Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

Falconry

This long-standing tradition can be experienced on the lush grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. Come up close and personal with a variety of birds of prey within our 138-acre estate, while guided by one of Ireland's best Master Falconers. Our offering includes both hawk walks, where guests can enjoy time with several different birds of prey, or display shows for larger groups.

Meet the Redington Family & Their Falconry Experience

On the Estate, the falconry experience is led by the Redington family, whose passion for the art of falconry spans over 30 years.

Founded by the late Darren Redington, their work is rooted in a deep knowledge of birds of prey and a lifelong dedication to training, breeding, and caring for them. Today, Sharron, together with their children Conor and Molly, continue this legacy, guiding guests through the timeless practice of falconry with skill and insight.

Having grown up immersed in this world, Conor and Molly bring both expertise and instinct to each experience, sharing the traditions, techniques, and respect that define the craft.

Guests are invited to discover falconry firsthand, learning about these remarkable birds and the unique bond between falconer and hawk, all within the beautiful surroundings of the Glenlo estate.

The Redington family look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to this truly distinctive experience.

Pre-booking is essential. To book email reception@glenloabbey.ie or call (091) 519 600

Cola
Guinness
Rodger
Forest
Pepsi
Pippin
Ruby

Cola

Meet the Birds

Cola is the male barn owl on the team. Barn owls are the most widely distributed owl in the world. This specific bird originated in Ireland. They typically hunt at night like all owls they hunt by hearing as their ears are asymmetrical like a satellite dish. They are known as the farmers friend as they eat rodents and other animals considered to be pests. In recent years, these owls have been in steep decline due to poisons. This species is under the threat which is why Cola is a fine example of a typical barn owl, silent in flight and deadly at night, when the species is known to prey at its best.

Guinness

Meet the Birds

Guinness is a male Peregrine Falcon, one of the most remarkable birds of prey. Renowned for his speed and precision, the Peregrine is the fastest animal on earth, some reaching speeds of over 300 km/h (186 mph) during a "stoop". Peregrine Falcons are highly skilled hunters, valued for their agility, strength, and strong connection with the falconer.

Rodger

Meet the Birds

He is a male Harris Hawk, These are the only social bird of prey in the world. In the wild they hunt in packs like wolves. Due to this trait, you can easily train this type of a bird as they are much more susceptible to working with different people. They are one of the most versatile birds within the animal kingdom. Harris Hawks can see 8 times further than the human naked eye and can see in the ultraviolet.

Forest

Meet the Birds

Forest is a male Great Grey Owl, one of the largest owl species in the world, known for his striking appearance and silent flight. Unlike many birds of prey, Great Grey Owls rely on their exceptional hearing to locate prey beneath grass or snow, using their distinctive facial disc to focus sound with remarkable precision

Pepsi

Meet the Birds

Pepsi is a young Barn Owl, recognised by soft white plumage and a distinctive heart-shaped face. At this early stage, his focus is on developing balance, confidence, and flight, offering a gentle insight into the early life of a bird of prey.

Pippin

Meet the Birds

Pippin is a male Boobook Owl, a smaller owl species known for his alert nature and distinctive call. Despite his size, he is remarkably agile, with keen eyesight and an ability to move effortlessly through woodland settings. Observant and inquisitive, Pippin has a natural curiosity, often quietly watching his surroundings.

Ruby

Meet the Birds

Ruby is a female Harris Hawk, a striking bird of prey known for both her intelligence and social nature. Unlike many raptors, Harris Hawks are highly cooperative, often working together in the wild to hunt, demonstrating remarkable communication and teamwork.

Did you know?

A little unknown fact is that the Irish Celts were hugely familiar with the use of birds of prey to catch their food, evidence of which can be found in Irish heritage sites such in Newgrange Co. Meath dating back to 2,000BC. The first written reference to falconry in Ireland was relating to The King of Tara who was said to have two hunting Hawks. Which is why in Ireland falconry is seen as a long-standing history sport of the nobles or "The Sport of Kings".

In the Middle ages birds of prey were prised possessions and their ownership was seen as a status symbol. Noblemen hired the original dedicated falconers to care for and tend to their birds. This position of a residential falconer came with great praise and esteem. However, with the growth of gunpowder, this skill has seen a steep decline, it was easier to manage a firearm over a highly intelligent animal.

There are over 1,000 words and phrases in the English language which come from the Art of Falconry, such as:

Under the Thumb – The way the Falconer grips the bird.

Fed – up – When a bird of prey eats too much it does not want to hunt anymore.

Hoodwinked – From the special hood put on the birds.

Haggard – Older birds caught in the wild.

End of my tether – Tethers are used in training.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

Falconry

Falconry