Get Closer to Ireland’s Birds of Prey & Wildlife

A hands-on falconry and wildlife experience in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East – with countryside hawk walks, indoor wildlife exhibits and unforgettable encounters for all ages.
Qualified, Experienced Falconer
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Fully Licensed & Approved
Fully Insured
Qualified, Experienced Falconer
Tripadvisor review
Tripadvisor review
Fully Licensed & Approved
Fully Insured

Visit Our falconry & wildlife experience on the Waterford Greenway

At Mayfield Birds of Prey & Wildlife Centre you don’t just look at animals from a distance – you step into their world.

Set in the Waterford countryside along Ireland’s Ancient East, we offer a unique blend of falconry, hawk walks and Irish wildlife education. It’s a proper hands-on experience that kids, adults, families, schools and wildlife lovers all remember for years.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a school tour or you’re travelling the Ancient East, Mayfield is a must-stop.

Visitors entering the Mayfield Birds of Prey Falconry Centre wooden log cabin building.

Must Try Experiences

Our Must-Try Birds of Prey Experiences bring you face-to-face with incredible hawks, owls, and falcons. Guided by expert handlers, you’ll enjoy hands-on moments, learn fascinating facts, and witness these remarkable birds in action — creating memories you’ll never forget.

A woman smiling as a hawk with wings spread lands on her falconry glove during a walk.

Birds Of Prey Experience – Show & Tell

Meet some of nature’s most impressive hunters up close.
You’ll see owls, hawks, falcons and eagles, hear their stories and learn how they hunt, fly and survive in the wild, all guided by Willie, a qualified falconer.

Highlights:

  • Up-close encounters with birds of prey
  • Learn from Willie, your experienced falconer
  • Incredible photo opportunities
  • Educational, fun and interactive sessions
A woman in a red jacket signals a Harris's hawk to land on her gloved hand in a grassy field.

Hawk Walks in the Irish Countryside

Take a break from the busy world and wander through the countryside with a hawk flying to your gloved hand.

Guided by Willie, you’ll walk through trees while a Harris hawk – often Max, Mikey or Scotty – follows you, flies ahead, and returns to the glove. It’s as much about the peace and beauty of the Irish countryside as it is about the bird itself.

Perfect for:

  • Couples and families looking for a unique experience
  • Visitors exploring Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Small groups who want something a bit special

DEMONSTRATIONS & FALCONRY SHOWS

Nothing beats seeing these birds in action.
Join us for flying displays and falconry demonstrations, where Willie explains:

Close-up profile of an eagle owl showing its striking orange eye and sharp beak.

How birds of prey hunt and use their senses

Several owls perched on stands in a bright green field during a photography session.

The differences between owls, hawks and falcons

A Harris's hawk in mid-flight with its wings spread wide against a blurred green forest background.

The challenges they face in modern Ireland

A falconer hand-feeding a Harris's hawk perched on a leather protective glove.

How falconry works and how the birds are trained and cared for

It’s relaxed, a bit of craic, and very interactive – with plenty of chances to ask questions.

Loved by visitors from Ireland and all over the world

LICENSED, APPROVED, INSURED & QUALIFIED

When you visit Mayfield, you’re in safe hands.

  • Fully licensed and approved to keep and display birds of prey
  • Fully insured for all public visits and experiences
  • Qualified falconer with years of hands-on experience
  • Professional welfare standards for all birds and wildlife exhibits

We take animal welfare, visitor safety and education seriously – while still keeping the experience relaxed, personal and fun.

Bird of prey sanctuary with aviaries.

SCHOOLS & GROUP VISITS

We welcome:

  • Primary schools
  • Secondary schools
  • Special needs groups
  • Clubs, scouts & youth groups
  • Language schools and international groups

Visits can include:

  • Birds of prey demonstrations
  • Hawk walk elements (where suitable)
  • Indoor Irish Wildlife Centre sessions
  • Worksheets, Q&A and tailored talks on conservation, habitats and Irish wildlife

We can link the visit to topics like:

  • Irish biodiversity
  • Food chains and ecosystems
  • Conservation in Ireland’s Ancient East
  • History and folklore around birds and animals

CONSERVATION, RESCUE & EDUCATION

Mayfield isn’t just a visitor attraction – it’s part of a bigger effort to:

  • Support rescue and rehabilitation for birds of prey
  • Raise awareness about Irish habitats and wildlife
  • Encourage respect for nature in everyday life
  • Teach the next generation about the animals that share our countryside

Every ticket sold helps support the ongoing care of the birds and the development of the wildlife centre.

A group of students in green uniforms learning about a large owl held by a handler at Mayfield Birds of Prey.

ABOUT WILLIE – YOUR FALCONER

Mayfield Birds of Prey & Wildlife Centre is run by Willie, Bridget and family, a passionate, experienced falconer who has spent years working with birds of prey and Irish wildlife. He’s known for:

  • Making complex things easy to understand
  • Being brilliant with kids and families
  • Mixing solid knowledge with a bit of humour and local story-telling
  • Treating every visitor like a guest, not just a number

When you book a visit or hawk walk, you’re meeting Willie, not just a faceless attraction.

A Barn Owl leaning its head against a falconer's shoulder in a close-up profile shot.

VISITOR INFO & FACILITIES

We make it easy to plan your visit, so the adventure starts sooner.

Opening Hours Summer

Open every day
9.00am – 4.30pm (Summer June – August)
*Last show is 2.30 on and booking in advance essential

Open Hours – Winter

Open every day by request

9:00am – 4:30pm

Facilities

Free on-site parking

Indoor wildlife centre for all-weather visits

Toilets & baby changing

Picnic-friendly areas

Wheelchair-accessible areas

Small gift items and local bits available

VISIT US ON THE WATERFORD GREENWAY

Mayfield Birds of Prey is located just off the Waterford Greenway, making it a perfect stop for walkers, cyclists and families exploring one of Ireland’s most scenic routes.

Whether you’re cycling the Greenway, out for a family walk or planning a full day outdoors, Mayfield offers a unique experience just minutes from the trail. It’s an ideal place to take a break, stretch the legs and enjoy something truly memorable along your journey.

A large group of tourists outdoors taking photos of a falconer holding a bird of prey near a stone building.
VISIT US ON THE WATERFORD GREENWAY 2
A Harris's hawk with wide-spread wings landing on a woman's falconry glove in an outdoor setting.

Set in the heart of Waterford’s countryside, and within Ireland’s Ancient East, the centre is easy to reach while still feeling peaceful and removed from the bustle.

With other attractions, cafés and scenic viewpoints nearby, visiting Mayfield Birds of Prey fits naturally into a day spent discovering everything the Greenway has to offer.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Stay up to date with new birds, wildlife exhibits and seasonal events.

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