Are you looking for a change from the usual farmyard visit? If your kids are fascinated by animals of every shape and size — from peacocks and pythons to penguins and polar bears — Ireland has plenty of brilliant places to see them up close. Whether you fancy a trip to the zoo, an aquarium, a birds of prey centre, or a wander around a nature reserve, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to see animals in Ireland for a properly roarsome family day out.
Best Places to See Animals, Birds and Beasts in Ireland
Johnstown Castle & The Irish Agricultural Museum, Wexford
In addition to the peacocks that roam freely around the grounds of Johnstown Castle Estate, the Irish Agricultural Museum building is a nursery roost for one of the largest colonies of Soprano Pipistrelle bats in the country. Each spring the female bats return to roost, giving birth to and rearing their young. The highest count of bats in residence was in May 2017, when 734 bats were counted.
The courtyard at the museum is also home to the Johnstown Swift Project, where specially designed nest boxes give swifts, swallows and house martins a place to return to and nest each year. You’ll have to be eagle-eyed to spot a swift, though — they’re the fastest bird in the world in level flight!
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin
From the moment you enter the Natural History Museum in Merrion Square, you’re surrounded by animals — from butterflies to foxes and elephants to a mighty blue whale skeleton. Get up close as you explore the many exhibits on display.
Best of all, entry is free, and there are fun trails children can follow to make their visit even more exciting.
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National Bird of Prey Centre, Wicklow
The National Birds of Prey Centre is an outdoor education centre home to over 40 different birds of prey, including eagles, owls, falcons and hawks from all over the world. Visitors get an expert-led guided tour of the birds and can enjoy a handling session with some of the hand-reared owls.
They also offer flying displays, tuition, hawk walks, hawks on the hill experiences, eagle experiences and much more.
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National Reptile Zoo, Kilkenny
Check out the snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles and more at the National Reptile Zoo in Hebron Business Park, Kilkenny City. The zoo is open year-round, with over 50 exhibits, an Animal Encounter Zone, Nocturnal Realm, Media Room, education rooms, coffee shop, souvenir shop and play area.
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Galway Atlantaquaria
Situated in Salthill, Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland’s largest native species aquarium and offers visitors a family-friendly day by the sea. There are over 100 native species and a wide array of exhibits over two floors.
With regular tours, interactive feeding times, touch pools and holding sessions, there’s always something new to learn about the marine life of Ireland.
Tropical World Letterkenny, Donegal
Tropical World is home to a wide range of animals and plants, and incorporates a butterfly house and mini zoo with animals and birds including lemurs, marmosets, meerkats, tamarins, owls, parakeets and many species of butterfly. It’s open seasonally, so do check opening times before you travel.
Stonehall Farm & Wildlife Park, Limerick
A guaranteed great day out for all the family. Stonehall is an educational wildlife park home to emus, meerkats, chipmunks, llamas, rheas, wallabies, parrots, alpacas, ostriches and birds of prey.
Wrap up warm and enjoy the nature trail walk, where you might meet a red squirrel or two among the natural flora and fauna. Stonehall Wildlife Park has plenty of entertainment for younger visitors too, with go-karts and bouncy castles on site.
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Eagles Flying, Sligo
The Irish Raptor Research Centre, Eagles Flying, sits on 27 acres of parkland in Co. Sligo and offers a fun day out for the whole family. Home to more than 450 birds and animals, visitors can enjoy twice-daily interactive bird shows showcasing eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, owls and more.
For children who want to cuddle, pet and hold the animals, there’s a supervised petting zoo with everything from guinea pigs to a python.
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Seaforde Gardens, Down
The tropical butterfly house at Seaforde Gardens is home to hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies from around the world. You’ll also see reptiles, parrots and other animals on your visit.
Afterwards, take a stroll around the beautiful gardens, where the kids will love getting lost in the maze. It’s open seasonally, so do check opening times before you make your journey.
Zoological and Marine Biology Museum, Galway
Housed in the Martin Ryan Institute on the main University of Galway campus, the zoological and marine biology museum is home to over 500 specimens, both native and exotic. Visitors can expect to see animal skeletons, stuffed birds and mammals, and rare glass models of sea creatures.
A highlight of the museum is four genuine Charles Darwin specimens. The museum typically opens on weekdays.
Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
Award-winning and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Munster, Fota Wildlife Park lets you come face to face with animals and birds from around the globe as you wander through the 70-acre park.
It’s home to many of the world’s most highly endangered species, such as the lion-tailed macaque, Rothschild giraffe, European bison and scimitar-horned oryx. There’s plenty to explore and learn throughout your day.
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The National Sea Life Centre, Wicklow
The National Sea Life Centre Bray has over 30 displays, including a kids’ quiz trail, Toxic Terrors, and hourly educational feeds and talks.
There’s a huge selection of marine and freshwater creatures on show, including sharks, seahorses, piranhas, crabs and starfish. It’s worth checking the centre’s website for current opening hours and online ticket options before you go.
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World of Owls, Antrim
World of Owls brings both young and old on an educational journey. It’s Northern Ireland’s only owl, birds of prey and exotic animal centre, with a primary aim of supporting the survival of owls throughout the world.
