How long is the Show & Tell session?

The experience lasts one hour and is designed to be an informative, interactive demonstration.

No—dogs are not allowed on site as they can upset the birds and interfere with demonstrations.

Are young children welcome?

Yes. Infants ages 0–2 are free but must be supervised; sessions are family-friendly and geared to all ages.

Will I get to touch the birds?

Hands-on interaction may be possible under strict supervision, but contact depends on bird welfare and the falconer’s judgment.

Do sessions run in bad weather?

Sessions operate year-round but may be adapted or changed based on weather and bird welfare; the centre will advise if adjustments are necessary.

Up Close with Raptors: Mayfield Birds of Prey Centre Encounter in County Waterford

Q: Where do I check in for the session?

Meet at Mayfield Birds Of Prey Centre (Union Road, Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford) for check-in.

At Mayfield Birds Of Prey Centre on Union Road in Kilmacthomas, County Waterford, a one-hour Show & Tell session strips away the distance between visitor and bird. The provincial air, the hum of rural traffic, and the rustle of grass form the backdrop to an hour of close-up schooling in raptor life. This is Carrignanonshagh territory—rolling fields and hedgerows where hawks and owls hunt—now hosting encounters designed for families, curious travelers, and school groups. Led by a fully licensed falconer, each session accommodates up to twelve people and blends live demonstrations with storytelling about feathers, flight and hunting techniques. Expect to see birds of prey handled at arm’s length, wings folded for inspection, and natural behaviours explained point by point. The falconer shows the equipment—gloves, jesses, telemetry devices—so visitors understand how welfare and safety go hand in hand. Sessions change with weather and welfare needs, and species on display may vary; that unpredictability is part of the charm. What makes Mayfield special is the focus on education without pressure. The program invites questions and is deliberately accessible for children while still satisfying adult interests in ecology and animal care. It’s an ideal primer for anyone who wants to understand raptor roles in local ecosystems: a kestrel’s perch along a roadside, a barn owl hunting at dusk, or the silhouette of a buzzard on a telephone pole. The session emphasizes conservation and respect—why these birds matter and how human activity affects their food and habitat. Practical details matter: the meeting point is Mayfield Birds Of Prey Centre (Union Road, Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford) and the experience lasts one hour. Infants ages 0–2 are free; group size is capped at twelve to keep encounters calm and intimate. Dogs are not permitted to avoid distressing the birds. Dress for the outdoors—rain or shine—and expect hands-on moments under supervision. For travelers based in nearby Kilmacthomas or County Waterford towns, the Show & Tell makes a compact stop between coast and countryside outings. It also suits school trips and family days when you want an activity that educates as it entertains. Respect for the animals, expert interpretation, and the sheer thrill of being close to predatory birds make this a standout local experience. Whether you come for a child’s first raptor encounter or to deepen an interest in wildlife, the Mayfield session delivers lively, thoughtful interpretation of some of Ireland’s most fascinating birds of prey. Bookable through the centre’s online listing, sessions run year-round with weather-based adjustments, and are ideal for concise educational stops between longer hikes or coastal drives. Bring layers, patience, and a camera—flash is discouraged—and prepare to leave with a clearer sense of raptor behaviour and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s wild skies. Today.

About Mayfield Birds of Prey

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.