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Walk country lanes in County Waterford with a free‑flying Harris hawk and an expert falconer. This intimate two‑hour Hawk Walk offers rare up‑close raptor encounters, great photo moments, and a calm, educational taste of traditional falconry.
Walk country lanes in County Waterford with a free‑flying Harris hawk and an expert falconer. This intimate two‑hour Hawk Walk offers rare up‑close raptor encounters, great photo moments, and a calm, educational taste of traditional falconry.
Book with Mayfield Birds of Prey
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Operated by Mayfield Birds of Prey · Carrignanonshagh, County Waterford
The Hawk Walk at Mayfield Birds of Prey is a two‑hour, small‑group experience in Carrignanonshagh, County Waterford, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Along quiet country lanes and across hedgerow fields you’ll walk with a Harris hawk that flies free, perches on gorse and stone, and returns to your gauntleted hand under the guidance of Willie, a licensed falconer.
The setting feels unmistakably Irish: rolling pasture divided by dry stone walls, lanes rimmed with hawthorn and gorse, and sky often broad and low. Key features of the walk are the hawk itself, the patchwork farmland, and the natural flightlines created by hedgerows and open meadow. The hawk’s silhouette against limestone outcrops or against a line of beech trees makes for striking photos; the bird’s plumage and flight behaviour provide a hands‑on lesson in raptor ecology and handling.
This isn’t a scripted demonstration. Instead, Willie reads the weather, the bird and the group to shape a walk that varies with season and wind. You’ll learn falconry basics—how the hawk cues, why it chooses perch sites, and how human‑wildlife relationships have evolved here. Falconry has deep cultural roots across Atlantic Europe, and in Ireland it remains a practiced craft that blends conservation, education and husbandry.
Practical details matter: the route is over natural ground and can be muddy after rain, so sensible footwear and layered outdoor clothing are recommended. Dogs are prohibited to protect the bird’s welfare. Groups are capped at a dozen to reduce stress on the hawk and to maximize personal attention; infants under two join free. Expect close, memorable photo moments—the hawk landing on a gloved hand, mid‑flight shots framed by hedgerow or a wet stone wall.
Why this outing stands out: Mayfield brings wild falconry into a living rural landscape rather than an arena. It’s intimate and educational, led by a falconer who works directly with the bird. For photographers, families and anyone who wants to see raptor behaviour up close, the hazard of large crowds is absent and the countryside itself is part of the program.
Book with an eye on the weather and arrive fifteen minutes early. The experience adapts to the bird’s temperament and environmental conditions, so each walk is unique—earned, quiet, and unforgettable.
Tours depart from Mayfield Birds Of Prey Centre on Union Road near Kilmacthomas; check booking confirmation for exact meeting point and arrive prepared for narrow lanes and limited parking. The walk suits mixed ages but requires steady footing on uneven surfaces; participants with mobility concerns should contact the centre ahead. Bring a close-focus lens if you plan photography and avoid sudden movements near the hawk. Book online in advance—spaces are deliberately limited to prioritize bird welfare and visitor quality. Always.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels but requires steady footing on uneven ground and short walks over fields.
The experience lasts approximately two hours and typically requires short walks over countryside terrain.
Yes; children are welcome but must be supervised. Infants ages 0–2 join free and no ticket is required.
No. Dogs are not allowed because they can distress the hawk and other wildlife.
Sensible footwear and layered outdoor clothing are recommended; waterproofs are advisable in wet weather.
Meet at Mayfield Birds Of Prey Centre (Union Road, Kilmacthomas); check your booking confirmation for exact details and arrive 15 minutes early.
Yes—photography is encouraged, but avoid flash and sudden movements; follow the falconer’s instructions to keep the bird calm.
Falconry in Ireland traces back to medieval hunting traditions; modern centers like Mayfield combine that craft with conservation and education.
Tours are small to reduce stress on the birds; visitors are asked to follow guidance, keep dogs away, and minimize disturbance to nesting and feeding sites.
Mayfield Birds of Prey is a falconry centre based in Carrignanonshagh, County Waterford, offering hands-on bird of prey experiences for visitors of all ages. Guided by licensed falconer Willie, the venue presents a range of activities including a family-friendly Show & Tell, private Hawk Walks, public Hawk Walks, and tailored sessions for private groups and schools. Each experience focuses on close-up encounters with Harris hawks and other trained raptors, live flight demonstrations, and accessible interpretation about raptor behavior and conservation. The Show & Tell session invites families and curious visitors to watch natural behaviours up close, hear stories from a falconer, and photograph striking birds in a safe setting. Hawk Walks — available as private or public options — lead guests through Irish countryside while a Harris hawk flies free, returning reliably to the glove under professional supervision. Private Groups and Schools bookings provide personalised outdoor programmes suitable for educational visits, community groups, and small private gatherings. Health and safety are central: licensed falconry handling practices and expert guidance ensure birds and guests are managed responsibly. Booking details, availability, and specific guidance on accessibility and group sizes are provided by Mayfield Birds of Prey at time of reservation. Located in County Waterford, the site blends rural scenery with hands-on learning, delivering memorable wildlife encounters while highlighting traditional falconry skills and respectful treatment of raptors. Hawk Walks and Private Groups experiences offer stunning photo moments across Irish countryside, with flights supervised by licensed falconer Willie and tailored for families and schools.
Book with Mayfield Birds of Prey