If you are looking for a unique experience during your stay in the Burren, this is it! I was taken on a hawk walk a few months ago and LOVED it! I actually used to work at Aillwee cave but doing the hawk walk was a brilliantly unique experience.

Location:

The Burren Birds of Prey centre is located on the same site as Aillwee Cave. It is approximately 3km from the village of Ballyvaughan along the R480.

Cost:

As of April 2020, the cost of a hawk walk is €95. This includes your hawk experience, entrance to the Birds of Prey centre ( and flying displays) as well as entry to the cave itself.

Parking:

There is ample parking on the site

Before I start writing this post, let me say from the start that it is in no way sponsored. Everything is my own opinion and enthusiasm.

Despite the fact that I worked in Aillwee for a while, I didn’t hesitate when Clodagh asked me if I wanted to do a hawk walk. It’s just you, the bird handler and the hawk for approximately an hour where you experience flying them, feeding them and learn about their habits and so on.

I started my walk with us being introduced to the birds and getting set up with gloves and so on. Then it was off on a walk to the woods where you fly the birds and feed them. There are loads of opportunities to take pictures, ask questions and really observe the birds.

As well as being a great experience, it’s a lovely way to take in the woodland and I LOVED seeing the birds fly from one tree to the next and doing little tricks to catch the food. There are loads of different elements to the walk but I won’t spoil it for you by telling you everything.

When we returned, we stayed on for one of the flying demonstrations where we saw 3 birds flying in the arena. There are opportunities here to hold the birds and it was a very interactive experience. The bird handlers are really knowledgeable and give a really informative talk on each bird.

If this is something you might like to do, be sure to contact the centre well in advance as there is limited availability. If you feel like visiting the centre itself you can do so. As of April 2020, the entry fees can be seen here. *I believe that it is better value to buy on the website than on the day.

Big shout out to Clodagh who took me out on my walk and the entire team over there at the Burren Bird of Prey centre!

On my hawk walk!