Discover Wild Ireland: Where Bears & Wolves Roam ( 2025)

Did you know that there is a place in Ireland where you can wander through an ancient woodland inhabited by bears, wolves, wild boar and lynx?

That might sound like a scene taken from the history books, like something you might see on a medieval tapestry. But you can meet the animals that roamed on Irish soil at Wild Ireland, a wildlife experience in County Donegal.

What is Wild Ireland?

Wild Ireland is an animal sanctuary in Ireland offering a safe place to hundreds of animals, some of whom have been rescued from abuse and exploitation.

Visitors are invited to step back in time and explore a different Ireland, one that was home to ancient Celtic rainforest and the historic Irish ‘Big Five’: Bears, Wolves, Lynx, Wild Boar & Red Deer.

Set in an area of ancient woodland, Wild Ireland is your opportunity to see animals that were hunted to extinction back on Irish soil.

The Animals of Wild Ireland

Wild Ireland is home to hundreds of animals; far too many and varied to list in one blog post. However highlights include…

The Bears

Until about 2,500 years ago, Brown Bears were native to island. Are there bears in Ireland today? Yes. European Brown Bears, and you’ll find them at Wild Ireland.

The pair, named Donnacha and Rionach, were rescued from a museum in Lithuania where they were kept as a tourist attraction in appalling conditions.

Originally rescued by a Belgian rescue organisation, the bears have found a permanent home in Donegal. They are now learning to enjoy all the things they missed out on when kept in a museum.

The Wolves

Once upon a time, wolves were not uncommon in Ireland. Wild wolves were hunted to extinction long ago; it’s believed that the last wolf in Ireland was killed in 1786.

Today, they are back and you can once again watch- and listen to- wolves in the Irish countryside. The sanctuary is home to three beautiful Grey Wolf brothers who go by the names Finn, Fergus and Oisin.

Click the video below to hear them in full voice.

Obviously my own Little Wolf is always going to be my favourite, but I could have watched these three all day.

The Foxes

Wild Ireland is home to all the beautiful foxes: Red, Arctic and Silver.

The Silver foxes- which confusingly look black but are actually red foxes -with their distinctive white tipped tails are particularly fascinating and rarely spotted in the UK.

The Racoons

I honestly have no idea if the racoons fit into the ancient Irish wildlife theme, or if they are rescues rehomed here.

This I do know: they are brilliant. Very entertaining to watch with their busy hands and Zorro style face markings. Cheerful, charming little characters.

On a racoon note, are there any fellow 80’s kids who grew up watching ‘The Racoons’? I called this one Bert. If you know, you know!

What Else can I See and Do at Wild Ireland?

There’s lots to see and do in a visit to Wild Ireland including:

• Keeper talks: Meet the keepers and gain more in depth information on the different animals. Highly recommend catching a talk if you can, the keepers passion shines through. Check timings on the day as they can vary.
• Animal Feedings: See the feedings. If you can, get there five minutes before. Watching the animals when they know the keepers are coming with dinner is very entertaining.
• View the Poo: At the entrance to the toilets as you enter, a poo shelf. Samples of droppings from some of the animals, for your viewing pleasure. Weirdly fascinating and perfectly placed. Take the chance to have a look, it’s not something you see every day!
• The Nocturnal Barn: Easy to miss this. Accessed through the barn near the main entrance, a dimly lit nocturnal enclosure. Once your eyes adjust you’ll spot owls and a family of hedgehogs.
• Play Parks: If visiting with younger children, there is a small play area and lots of charming wooden animals to find around the park.
• Visit the Wild Cafe: There is a cafe on site offering a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. Worth noting the Wild Cafe seating is in a covered courtyard, so not indoors or heated. Dress for the weather. Seating also available for picnics.

What To Wear to Wild Ireland?

Dress for comfort and practicality and dress for the weather. All of the park is outdoors, some of it is a bit muddy. Layers, waterproof and flat boots or wellies will work just fine.

Opening Times: Opening hours can vary, do check online for up to date timings when planning a visit!

How Long to Explore Wild Ireland?

Allow at least 2.5 hours. We were there for about four hours, in which time we walked the park to see each animal, listened to the bears keeper talk, saw the wolves being fed and stopped for a coffee.

Your admission ticket gets you in for the day, so there’s no rush.

Wild Ireland Ticket Prices

General admission tickets are €18.50 Adult/ €14.50 Child.

Family tickets for Four €64.00

Credit cards, debit cards, Euro and Sterling are all accepted. You can book tickets online on the Wild Ireland website.

How to Find Wild Ireland

The Address to find Wild Ireland is : Wild Ireland, Dundrain, County Donegal, F93 KN7X.

There is free parking for Wild Ireland guests.

If you enjoyed this post, I’d love you to have a read of these posts: The Alternative Bear Park, Harz Mountains and Pairi Daiza Zoo & Resort: Where You Can Sleep With The Animals

Helen x