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Wild Ireland: A Walk Through Ireland's Ancient Past

Discover Ireland's lost wildlife in a Celtic rainforest sanctuary, supporting animal rescue and conservation on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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Wild Ireland, located near Burnfoot in County Donegal, is a unique wildlife sanctuary set in an ancient Celtic rainforest. It provides a home for rescued animals, many of which are species that have become extinct in Ireland, such as bears, wolves, and lynx. Visitors can explore the woodland and learn about the history and conservation of Ireland's wildlife.

A brief summary to Wild Ireland

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
  • Check the park's schedule for special events or educational talks to enhance your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the park covers a large area with trails.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas for a perfect family day out.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Letterkenny, take the N13 road towards Derry. After about 24 kilometers, take the exit onto the N14 towards Derry (A2). Continue for approximately 10 kilometers until you reach the R238. Turn left onto the R238 and follow the signs for Burnfoot. After about 7 kilometers, you will see signs for Wild Ireland on your right. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Wild Ireland by public transport, take a bus from Letterkenny to Derry; bus services such as the 64 or 64A operate between these locations. Once in Derry, transfer to a bus heading towards Burnfoot (the 142 bus typically serves this route). After about 20 minutes on the bus from Derry, get off at the stop closest to Wild Ireland. Walk approximately 10 minutes to reach the park. Check bus schedules in advance as they may vary. A new connecting bus service to the Wild Ireland wildlife sanctuary near Burnfoot is being piloted for the summer. Launched on Tuesday, and running through July and August, the service will operate from Buncrana and Muff to Wild Ireland twice a week. The pilot service will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays with a fare of €2 return for all passengers and under fives travelling free.

  • Taxi

    Hire a taxi from any town in County Donegal to Wild Ireland. From Derry, the taxi ride will take about 15-20 minutes and cost around €20-€30, depending on traffic and time of day. Book your taxi in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

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Discover more about Wild Ireland

Step back in time at Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary where you can experience Ireland's ancient past. Located on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, near Burnfoot, this park is home to animals that once roamed the Irish countryside. The sanctuary is set within a pocket of remaining woodland on the Inishowen peninsula, where time has been rolled back to an era when ferocious beasts ruled the Irish countryside. Wild Ireland provides a home to animals that have been rescued from circuses, roadside zoos, and the illegal pet trade. These animals include brown bears, European wolves, lynx, and wild boar. The park aims to recreate the natural habitats of these animals, allowing them to live as they would in the wild. Visitors can walk among the ancient trees and encounter these animals, learning about their history and the threats they face. Conservation and education are at the heart of Wild Ireland. The park informs visitors about the plight of animals in the wild and the negative impacts of human activity. By visiting Wild Ireland, guests support rescue and conservation efforts both in Ireland and around the world. In addition to the animals, Wild Ireland features a fairy trail, a play park, and a café.

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