Raptor Conservation

The Irish Raptor Research Centre was founded in 1999 with a clear purpose: to study, protect and care for birds of prey. Long before the public bird shows opened in 2003, the team at Eagles Flying near Ballymote was already working with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and owls on more than 27 hectares of parkland in South Sligo. Conservation has always been at the heart of what we do.

Research and Record Keeping

Every bird at the sanctuary is known by name, age and history. Staff track feeding habits, breeding behaviour, flight training progress and veterinary care. This hands-on knowledge helps us understand how raptors live in the wild and what they need to thrive in human care. Data gathered here supports wider efforts to protect threatened species across Ireland and beyond.

Breeding and Rehabilitation

Some of the birds at Eagles Flying were born on site as part of managed breeding programmes. Others arrived as rescues and needed time to recover before they could fly again. Injured or orphaned birds receive veterinary attention, quiet recovery space and patient training from experienced handlers. Where possible, rehabilitated birds return to active roles in the flying demonstrations, giving visitors a direct connection to living conservation work.

Education That Protects Wildlife

The twice-daily bird shows are more than entertainment. Trainers explain how raptors hunt, how they fit into healthy ecosystems, and why habitat loss and persecution still threaten many species today. Visitors who attend a Watch Eagles Flying demonstration leave with a better understanding of why birds of prey matter. To learn more about the different species on site, see our Raptors & Owls page.

How You Can Support Our Work

Every admission ticket helps fund the daily care of the birds and the running of the research centre. School groups, wildlife enthusiasts and families all play a part by visiting, asking questions and sharing what they learn. You can also support us through donations on the Eagles Flying homepage or by contacting us directly via our Contact page. For practical visit details, see Information.