Hawks are beautiful birds, from their expansive wingspan (up to 55 inches) to their long coasting flights. If you’ve ever been fascinated by this fowl, travel to Ireland and visit the School of Falconry at Ashford Castle.
The coolest part about your visit to this amazing venue is that you will be able to walk with a hawk or hawks, a process called falconry. You’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hold a hawk on your arm and then let them go. You’ll step back and watch as the hawk goes from tree to tree before it lands back on your arm.
It’s an educational experience as your instructor tells you all about the hawks’ exceptional eyesight, their speed and agility and how the hawks were trained.
You don’t need any experience for an adventure like this. Simply having the interest is enough!
According to their website, the rates for this one-hour venture is €90.00 for one participant, €70.00 each for two participants, €60.00 each for three participants, €50.00 each for four to ten participants.
Bring your family and friends even if they are not participating because it doesn’t cost anything to watch you and you’ll want someone documenting this experience for you!
Now a few housekeeping rules that the School of Falconry will want you to know. First, don’t worry if it’s raining, unless it’s pouring, because the hawks can fly in almost every weather, so the adventure goes on. If this is an experience for a child, the minimum age is 7 years old for hawk walks. The timing of the walks is important. They are offered between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to their strict feeding times.
The Falconry School is located at the breathtaking Ashford Castle Hotel which is located on an 350-acre estate. This castle is the backdrop in the 1951 film The Quiet Man, which starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The castle’s history dates back to 1228 and was once home to the famous Guinness Family.
Today, you can stay at the castle as well, which offers a host of family activities. If you’re a Quiet Man fan, you can visit The Quiet Man Cottage Museum, as well as Pat Cohan’s Bar, complete with a replica of the interior featured in the film. Get your cameras ready for your selfie because there’s a John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara commemorative statue as well.
For more information, visit http://www.falconry.ie/
Travel Makers MD