Discover the charming world of capybaras at Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Co. Wexford with a close-up, personal encounter. This intimate experience offers a rare chance to cuddle and feed these gentle giants, guided by experts dedicated to wildlife education and conservation. Perfect for animal lovers and families seeking meaningful outdoor interactions.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
40 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
The park emphasizes Irish wildlife heritage and ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Conservation
The park prioritizes sustainable practices and habitat preservation, ensuring such interactions support local biodiversity.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park
Discover the charming world of capybaras at Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Co. Wexford with a close-up, personal encounter. This intimate experience offers a rare chance to cuddle and feed these gentle giants, guided by experts dedicated to wildlife education and conservation. Perfect for animal lovers and families seeking meaningful outdoor interactions.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park is a licensed zoo located in Clonroche, County Wexford, and the only licensed zoo in South East Ireland. The park operates as a family-friendly wildlife attraction offering a mix of hands-on animal experiences, guided tours, seasonal events, and daily general admission for visitors of all ages. Experienced animal keepers lead intimate encounters such as the Capybara Experience, Meerkat and Porcupine Experience, and VIP behind-the-scenes guided tours, providing education on animal behaviour, care, and welfare.
Visitors can choose tailored keeper programmes including Junior Keeper, Senior Keeper, Little Helper, and full-day sessions that include breakfast or lunch where specified. General admission includes opportunities for animal handling, bottle-feeding baby goats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and interpretive exhibits focused on rescued or compromised-background animals. Seasonal special events such as Halloween trails, pumpkin patches, and adult scare nights expand the visitor calendar with family-oriented and ticketed evening experiences.
The park emphasises animal welfare, education, and hands-on learning, with trained staff supervising interactions and explaining safe handling and enrichment activities. Facilities include accessible outdoor spaces and on-site dining at The Hungry Tortoise for certain experiences. Located approximately 1.5 hours from Dublin, the park serves local families, schools, and tourists seeking immersive wildlife encounters in County Wexford. Secret Valley Wildlife Park maintains licensing and follows regional regulations for animal care and public safety, aiming to create memorable, educational visits that connect people with animals.
Licensed Zoo
Only in South East
Officially licensed facility in the region
Location
Clonroche, Co. Wexford
About 1.5 hours from Dublin
Family Experiences
All ages welcome
Keeper programmes for multiple age groups
Experience Lengths
40 min–6 hours
Short encounters to full‑day programmes
Reserve capybara encounters, keeper programmes, VIP tours or seasonal tickets — advance booking recommended for limited-capacity experiences.
Arrive Early for a Better Experience
Arriving at your scheduled time ensures you get the full attention of the keepers and have plenty of time to interact with Guava and Mango.
Wear Comfortable, Casual Clothing
Dressing in casual clothes that can get a little dirty makes feeding and cuddling more enjoyable and relaxed.
Bring Sunscreen and Water
Enjoy your time outdoors without discomfort—sun protection and hydration are key.
Respect the Animals’ Comfort
Follow keepers’ instructions to ensure a safe, enjoyable interaction for both visitors and animals.
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for ease of movement around the park and during the interaction.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during daytime interactions.
summer
Rain jacket or umbrella
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in shoulder seasons.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture your special moment with Guava and Mango.