Eagles Flying, Co.Sligo

Normally, I am not to interested in Bird of Prey shows, but last weekend, we decided to bring the kids along to Eagles Flying in Co.Sligo.
Eagles Flying ( http://www.eaglesflying.com) is located close to Ballymote in Co.Sligo. Having arrived around 2.30pm, we parked up the car and walked along the lane leading to Eagles flying. We were greated by goats and donkeys who happily grazed in the fresh meadows surrounding the lane. After having paid the entrance at the gate, we were welcomed by some eagles who were patiently watching the world go by.
Eagles Flying is different than any other Bird of Prey shows we visited. First of all, Eagles Flying ,which is an Irish raptor research centre, is a scientifically managed sanctuary for birds of prey and owls.

The main purpose of the sanctuary is one to educate people in regard to birds of prey. this is done through the interactive bird of prey shows. But the sanctuary is more than just that, it is also a hospital and rehabilitation centre, one where people bring any kind of wildlife in the hope that Lothar get's them back to health.
So remember at the start where I mentioned i am not really a fan of bird of prey shows, it was Lothar who made this one different from the ones I have seen before.
The show is all about education, but it is also very entertaining and interactive. The kids were very excited to wear a bird of prey handle glove and see a falcon landing on it. 
​Scary, maybe for some people, but the boys loved it. 

During the bird of prey show, we got to see falcons, eagles, owls and plenty of other animals. During the show, it was interesting to learn that birds of prey don't like hunting down prey as it is an energy wastage. A bird of prey would much quicker eat an already dead animal as it conserves their energy. Unfortunately in Ireland, whenever birds of prey are reintroduced in the wild, many are being poisoned or shot by farmers as they believe they kill their livestock.

After the show, we walked towards the indoor area where we got introduced to pigs, a racoon who loved taking food out of pockets, a fox, rabbits,...
Lothar told us that it takes approx. 16 hours a day to look after all the animals. So we said farewell and headed back home.
All we can say is that this is a must visit location with or without kids, one where you will be educated, entertained and just look in awe at these amazing creatures.