she took to make this such an amazing experience. We left Ireland’s School of Falconry with a heart full of memories, knowing that we had experienced something truly special.

An Ireland Family-Friendly Activity to Remember

If you ever find yourself near Ashford Castle, we highly recommend that you reserve a time slot for a hawk walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry! Whether you’re a bird connoisseur or a complete novice, the experience is one that will leave you breathless. Walking with a hawk like Jabba is not just an uncommon adventure; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and to learn about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Ready to experience the magic of falconry for yourself? Book your hawk walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry, conveniently located on the grounds of Ashford Castle. The Falconry School is open every day of the year (except Christmas) with hawk walk appointments able to be scheduled every half hour to meet demand. Reach out via phone or email from their contact page. Let them know your preferred days and times as well as the number of people in your party. Someone will reach out to you shortly to get it scheduled. We found them to be very helpful in setting up our short notice appointment so don’t be afraid to let them know your situation.

As full-time travelers, we live for moments like this—Uncommon Family Adventures that take us beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary. If you’re planning your own family trip to Ireland, don’t miss the chance to experience a hawk walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry. It’s not just an activity; it’s a memory that will stay with you forever.

This hands-on activity is perfect for families and travelers seeking unique outdoor adventures in Ireland!

FAQ: Hawk Walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry

How much does a hawk walk cost?

• Prices for 2025 range from €140 – €300, depending on the number of individuals who will be flying a hawk. Up to 2 spectators are allowed to accompany each walk free of charge. 

What should I wear for a hawk walk?

• Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. It’s rare for a hawk walk to be cancelled due to weather so bring a raincoat and proper shoes if rain is in the forecast.

Is a hawk walk suitable for children?

• Yes! It’s a family-friendly experience. However, due to insurance restrictions the minimum age for entry into the Falconry School is 7 years. Those 7 and up are more than welcome to participate in this activity.

How long does a hawk walk last?

• Hawk walks last for approximately one hour. An extended hawk walk lasting approximately 90-minutes is also offered.

How do I get to Ireland’s School of Falconry?

• Please keep in mind, Ireland's School of Falconry is located on the historic grounds of Ashford Castle in County Mayo. You will need a car to get there. If you’re looking for a rental, AutoEurope has some really great rates! 

You should drive in through the main entrance for Ashford Castle and park in the castle visitor car park which is signposted. It is recommended that you only follow GPS directions to the Castle, and not to Ireland’s School of Falconry. From The Lodge at Ashford Castle it is approximately a 15 minute walk. 

EirCode: F31 YF90

GPS Coordinates for Ashford Castle: Latitude 53.534084, Longitude -9.285250