Gemini said A Harris's hawk flies low across a green field while a falconer in the background runs to follow its path.

About Us

Qualified, Experienced Falconer
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Fully Licensed & Approved
Fully Insured
Qualified, Experienced Falconer
Tripadvisor review
Tripadvisor review
Fully Licensed & Approved
Fully Insured

Mayfield Birds of Prey

Mayfield Birds Of Prey Centre is a family-run falconry and wildlife centre located beside the Waterford Greenway, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. What makes Mayfield different is not just the birds themselves, but the time, care and knowledge that goes into every visit.

At the centre of everything is Willie, a fully licensed, insured and qualified falconer with a lifetime of experience working with birds of prey. Every visit to Mayfield is personal, unhurried and built around real learning, genuine interaction and respect for the birds.

This is not a place where people are rushed in and out. Groups are kept small, questions are encouraged, and visitors are given the time to truly understand the birds, the craft of falconry and the wildlife that surrounds us.

Exterior of the Mayfield Birds of Prey Falconry Centre, featuring a wooden building with a COVID-19 safety sign.
Gemini said A falconer wearing a utility vest points toward the distance while a Harris's hawk perches on his gloved hand.

A Centre Built on Falconry & Wildlife Education

Mayfield Birds of Prey began as a falconry centre, but over time it has grown into something broader, a place where falconry and Irish wildlife education sit side by side.

Alongside the birds of prey experiences, the centre is developing a dedicated Irish wildlife exhibition, designed to help visitors understand native species, habitats and conservation in a hands-on, visual way. This indoor wildlife area features detailed habitat scenes, footprints, nests and natural environments created to spark curiosity, particularly for children and school groups.

The wildlife exhibition focuses on native Irish species and includes taxidermy displays of animals such as:

  • Otter, badger, fox and pine marten
  • Kingfisher, raven, lapwing and teal
  • Mallard, wigeon and other native ducks

These displays are presented in realistic, immersive settings that show not just the animal, but how it lives, its habitat, nesting areas and the signs it leaves behind in the wild. The aim is education first: helping people, especially younger visitors, understand how Irish wildlife fits together.

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

A Personal, Ethical Approach to Falconry

Falconry at Mayfield Birds of Prey is practised in the traditional sense, based on trust, patience and partnership between falconer and bird.

All birds are:

  • Captive bred by licensed breeders
  • Flown free on a daily basis
  • Weighed, checked and cared for every day
  • Trained using positive, welfare-focused methods

Falconry birds are not forced to work. They choose to return to the glove because the environment is safe, familiar and rewarding. This relationship is explained clearly to visitors during experiences, helping people understand why falconry is recognised as a deeply respectful way of working with birds of prey.

Visitors often comment that they leave with a completely different understanding of falconry than they had before arriving.

A Family-Built, Family-Run Centre

Mayfield Birds of Prey is very much a family run business. The centre itself from the timber buildings to the bridges, displays and wildlife exhibits was built by Willie and his father.

Willie’s father has played a huge role in the development of the centre over the years, helping with construction, maintenance and the day-to-day work that keeps everything running smoothly. His support and belief in the project has been a cornerstone of Mayfield’s growth, and he remains closely involved behind the scenes.

This hands on, family approach is reflected in how visitors are welcomed and treated warmly, personally and with genuine care.

A man and a young boy standing together indoors while each holds a perched owl.

A Place to Slow Down and Learn

Being located beside the Waterford Greenway means many visitors combine their trip with walking, cycling or exploring the wider area, but Mayfield itself is designed as a place to slow down.

Whether you’re visiting for:

  • A Show & Tell bird experience
  • A Hawk Walk through the countryside
  • A school tour or educational visit
  • Or simply to learn more about birds and wildlife

The focus is always on quality, not quantity.

People don’t just see birds here, they learn about them, ask questions, take photographs, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s wildlife and the ancient art of falconry.

Two men smiling while one holds a small, grey-faced owl on a leather falconry glove.

A Special Thank You to My Dad

A huge thank you to my father, John, who played a bigger role in this project than most people will ever know. From the first idea right through to the finishing touches, he was there every step of the way.

There were days of sunshine, days of rain, and days when the weather really tested both the tools and our patience — but he kept going without hesitation. He planned, built, fixed, and adapted, making sure every part was done right.

In truth, this wouldn’t be here without his effort, skill, and belief in what we were creating. I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s done, and for the support he’s always shown me.

An elderly man in a sun hat posing for a photo with a barn owl perched on his shoulder.

Open Year Round

Mayfield Birds of Prey is open year-round, with seasonal opening times and experiences adapting to daylight and weather conditions. Advance booking is always recommended to ensure availability and to allow visits to be tailored properly.