“Five o’clock,” we’re told, outside the courtyard. “Look up,” exclaiming excitedly to my family, as soaring hawks swiftly skimmed the tops of our heads.
While vacationing on the grounds of the Adare Manor Hotel in Adare Village, Limerick County, Ireland we had 840 acres to roam. This 19th century aristocratic manor house offered a “hawk walk” on its stately grounds through Animal Magic, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
The phenomenal efforts of the falconers, with over 30 years experience, have been overseeing the rescue and subsequent release of countless hawks, as well as a very impressive list of other wild birds and animals.
Our walking partners Jake and Alphie were Harris Hawks, Mel a Ferruginous Hawk, and Harry a strapping white Turkmenian Eagle Owl. Positioning my thick-gloved hand across my chest, I was instructed to place a tiny piece of chicken between my thumb and forefinger. Poised to take his prey, I tensed, anticipating Mel’s looming flight. Smooth and precise in approach, his thin tapered wings enabled him to fly lightning fast and change direction rapidly with the precision of a fighter jet. The ethereal falcon snatched his treat and was back to where he started in seconds.
Jake kept a watchful eye on us, while Alfie let out a few screams as if to say, “Let’s get going.” As we walked, they remained back only to give us a surprise by skimming the tops of our heads as they made their way to the head of the path. They appeared to be engaging in a game; how close could they get to a human head without touching.
Walking with hawks was only one of the many unique things we did in Ireland.
The dramatic and breathtaking views from the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are nothing short of amazing. At the maximum height, the plunge is 702ft down into the wild Atlantic. 30,000 sea birds call these cliffs home, namely the colonies of nesting puffins.
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile circular route in County Kerry in South Western Ireland that winds past pristine beaches and medieval ruins. Here dramatic mountain passes offer views of the Skellig Rocks (islands), where Star Wars 'The Force Awakens' was filmed.
The Slea Head drive on the Dingle Peninsula is frequently mentioned to be among the most beautiful road trips in the world. The scenery winding along the Atlantic left me breathless.
With its natural beauty and multitude of things to do, I’ve no hesitation in saying that everyone should visit Ireland and take a walk with the hawks at least once in their lifetime. Join me next month when I travel to the island of St. Maarten and participate in a regatta.
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