Falconry is one of the oldest partnerships between humans and animals, it probably goes back four thousand years or more. It’s one of the easiest wild encounters to book. All you need is a bit of courage, a big glove and a bird. Where do you find a bird? Here’s where. From a Norman-era castle in the west of Ireland to a converted observatory in East Sussex.
Ireland
Mount Falcon Estate, Co. Mayo The name isn’t a coincidence — falconry has been part of Mount Falcon since it opened its grounds to guests, and it’s one of a couple Irish estates where you can fly hawks, see owls, fish for trout and shoot clay pigeons, all in one place. The estate runs Harris hawk experiences and hawk walks on its 100 acres near Ballina, alongside two miles of private salmon and trout fishing on the River Moy (plus a stocked lake for beginners), and its own clay pigeon shooting ground with automatic traps. Check availability directly before booking. mountfalcon.com/see-and-do-estate-activities-falconry.html
Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo Ireland’s School of Falconry has operated on the grounds of Ashford Castle since 1999, making it the country’s oldest, and it’s built its reputation on Harris hawks it trains itself and never sells. The one-hour private Hawk Walk takes you from the castle’s manicured gardens into ancient woodland, with the bird released to fly ahead and loop back to your glove between trees. It’s one of several field-sport pursuits set up around the estate — Like Mount Falcon, Ashford also runs clay pigeon shooting and trout and salmon fishing on Lough Corrib, so a falconry morning pairs easily with an afternoon on the water or the range. Book ahead; slots fill fast in summer. ashfordcastle.com/experiences/falconry
Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare A quieter, more flexible alternative: sessions run from about an hour to 75 minutes, and pricing drops per person the more people join, which makes it a good fit for a family or small group rather than a solo shoot. dromoland.ie/activities/falconry
Scotland
Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian Twenty minutes south of Edinburgh, Dalhousie keeps a genuinely varied collection — hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles — with sessions ranging from a short owl encounter to a full mixed-bird experience. It’s paired on-site with archery, so it works well as a half-day package rather than a single booking. dalhousiecastle.co.uk/experiences/falconry
England
Leeds Castle, Kent The falconry programme here is run largely by long-serving volunteers, which shows in the reviews — people come back specifically naming the same handlers. Sessions cover a wide range of species, including eagles, and there’s a private option if you want more than a group walk-through. leeds-castle.com/attraction/bird-of-prey-centre
Hever Castle, Kent Willow’s Birds of Prey Centre runs a two-hour experience on the grounds of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home: a flying demonstration first, then hands-on handling of hawks and owls. Good for combining with a night in the castle’s own Astor Wing rooms. hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/falconry-experience
Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex East Sussex Falconry’s Hawk Walk here runs 60–90 minutes through woodland, meadow, and the castle’s lake, with the route adjusted on the day for weather and how far you want to walk. It’s a private booking (up to four people) rather than a scheduled group slot. eastsussexfalconry.co.uk/product/hawk-walk
Read about Tirol’s quiet season
