NI Raptor Trust — Days Out NI

Birds of prey up close, and flying

The draw here is seeing real raptors a few feet away. Open days typically feature owls, falcons, hawks and eagles, with flying displays where keepers put the birds through their paces in the air. Education sessions explain each species, why it was rescued and how the trust rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds. Kids get the close encounter and the why behind it. Check the trust's own channels for the next open day and exactly which birds and displays are scheduled.

Owls, falcons, hawks and eagles Flying displays Rescue and rehab centre Education sessions Open-day events Near Lough Neagh

Good to know before you go:

Many farms are seasonal and busiest in spring lambing and the school holidays, so it’s worth checking opening times before you travel. These are working livestock farms, so pet dogs usually aren’t allowed (assistance dogs excepted), and a few take cash only — so bring a little with you.

What to bring

👢Wellies or sturdy shoesFarmyards and paddocks get muddy, especially after rain.

🥪Snacks or a picnicThere’s usually a café, but little ones get peckish between the animals.

📷A cameraBottle-feeding a lamb and the pedal-tractor grins are worth keeping.

💷A bit of cashSome farms are cash only, and animal-feed cups are pocket-money priced.

Everything before you go

Cost

Varies by open day or event — check before you go

Opening / season

Open-day and event based, seasonal — confirm the next date in advance

Best for ages

Roughly 4 and up; great for any animal-mad older child

What you'll see

Rescued owls, falcons, hawks and eagles, with flying displays

Food

Not confirmed — bring your own food and drinks to be safe

Toilets

Check before you go

Parking

Check before you go

Dogs

As a bird-of-prey centre, dogs are very unlikely to be allowed near the birds — leave dogs at home and check first

Accessibility

Check before you go, especially for outdoor display areas

How long to allow

A couple of hours for an open day and displays

Address

Crumlin area, County Antrim — confirm exact location and directions when you book

Questions

Before you go

How much does it cost?

Varies by open day or event — check before you go

What ages is it good for?

Roughly 4 and up; great for any animal-mad older child

When is it open?

Open-day and event based, seasonal — confirm the next date in advance

Can we bring the dog?

As a bird-of-prey centre, dogs are very unlikely to be allowed near the birds — leave dogs at home and check first

Is there anywhere to eat?

Not confirmed — bring your own food and drinks to be safe

Getting there

NI Raptor Trust is at Crumlin area, County Antrim — confirm exact location and directions when you book. Check before you go. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around CrumlinSee what else is close by More farms & animal days out across NIOpen farms, petting farms and riding schools

The story

About NI Raptor Trust

The NI Raptor Trust is a rescue and rehabilitation centre near Crumlin in County Antrim, caring for owls, falcons, hawks and eagles. Its work centres on taking in injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey and, where possible, returning them to the wild.

Northern Ireland has a small, dedicated community of raptor carers and volunteers, including groups like the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and centres such as World of Owls at Randalstown. Trusts like this one open their doors on selected days so the public can see the birds, learn about local species and support the cost of their care.

Because the centre is event-led and run for the welfare of the birds first, public details change. Always confirm the next open day, costs and facilities with the trust before setting off.