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.
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.