Kingdom Falconry - Dingle

Are you ready for an exciting journey into the world of falconry? Kingdom Falconry offers exhilarating experiences that will impress the visitor with the power and grace of these incredible birds of prey. The experience is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an entertaining escapade.

Two-in-one experience

Kingdom Falconry Limited and ‘Dingle Falconry Experience’ are partnerships between award-winning luxury guesthouse Milltown House (owned by travel and falconry enthusiasts Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade) and Master Falconer Eric Witkowski of Kingdom Falconry. Their common mission is to enable locals and visitors to enjoy an educational and personal experience with the majestic birds of prey and make falconry accessible to people at a value-for-money price.

Established in July 2019, Kingdom Falconry has delivered unforgettable falconry experiences for groups, families, and individuals. They aim to educate and entertain their visitors while interacting with these incredible birds of prey. A daily 'public falconry experience', 'private falconry experiences’, and 'hawk-walks' on the waterfront lawn and the beaches of Dingle Harbour are available by prior appointment or booking online on the website.

Eric is a skilled falconer with over 26 years of experience. He has been a professional falconer since 2012. During this time, he has trained and flown many birds of prey: kestrels, sparrow hawks, red-tailed hawks, Harris hawks, goshawks, saker and peregrine falcons, and majestic golden eagles. He has rehabilitated injured wild birds and released them back into nature along the way. His devotion to falconry motivated him to establish Kingdom Falconry and share his knowledge with his team and guests.

The experience successfully combines educational and entertaining components. During the Private Owl Encounter, all owl lovers will meet various owls, from the diminutive Little Owl to the largest owl species, the Eurasian Eagle Owl. You will be amazed at the owls' grace, soundless motion, and personalities. Watch falcons fly with great dexterity and speed. Learn fascinating facts about these raptors and the ancient art of falconry, which UNESCO has recognised as part of Ireland's collective intangible cultural heritage.

Rehabilitation

Hundreds and thousands of birds are seriously injured or become sick every year due to human activities, modern agricultural practices, and the increasingly urbanised environment. Speeding traffic, barbed wire fences, wind turbines, pesticides, glass conservatories, electricity power lines, and transformers can all seriously injure and, indeed, kill birds, including birds of prey.

If you find an injured bird of prey, report it to your local wildlife ranger immediately (contact National Parks and Wildlife Service). If you can, place the bird in a dark cardboard box with ventilation holes in the bottom – do not place a raptor in a cage or dog/cat kennel where they may be tempted to fly to the light and cause added injury. You should be careful while handling a wild bird of prey. Put a rolled-up towel near the bird's talons, and hopefully, they will latch onto this; another towel could be dropped over the bird. A local vet with experience in avian veterinary may be able to help, or your local ranger. Remember, if you intend to hold onto the bird during rehabilitation, you must apply for a license.

A local wildlife ranger in County Kerry contacted the Falconry and handed them an injured bird of prey found on a farm in west Kerry covered in mud at a gateway between two fields. When the team got the bird, it was caked in dried mud, making identification nearly impossible. Falconers carefully washed the bird down, using a toothbrush to clean the mud from its feathers. Several washes later, a beautiful peregrine falcon emerged with a damaged wing. A significant number of primary feathers that are essential for flight were missing.

A stroll with the hawk

‘Kingdom Falconry’  operates the ‘Dingle Falconry Experience’ - an intimate encounter with beautiful birds of prey and one of Dingle's highlight ‘things to do’. The lovely Milltown House grounds on the edge of Dingle Harbor house the Falconry Experience. Ideal for families, couples, or individual travellers, this area is home to a wide range of birds of prey, not exclusively hawks. The team is passionate about the art of falconry.

This is believed to be one of the best Falconry Experiences in Ireland due to the range of birds introduced to you and the considerable expertise of the falconers. They offer not just a demonstration or show but experience! You will find the perfect package for your falconry adventure thanks to various pricing options. If you’re longing for a unique adventure, don’t miss the chance to go on a private hawk walk. Witness the stunning beauty of falcons soaring through the sky and feel the weight of the powerful wings as they land on your gloved fist. Let the team explain how to do this properly so you can get the finest pictures. Turn on your inner adventurer and create lasting memories with Kingdom Falconry’s hawk walk.

Kingdom Falconry offers adults and kids the amazing opportunity to get up close with various majestic birds of prey—hawks, falcons, and owls. The birds include Eurasian eagle owls, Irish Barn Owls, Harris Hawks, and Falcons, and Orla, the majestic golden eagle (once extinct in Ireland in 1912). The ‘Hawk Walk’ is a chance to see Harris Hawk's natural behaviours and a bit more of the beautiful area around Dingle. You will stroll along the Dingle Harbor with the hawk and an experienced falconer. The hawk will be allowed to fly free and follow alongside you on your journey, flying from perches, trees and fences to your gloved hand and back again as you walk. You will have plenty of photo opportunities and slow-motion videos with gorgeous scenery. Enjoy a lovely walk on the beach and through the waterfront lawns with Eric the Falconer and two of the finest Harris Hawks.

The experiences are weather-dependent, but only strong winds and heavy rain can disturb activities. There is a canopy area to shelter from small showers. Please wear suitable footwear and warm clothing for outdoor activities. All the private sessions last approximately 60 minutes unless agreed otherwise. Before or after the ‘Falconry Experience’, you can relax in a nice ‘Robert Mitchum’ bar, where you can buy yourself some tea, fine coffee or even a Dingle Gin & Tonic.