PETTING ZOOS IRELAND

Eagles Flying, the Irish Raptor Research Centre, is a world-class bird of prey sanctuary and wildlife park set on over 27 hectares near Ballymote in County Sligo, Ireland. Founded in 1999 and opened to the public in 2003, the centre is home to Ireland's largest collection of raptors and owls, including eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls with wingspans reaching up to three metres. Daily flying displays at 11am and 3pm allow visitors to experience these magnificent birds at close range, with opportunities to touch select species. Beyond raptors, the grounds feature a supervised petting zoo with guinea pigs, rabbits, lambs, and goats, as well as roaming deer, foxes, and skunks. Eagles Flying combines conservation research with accessible, memorable family entertainment.

Kia Ora Mini Farm is a beloved family-run open farm located in Gorey, County Wexford, Ireland, welcoming visitors since 1991. The farm features a delightful mix of farmyard animals and more exotic residents including micropigs, llamas, emus, alpacas, parrots, rabbits, and guinea pigs, with hands-on opportunities to feed and hold many of the smaller creatures. A converted fire engine takes children on a cheerful ride through the farm with sing-along songs, and unlimited access to activities such as real diggers, go-karts, a maze, sandpits, a football pitch, basketball, ride-on toys, and a mini museum is all included in a single admission price. Wheelchair and buggy accessible throughout, with free car parking, Kia Ora Mini Farm also hosts popular seasonal events including Wacky Races at Easter, a Spooky Farm at Halloween, and a Magical Christmas Experience in winter.

Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park is a 14-acre family attraction situated near the Cliffs of Moher in Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland, offering sweeping views over Liscannor Bay alongside a rich array of animal encounters and outdoor activities. The farm is home to a wonderful variety of animals including llamas, alpacas, deer, emu, ostrich, highland cows, pygmy goats, ponies, miniature donkeys, Kune Kune pigs, raccoons, and rabbits, with daily bottle-feeding and animal-holding sessions available for visitors. Families can also enjoy go-karts (indoor and outdoor), a bouncy castle, a ball pool, a fairy trail, a miniature golf course, and a fully equipped children's play area. Named residents such as Leroy the llama, Andy the alpaca, and Ozzie the ostrich add a personal touch, making Moher Hill a memorable and engaging destination for visitors of all ages in the west of Ireland.

Wild Encounters Mini Zoo is a compact but lively family-friendly zoo located in Limerick, Ireland, proudly describing itself as a small zoo with a big heart. The attraction offers a variety of animal encounters, keeper talks, and interactive feeding experiences, with a highlight being the dedicated Meerkat Experience. Families can enjoy seasonal events for Halloween, Christmas, and Easter, as well as birthday party packages and school visits. Wild Encounters places a strong emphasis on conservation through animal adoption programs and community volunteering, and plans for ongoing expansion make it a growing destination for animal lovers of all ages.

Hidden Valley Pet Farm is a family-friendly petting farm nestled in Kilgarvan, County Kerry, Ireland, set amid stunning mountain scenery. The farm is home to a wide variety of animals including alpacas, goats, donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, peacocks, pot-bellied pigs, chinchillas, and an array of birds such as cockatiels, budgies, and an African Grey Parrot. Visitors of all ages are welcomed to meet and interact with the animals in a relaxed outdoor setting, with picnic areas and games available on site. The farm offers an ideal rural retreat for families seeking a peaceful encounter with friendly, well-cared-for animals in the heart of Kerry.

Secret Valley Wildlife Park is a family-oriented wildlife park set on 14 acres of countryside in Clonroche, County Wexford, Ireland, approximately 90 minutes from Dublin. The park is home to meerkats, capybaras, primates, alpacas, llamas, and a variety of other engaging species, with a strong focus on animal welfare and rescue. Visitors can choose from tiered Keeper programmes, dedicated capybara and meerkat encounters, and behind-the-scenes VIP tours for an immersive experience. Tractor rides, bouncy castles, a cafe, and picnic areas add to its family appeal, while the park's mission to rescue animals from compromised backgrounds including ex-pets and former laboratory animals gives every visit meaningful conservation purpose.

Clonfert Farm is a popular family petting farm and activity centre located in County Kildare, Ireland, near Maynooth. The farm is home to a delightful mix of exotic and domestic animals including meerkats, arctic foxes, macaws, alpacas, llamas, and donkeys, offering visitors a blend of entertainment, education, and hands-on animal interaction. Beyond the animal experiences, the farm features outdoor playgrounds, mini golf, a zipline, a fairy trail, and an indoor soft play area, making it a full day out for families. A cafe and farm shop stocking sustainably sourced products add to the appeal. Named Best Family Farm Attraction by the Irish Enterprise Awards 2026, Clonfert Farm is a premier destination for families across Leinster.

Jurassic Newpark is a dinosaur-themed adventure park and wildlife encounter located at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, Ireland. The attraction features seventeen life-size animatronic moving dinosaurs alongside living farm animals such as llamas, alpacas, and emus, creating a unique combination of prehistoric and contemporary wildlife experiences. Families can enjoy a prehistoric playground, go-kart track, fairy trail, medieval castle, the Jurassic Express train ride, and Jurassic Bounce, one of Ireland's largest inflatable parks divided into age-appropriate zones. Hands-on animal feeding times, adventure courses, and year-round seasonal events make it a dynamic destination for children and families visiting Kilkenny.

Sam Moore Open Farm is a welcoming family-run open farm situated just outside Monaghan town in County Monaghan, Ireland. The farm offers an immersive and educational look at traditional Irish rural life, with visitors able to see and interact with a range of animals including alpacas, miniature horses, pot-bellied pigs, cows, sheep, and horses. Children can feed ducks on a short nature walk, explore a fairy fort and fairy lane, and learn about farming heritage through guided talks at a restored old cottage and a historic forge. Spacious indoor and outdoor picnic areas can accommodate large groups, and the farm is a popular destination for school trips and family outings in the Ulster countryside.

Kildare Farm Foods is a third-generation working farm and visitor attraction located in County Kildare, Ireland, just five minutes from the M7 motorway. The farm offers a range of family-friendly and fully accessible activities including animal encounters with farmyard animals, a railroad adventure ride, crazy golf, and a teddy bear factory experience. Visitors enjoy free entry and parking, with a tractor cafe on site serving freshly prepared meals and a farm shop stocking fresh and frozen farm produce. Seasonal highlights include pick-your-own farm tours and themed events for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, making it a year-round destination that combines authentic farm life with engaging family entertainment.