A guide to Inishowen’s wildest attraction
What is ‘Wild Ireland’?
Wild Ireland, located just outside Burnfoot in Inishowen, is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to species that once formed part of Ireland’s natural landscape. While some, like wolves and bears, disappeared from the island centuries ago, others such as wild boar were lost more recently through hunting and habitat loss.
The park offers a rare opportunity to see these animals again in a landscape that closely resembles the wild environments they once inhabited. Set among woodland and wetland, the enclosures are spacious and designed to allow the animals to behave as naturally as possible.
When I bring guests here, I explain that Wild Ireland is not simply a zoo. It is a place of conservation and education, helping visitors understand the wildlife that once shaped Ireland’s forests and mountains and perhaps imagine what our landscape looked like before those animals disappeared.
What to expect on a visit to ‘Wild Ireland’
Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Wild Ireland’
‘Wild Ireland’ is located in Dundrean, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, F93 KN7X, Ireland
Online Prices: Adult: €18.50, Child: €14.50, Concession: €14.50, Family Ticket: €64.00
Gate Prices: Adult: €22.50, Child: €18.50, Concession: €18.50, Family Ticket: €74
Friday 10:00am- 4:00pm (last entry 3:00pm)
Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm (last entry 3:00pm)
Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm (last entry 3:00pm)
A typical visit to ‘Wild Ireland’ takes around two hours, allowing plenty of time to walk the trails and see the animals.
Guests touring with Donegal Tour Guide enjoy VIP access, which can include private feeding times and talks with the team. This allows us to experience the highlights of the park in a shorter time while still getting a deeper insight into the animals and the sanctuary.
You can bring your own picnic and eat in the designated areas. There is also a cafe which provides an array beverages, hot food, snacks, sandwiches and sweet treats.
Yes. There is a shop, cafe and toilet facilities on site.
Yes, there are paths throughout the park, the terrain is flat throughout, and it’s easily accessible. We do not have wheelchairs available for visitors. Disabled toilet also available.
‘Wild Ireland’ is a fantastic stop on an Inishowen tour, especially for families, offering a rare chance to see wolves, bears and lynx that once roamed Ireland. For children in particular, it’s an exciting and educational break from the scenery, bringing Ireland’s lost wildlife vividly to life.
Including ‘Wild Ireland’ in a private Donegal tour
In the northeast of County Donegal, ‘Wild Ireland‘ is a comfortable excursion from Buncrana, Letterkenny and Derry City. It works beautifully as part of a full day Inishowen Donegal experience. I often pair it with:
- Derry Walls
- Fort Dunree
- Glenevin waterfall
-
Malin Head
Because all of my tours are private, we can adapt the locations visited and time spent at each to suit your interests. There is no fixed schedule, only your pace.
