Wild Ireland

Wild Ireland, Dundrean, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, F93 KN7X, Ireland
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Wild Ireland is an incredible wildlife sanctuary offering some of the best things to do with kids in Burnfoot. Set within an ancient Celtic rainforest in County Donegal, this unique animal attraction is home to brown bears, wolves, lynx, and wild boar. 

Online prices start from €14.50 for children, with standard adult entry priced at €18.50 and family bundles available. Families can explore natural woodland habitats, interactive animal enclosures, and educational conservation spaces.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this venue combines ancient woodland walks with close-up encounters of animals that once roamed Ireland. Children can enjoy watching playful monkeys and feeding times while adults explore the rich history of the restored temperate rainforest.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Ancient Celtic Rainforest Setting: Walkways winding through a restored, temperate woodland environment filled with native flora.
  • Apex Predator Habitats: Secure, specially designed enclosures housing rescued brown bears, European grey wolves, and lynx.
  • Daily Keeper Talks: Regular educational presentations and feeding sessions held throughout the day to engage young learners.
  • Flat Accessible Pathways: Smooth, pushchair-friendly routes making it easy for families with toddlers to explore every zone.
  • Conservation and Rescue Focus: Informative exhibits highlighting the history of Irish wildlife and modern animal rescue efforts.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Brown Bear Enclosure: A vast woodland habitat where rescued brown bears forage, swim, and roam freely.
  • The Wolf Pack Habitat: A secure viewing area where families can watch European grey wolves interact in a naturalistic pack setting.
  • The Lynx Forest Zone: Quiet tree-lined viewing spots designed for spotting elusive and stealthy Eurasian lynx.
  • The Monkey and Raccoon Exhibits: Lively areas featuring active primates and curious raccoons near the main visitor routes.
  • Wild Boar and Fox Paddock: Natural enclosures introducing children to wild boar, Arctic foxes, and native red foxes.

Facilities

  • Toilets & Baby Changing: Clean public restrooms including accessible disabled facilities located near the entrance.
  • Buggy Accessibility: Flat, level terrain throughout the park makes pushing prams straightforward.
  • Food Options: On-site refreshments and gift shop items available, alongside local spots nearby.
  • Parking: Large, free on-site vehicle car park with dedicated disabled parking bays.

Pro-Tips for Families

  • Check the Talk Board: Look at the blackboard in reception upon arrival to plan your walk around the 15-minute keeper talk schedule.
  • Allow Three Hours: Give yourself a full three-hour session window to leisurely explore the forest paths and watch animal feedings.
  • Book Online to Save: Purchase tickets online in advance to secure lower rates compared to gate prices.
  • Dress for Weather: Since the park is set in an open rainforest environment, wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Targeted FAQ

  • Are dogs allowed inside the park grounds or animal exhibits? No pets or service dogs are permitted inside the venue due to strict health, safety, and animal welfare regulations involving predatory species.
  • Can visitors bring their own food and picnic baskets into the park? Visitors are encouraged to check specific park rules upon arrival, though light snacks and refreshments are available on-site.
  • Do adults need to pay full price if they are only accompanying children? Yes, standard adult admission applies to all visitors entering the facility regardless of their supervising role.
  • Is pushchair hire available on-site for younger children? The park features flat pathways suitable for pushchairs, but visitors must bring their own strollers as rentals are not provided.
  • Are there any age or height restrictions for the animal talks and exhibits? All main walking trails and keeper talks are open and suitable for families of all ages under standard parental supervision.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Inishowen Peninsula: Scenic coastal driving routes and historical sites located right across the surrounding Donegal region.
  • Derry City Centre: Historic walled city situated just a short drive south, offering museums, restaurants, and family attractions.
  • Bay Road Nature Reserve: Local wetland and bird-watching sanctuary located a few miles away.
  • Local Artisan Distilleries: Nearby craft spirit producers located around the Muff and Inishowen area.

What Visitors Love:

  • An immersive, magical atmosphere walking through an authentic ancient rainforest alongside rescued large mammals.
  • Informative and engaging keeper talks that captivate children and provide fascinating insights into animal conservation.
  • A manageable, compact layout that allows families to see all major predators without excessive walking fatigue.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Peak weekend sessions can get busy, so arriving early helps secure parking and avoids crowds at key enclosures.
  • Strict safety rules mean pets and dogs are completely excluded from the grounds.

Detailed Inventory of Park Attractions & Events

  • Brown Bear Woodland Sanctuary: Main forest habitat for rescued brown bears.
  • European Grey Wolf Paddock: Secure enclosure for the park's wolf pack.
  • Eurasian Lynx Enclosure: Forest habitat showcasing stealthy wild cats.
  • Wild Boar Grazing Area: Woodland zone for rooting wild boar.
  • Monkey Viewing Island: Specialized habitat hosting active primates.
  • Raccoon Enrichment Enclosure: Playful habitat for North American raccoons.
  • Arctic and Red Fox Habitats: Side-by-side enclosures showcasing foxes.
  • On-Site Souvenir Shop: Retail counter offering plush toys, apparel, and books.

New for 2026

  • Updated 2026 Daily Schedule: Expanded daily opening hours running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the 2026 season.
  • Structured Keeper Talk Timetable: Newly optimized 15-minute rotation for daily talks covering monkeys, lynx, wolves, and bears.
  • Refreshed Pathway Maintenance: Upgraded flat walking surfaces ensuring smooth access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
  • Enhanced Educational Signage: Newly installed conservation boards detailing the rewilding history of the Celtic rainforest.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

General Admission

  • Adult (16+): €19.73 (includes €1.23 booking fee)
  • Child (12 months–15 years): €15.46 (includes €0.96 booking fee)
  • Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): €68.23 (includes €4.23 booking fee)
  • Toddler (Under 11 months): Free
  • Concession (Student, Carer, Over 65s): €15.46 (includes €0.96 booking fee)

Online Prices

  • Adult: €18.50
  • Child: €14.50
  • Concession: €14.50
  • Family Ticket: €64.00

Gate Prices: 

  • Adult: €22.50
  • Child: €18.50
  • Concession: €18.50
  • Family Ticket: €74

Annual Membership

  • Adult (16+): €89.55 (incl. €5.55 fee)
  • Child (12 months–15): €83.58 (incl. €5.18 fee)
  • Senior Citizen (65+): €71.96 (incl. €4.46 fee)
  • Carer: €71.96 (incl. €4.46 fee; ID required)

Pricing URL: https://wildireland.org/book-tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Wild Birthday Celebration: Celebrate your child’s special day surrounded by bears, wolves, and woodland adventure.  Our Wild Ireland Birthday parties combine fresh air, wildlife exploration and a dedicated party space, creating a truly unforgettable experience. 

Enquire now by emailing tours@wildireland.org

For more information please visit website

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (Last admission is strictly one hour before closing time).

Address: Wild Ireland, Dundrean, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, F93 KN7X, Ireland

Post Code: F93 KN7X

Council: Donegal County Counc

County: County Donegal

  • By Bus: Local bus routes run from Derry city center toward Buncrana, stopping near Burnfoot village.
  • By Car: Situated just off the R238 road in Burnfoot, less than a 15-minute drive from Derry city or Buncrana.
  • Parking: A spacious, free gravel car park is located directly at the main entrance gate.

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