Wild Ireland

Attractions See & Do

Located in Burnfoot, Inishowen, Wild Ireland is one of Donegal’s most unique visitor attractions — a wildlife sanctuary set within an ancient Celtic rainforest where visitors can encounter animals that once roamed Ireland thousands of years ago. The park is home to wolves, brown bears, lynx, wild boar and many rescued animals living in large natural enclosures along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Founded with a strong focus on education, conservation and animal rescue, Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to animals rescued from circuses, roadside zoos and abusive situations while also helping restore native Irish woodland habitats. Since opening, the park has planted thousands of native trees to help regenerate the ancient Celtic rainforest environment.

⭐ Why Visit Wild Ireland?

Visitors love Wild Ireland because it offers:

A chance to see wolves, bears, lynx and wild boar in natural woodland habitats
One of Ireland’s most unique wildlife and conservation experiences
Educational keeper talks and feeding sessions
Scenic walking trails through a restored Celtic rainforest
Family-friendly attraction suitable for all ages
Rescue and rehabilitation focus with conservation at its heart
On-site café, picnic facilities and gift shop

Many visitors describe Wild Ireland as far more than a zoo — it’s an immersive nature and conservation experience designed to reconnect people with Ireland’s lost wildlife.

🐺 Animals & Wildlife Experience

Wild Ireland recreates an ancient Irish woodland ecosystem where visitors can walk beneath the forest canopy and encounter animals once native to Ireland including:

European Wolves
Brown Bears
Eurasian Lynx
Wild Boar
Arctic Foxes
Deer and birds of prey
Rescued exotic and native species

The park also provides daily keeper talks and feeding sessions, allowing visitors to learn about animal behaviour, conservation efforts and Irish wildlife history.

A full visit typically takes around 2 hours or more, with flat accessible walking paths suitable for wheelchairs and prams.