Overview
Within minutes of arriving, you’ll have a Harris hawk on your gloved fist and be walking it free through the woods of Ashford Castle. Ireland’s School of Falconry, founded in 1999, is the oldest falconry school in the country, set in the grounds of the castle at Cong, on the Mayo–Galway border above Lough Corrib. This isn’t a display you watch from a bench: you do the flying, with a falconer at your shoulder.
One thing to sort before you travel – it runs by appointment only, so you can’t just turn up at the gate. Book ahead by phone or email.
The Private Hawk Walk
The one-hour Private Hawk Walk is the thing to book. A falconer meets you, fits you with a padded leather glove, and within a few minutes the hawk settles onto your hand. From there you follow a route through the castle gardens, the old woodland and openings toward Lough Corrib, sending the bird off and calling it back to the glove. The falconer explains as you go how Harris hawks hunt in groups – unusually for a raptor – and why that sociable streak makes them so good to fly with people. The moment the hawk swoops down out of a tree and lands back on your fist is the one everyone remembers.
The walk suits anyone aged seven and up; children between 7 and 11 usually share a hawk, while older visitors fly their own. If an hour isn’t enough, a longer 1.5-hour session can be booked. The birds are used to light rain and wind and will fly in both, but prolonged heavy rain can force a cancellation, so it’s worth a call ahead if the forecast looks rough.
History and conservation
Falconry is an old craft in Ireland, and the school keeps it going with a focus on education, responsible breeding and welfare. Every bird is trained in-house, never sold on, and flown free every day; the school says it holds the largest and most diverse collection of Harris hawks in the world. Independent zoological inspections are carried out each year. For visitors, that shows up as a straightforward, hands-on experience with well-kept birds and handlers who know them individually.
Practical information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | By appointment only, every day except Christmas Day. Earliest booking 9.30am, latest 4pm, on the hour or half hour, subject to availability. |
| Price | From about €80 per person for the one-hour Private Hawk Walk; roughly €120 for two reported. Confirm current rates when booking. |
| Age | Minimum 7 years; children 7–11 may share a hawk. |
| Weather | Flights go ahead in light showers and wind; heavy rain may mean rescheduling. |
| Location | Ashford Castle grounds, Cong, Co. Mayo. Eircode F31 YF90. |
| Contact | Phone (0)94 954 6820 • info@falconry.ie |
| Website | https://falconry.ie/ |
Getting there – The school is inside the Ashford Castle estate, signposted on foot from the far side of the castle, about a ten-minute walk. Park at Ashford Castle. Public transport to Cong is limited, so most people drive or come as part of a tour.
What to bring – Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for grass and woodland, and a light waterproof in spring and autumn. Gloves and the safety briefing are provided; bring a camera.
Accessibility – The garden paths are maintained, but some woodland stretches have uneven ground and tree roots. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns, ring ahead to talk through the route.
Exploring the Area
After your flight, the surrounding region offers a range of outdoor and cultural stops:
- Cong – A quiet village with historic pubs, independent craft shops, and the ruins of Cong Abbey.
- Ballycroy National Park – Roughly an hour’s drive north, featuring raised bog walks, pine forests, and red deer sightings.
- Ballina – Known as the Salmon Capital of Ireland, with riverside dining and the Ballina Folk Museum.
- Connemara – A short drive west, offering rugged coastline, mountain trails, and traditional Irish-speaking communities.
- Cliffs of Moher – About two hours south, providing one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal viewpoints.
Planning Your Visit
Book your slot at least a few days ahead, especially between May and September, when demand peaks. Morning sessions tend to be quieter and offer clearer light for photographs, while late-afternoon walks often catch the hawks in stronger thermal updrafts. If you’re travelling with children, arrive ten minutes early to allow time for glove fitting and safety instructions. The falconers are accustomed to nervous first-timers and will walk you through every step before the bird leaves your hand.