Secret Valley Wildlife Park

Secret Valley Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Rescue, Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Coolnacon, Clonroche, Co. Wexford, Y21 DF85, Ireland
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Searching for the best things to do with kids in Wexford? Secret Valley Wildlife Park is an exceptional open-concept zoo and animal attraction where families can explore nature, meet rare species, and enjoy hands-on keeper encounters. Set across rolling countryside in Clonroche, this popular destination allows visitors to get close to diverse global wildlife in a family-friendly environment.

Prices start from €14.00 for adults and €12.00 for children, while toddlers aged two and under enter for free. Booking online in advance is recommended to secure preferred arrival times and ensure smooth entry.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines conservation learning with interactive animal experiences, this reserve is a top choice. Its unique blend of outdoor trails and play areas makes it an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Hands-On Animal Encounters: Interactive sessions where children can feed llamas, alpacas, and goats.
  • Educational Keeper Talks: Informative daily presentations by zookeepers detailing animal behavior, diets, and global conservation.
  • All-Weather Play Areas: Expansive indoor bouncy castles and obstacle courses alongside a large outdoor adventure playground.
  • Scenic Nature Trails: Wide, buggy-accessible pathways winding through tranquil woodland and rural parkland.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Meerkat Enclosure: Watching the playful meerkats stand on their hind legs to survey their surroundings is an absolute thrill for young children and families.
  • Cotton-Top Tamarins: Visiting these tiny, charismatic monkeys from Colombia lets children observe their distinctive white crests and active climbing habits up close.
  • The African Spurred Tortoise Paddock: Catching a glimpse of large tortoises moving slowly through their dedicated enclosure provides a fascinating look at these gentle reptiles.
  • Blue and Gold Macaws: Listening to the vibrant calls and admiring the brilliant plumage of the resident macaws adds a touch of tropical color to the park.
  • Outdoor Rabbit and Guinea Pig Pens: Strolling through the small-animal interaction zones gives toddlers a wonderful opportunity to see fluffy pets in friendly environments.

Facilities

  • Toilets: Modern toilet facilities with accessible options and baby changing stations are located near the main entrance and cafe.
  • Buggy Parking: Designated pushchair parking areas are available near indoor activity zones, with level terrain fully suitable for wheels.
  • Food Options: The Hungry Tortoise Cafe serves hot meals, snacks, speciality coffee, and ice cream, complemented by plenty of outdoor picnic benches for home-packed lunches.
  • Accessibility: Level paved pathways span the primary visitor areas, offering smooth access for wheelchair users and pushchairs, alongside designated accessible parking bays.

Pro-Tips

  • Timing Your Arrival: Arrive right when the gates open at 9:00 am to enjoy quieter pathways and catch the animals when they are most active.
  • Dress for the Weather: Since the park features both outdoor paddocks and indoor play zones, pack comfortable walking shoes and light waterproof layers.
  • Check Keeper Schedules: Inquire about daily keeper talk timings upon entry so you do not miss feeding demonstrations.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers love Secret Valley Wildlife Park because the gentle animal interactions, outdoor play spaces, and indoor bouncy castles offer engaging, age-appropriate entertainment.
  • How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 3 and 4 hours exploring the wildlife exhibits, attending keeper talks, and enjoying the play areas and cafe.
  • Where is the best place to park? The park provides a large, designated on-site car park right next to the entrance which is completely free for all visiting families.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction: 

  • Enniscorthy Castle: A striking 13th-century Norman castle housing the Wexford County Museum, located a short drive away.
  • Vinegar Hill: Historic site offering panoramic views across County Wexford, situated just outside Enniscorthy.
  • Irish National Heritage Park: An open-air museum showcasing 9,000 years of Irish history across 35 acres in Ferrycarrig.
  • Hook Head Lighthouse: One of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, located at the tip of the Hook Peninsula.

What Visitors Love:

  • The hands-on feeding opportunities with friendly llamas, alpacas, and goats create unforgettable highlights for young children.
  • The combination of outdoor animal paths and an all-weather indoor play area ensures kids stay entertained regardless of changing weather.
  • The compact size of the park makes it easy to navigate on foot without tiring out small children.
  • Friendly, approachable staff and knowledgeable keepers enhance the educational value of the visit.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • On peak weather days during school holidays, the main car park and indoor play spaces can become busy quickly.
  • Some secondary grassy walking tracks can get muddy after heavy downpours, making sensible footwear essential.

Attractions Must-See Exhibits & Areas

  • Meerkat Habitat: Dedicated sandy enclosure designed for active family groups of meerkats.
  • Primate House: Indoor and outdoor housing featuring cotton-top tamarins and macaque species.
  • Tortoise and Porcupine Enclosure: Specialized zone home to African spurred tortoises and African crested porcupines.
  • Outdoor Llama and Alpaca Paddock: Open grassy area where visitors can hand-feed friendly alpacas and llamas.
  • Indoor Bouncy Castle Zone: All-weather soft play structure and obstacle course for energetic kids.
  • Outdoor Adventure Playground: Open-air climbing frames, slides, and grassy open spaces.
  • The Hungry Tortoise Cafe Seating Area: Relaxed family rest spot serving hot food, drinks, and snacks.

New for 2026: 

  • Updated Educational Signage: Newly installed interactive display boards across primate and reptile zones for the 2026 season.
  • Expanded Café Offerings: Upgraded menu items featuring local speciality coffee and extended hot food service hours at the on-site cafe.
  • Enhanced Path Surfacing: Improved gravel and paving maintenance across primary walking routes to ensure smooth pushchair and wheelchair access.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

General Admission

  • Adult (18–64): €14.
  • Senior (65+): €12.
  • Teenager (13–17): €14.
  • Child (2–12): €13.
  • Infant (0–2): FREE.
  • Carer & Special Needs: €12.
  • Concession: €12.
  • Student (16+, with ID): €12.
  • Additional Adult: €12 (after a family of five).
  • Family of Four: €48.
  • Family of Five: €60.

Pricing URL: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/secretvalley/items/?flow=1186592&full-items=yes&back=https://secretvalley.ie/&g4=yes

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: Secret Valley Wildlife Park hosts private group celebrations and birthday parties featuring guided animal tours and play area access, subject to advance booking availability.
  • Contact Email: info@secretvalley.ie
  • 9am – 6pm Monday- Sunday (May, June, July, August)
  • 9am – 5pm Monday-Sunday (September-April)

Address: Secret Valley Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Rescue, Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Coolnacon, Clonroche, Co. Wexford, Y21 DF85, Ireland

Post Code: Y21 DF85

Council: Enniscorthy

County: County Wexford

  • By Car: Located in Coolnacon, Clonroche, Co. Wexford (Eircode: Y21 DF85); easily reached off the N11 route between Enniscorthy and New Ross. Free on-site parking is available.
  • By Bus: Regional bus services operate to nearby towns like Enniscorthy or Clonroche, from where local taxi services connect directly to the park.

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