Other animals you’ll see on your visit include vultures, hawks, eagles, snakes, tarantulas and geckos.
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Coole Park, Galway
One of the most stunning nature reserves in Galway, Coole Park offers a wonderful day out for the whole family, whether you fancy nature walks, exploring the forest, spotting swans on the lake, or heading to the enclosure near the visitor centre to go deer spotting.
Coole Park is free to visit, with free parking on site.
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Emerald Park, Meath
A once-every-few-years kind of day out, as it doesn’t come cheap — but it’s one your kids (and the adults) will always remember. As well as being Ireland’s only theme park, Emerald Park is also home to hundreds of animals.
Emerald Park has an exceptional and diverse animal collection, featuring many conservation-dependent species including mountain lions, leopards and tigers.
Visitors with a wristband can enjoy a spectacular free-flying bird of prey display at the World of Raptors, featuring some of the world’s largest eagles, impressive vultures, cunning falcons and lovable owls. You can also explore Lemur Woods, an immersive walk-through habitat where you can see and learn about these fascinating, endangered primates up close.
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Emma’s Butterfly Garden, Kildare
DEBRA Ireland created a butterfly garden in the grounds of Killashee Hotel, Kildare. The garden includes a fountain, butterfly houses and a gazebo, and is open to the public as well as hotel guests.
Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo first opened its doors in 1830, and visitors can enjoy 28 hectares of animal fun. With daily talks and feeds, it’s best to plan your visit around these special events.
You can also enjoy Zoorassic World, the orangutan and sea lion enclosures, the pet farm and the reptile house. A trip to Dublin Zoo really is a great family day out for all ages.
Aillwee Birds of Prey Centre, Clare
A day to remember: the Birds of Prey Centre in the Burren is home to some of the world’s most magnificent birds, including vultures, eagles, hawks and falcons.
Each enclosure offers a rare opportunity to see, hear and interact with these magnificent birds while learning about the ancient sport of falconry. It’s worth checking the centre’s website for current admission options and online booking.
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Wild Ireland, Donegal
Step back in time into an ancient woodland inhabited by long-lost creatures to experience some of Ireland’s ancient wildlife. Walk among the trees and encounter bears, wolves, lynx and wild boar on your journey through the past. Their beautiful lake is home to swans, ducks and even a cheeky pair of otters.
There’s lots for children to see and do too — take the fairy trail around the rainforest, enjoy tales of ancient folklore, play in the state-of-the-art play park, and finish off with some tasty treats from the Wild Ireland shop and café. Wild Ireland is located at Dundrain, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Kerry
©Failte Ireland, photo courtesy of Valerie O’Sullivan
Situated along the quayside in Dingle Town, Oceanworld Aquarium is where the ocean comes to life. It boasts Ireland’s largest collection of sharks, a polar penguin display featuring Gentoo penguins, Amazonian displays, a touch tank and a nine-metre underwater tunnel. They also hold daily talks, feeds and reptile encounters.
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Belfast Zoological Gardens, Antrim
Open seven days a week, with over 130 species across 55 acres to explore, there’s something for everyone at Belfast Zoo.
Plan your visit around the animal talks and feeding times throughout the day, and make sure you catch the Western lowland gorilla — keepers hold talks at midday every day of the week.
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Secret Valley Wildlife Park & Zoo, Wexford
With everything from creepy crawlies to lemurs to farm animals, Secret Valley Wildlife Park and Zoo is set in 14 acres of scenic countryside and offers a wonderful way to get closer to nature with all the family.
If you have a wannabe zookeeper at home, check out Secret Valley’s tailor-made experiences — your little one could become a “Helper” for the morning, working alongside the keepers, feeding smaller animals and making enrichment toys for the exotic animals. There are other experiences too, including meeting the meerkats, and full and half-day keeper experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit animal attractions in Ireland?
Many outdoor centres, butterfly houses and wildlife parks are seasonal, so it’s worth checking opening times before you travel, especially in autumn and winter. Indoor attractions like aquariums, museums and zoos tend to be open year-round.
Are these attractions suitable for toddlers and young children?
Yes, most of the places on this list welcome younger children, though some involve more walking than others. If you have a toddler or a buggy, it’s worth checking the venue’s website for accessibility details before you go.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For busier attractions such as zoos, aquariums and theme parks, booking online in advance is generally a good idea, particularly during school holidays. Smaller or free attractions like museums and nature parks usually don’t require booking.
Which of these are free to visit?
A few, such as the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History and Coole Park, are free to enter, making them great options for a low-cost family day out. Most animal parks, zoos and aquariums charge an admission fee.
More Family Day Out Ideas
If this list has you planning your next adventure, you might also enjoy 10 Wonderful Places for a Day Out with Kids in Ireland, Best Farm Experiences in Ireland, or Low Cost Things to Do In Ireland With Kids Recommended by Parents.
There’s no printable checklist for this one, but it’s worth bookmarking this page so you can come back to it whenever you’re planning your next animal-spotting day out.
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