The 15 BEST Animal Experiences in Northern Ireland
As an animal lover myself, there’s nothing better than getting to see, feed, feel, or play with animals near my home.
I have swum with sea lions and dolphins, fed giraffes, and ridden camels all across the world.
Sometimes, Northern Ireland doesn’t have as many attractions as other countries I’ve visited, which is frustrating.
But to make sure you don’t feel the same way, here are my 15 favourite animal experiences in Northern Ireland, in no particular order.
Animal Experiences in Northern Ireland
1. Belfast Zoo
The biggest and most popular animal experience in Northern Ireland is Belfast Zoo. Being home to more than 120 different species, you are guaranteed to find an animal you love! See all the favourites like giraffes, lions, elephants and more. It’s a great day out for all ages, with a large playpark and lots of activities along the way for children.
Location: Newtownabbey, County Antrim
Price: Adults- £13, Children- £6.50, Under 4s- free. *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to Belfast Zoo here.
2. Streamvale Farm
Streamvale is the best open farm I have ever been to. They have every farm animal you can imagine and more! There is also always something going on at Streamvale. You can feed animals at feeding time, watch the farm dog in an agility show, get a tractor and barrel ride or even watch a sheep race!
It’s a great day out for people of all ages, and you can really make a day out of it. There are multiple play areas for kids and lots of things to do as mentioned above.
You can also get food on site. They have their own company which sends food all across the country, and you can eat at their Burger Barn for some nice food!
Another selling point of Streamvale is their puppies! They have an area where you can cuddle and play with man’s best friend. It is so much fun! Look at this cute wee pup- he thinks he is a baby the way he’s lying!
Location: Dundonald, County Down
Price: Adults- £9.90, Children- £9.40, Under 2s- free. *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to Streamvale here.
3. Ark Farm
The Ark Farm is another great animal experience in Northern Ireland. It’s more of a traditional open farm, having everything you would expect. It’s another great option for kids too with tractor rides and also barrel rides. Not to mention the multiple play areas. Get to meet the animals up close as you can pet and feed most animals, especially in the Pets Corner.
Location: Newtownards, County Down
Price: Adults- £8.50, Children- £8.00, Under 2s- £2.00. *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to the Ark Farm here.
4. World of Owls
The World of Owls is one of my favourite animal experiences in Northern Ireland. The centre is focused primarily on the conservation of owls and other birds of prey. All workers are volunteers and all proceeds go to looking after their animals. It’s great. They also have reptiles, minibeasts and lots more like chickens and other traditional farm animals. You can also see red deer in the field next to the sanctuary.
Location: Randalstown, County Antrim
Price: Adults- £5.50, Children- £4.50, Under 3s- free. *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to the World of Owls here.
5. Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House
One of the most unique animal experiences in Northern Ireland is the Butterfly House at Seaforde Gardens. The butterfly house is home to 100s, if not 1000s, of butterflies and moths. It’s a great opportunity to see these animals up close like never before, with some flying up to you and even landing on you! The site also has a few other animals; mainly reptiles and birds.
And you’re in the right area to hike the Mournes and find some of the nicest waterfalls in Northern Ireland.
Location: Seaforde, County Down
Price: Adults- £11.50, Children- £6.55, Under 3s- free. *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to the Butterfly House here.
6. Castle Espie
Castle Espie is a wetland reserve with a guarantee to see some beautiful wildlife living freely. On the wetland, you will see all sorts of birds and ducks. The centre also has a conservation area where they look after and breed ducks and geese. You can buy food for only £1.50 and get to feed all the ducks and geese which is great! The site also has lots of beautiful walks and landmarks and makes for a great day out observing some feathered friends.
Location: Comber, County Down
Price: Adults- £9.70, Children- £5.35, Under 4s- free. *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to Castle Espie here.
7. Skerries Islands Speedboat Trip
Arguably the most thrilling animal experience in Northern Ireland as you charge across the water on a speedboat, but some of the animals you will see are amazing. You will see lots of birds and almost a guarantee of seals. If you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins too! It’s worth noting that the boat slows down to let you take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Location: Portrush, County Antrim
Price: £12.50 per person, 5 years old+ only *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a speedboat trip here.
8. Sheans Horse Farm
Although I have always loved horses, I had never ridden a horse until I visited Sheans. However, this was not an issue at all. They cater for all levels of experience and will happily teach you everything you need to know. I did a 90-minute trek and at the end, they taught me how to trot! The views during the treks are simply beautiful, and the prices are very affordable too, compared to other places. I would say it is the most hands-on animal experience in Northern Ireland on my list.
Location: Armoy, County Antrim
Price: 40 min trek- £18, 70 min trek- £24, 90 min trek- £30, *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a horse riding trip here.
9. Exploris Aquarium
Exploris is the only aquarium in NI and therefore, the only way to get an underwater animal experience in Northern Ireland. That being said, it’s definitely worth the trip! The aquarium is home to 1000s of fish, as well as a seal sanctuary and other marine animals like otters and penguins. It has also recently been refurbished with lots of fun activities for children along the way. It makes a great day out.
Location: Portaferry, County Down
Price: Adults- £11.35, Children- £9.50, *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to Exploris Aquarium here.
10. Cranfield Alpacas
Alpacas have become one of the most loved animals in recent years due to their cute faces and furry bodies. Cranfield Alpacas allows you to get up close and personal with these llama-like animals, taking them on treks or walks, or just getting into their homes and playing, stroking and feeding them. It’s a little pricey, but for what it is, it’s definitely worth it.
Location: Cranfield, County Down
Price: Beach Trek- £25, Field Walk- £25, Meet and Mingle- £7.50, *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to Cranfield Alpacas here.
11. Rathlin Island Puffins
One of the most extraordinary animal experiences in Northern Ireland is found off the mainland, on Rathlin Island, where you can see thousands of puffins in the summer month as they migrate from Iceland and beyond to the NI island. There’s an RSPB nature reserve which offers the best views of the puffins, and it’s free for members. Otherwise, you have to pay to get in. But it’s so cheap and SOOO worth the money.
Location: Rathlin Island, County Antrim
Price: Adult- £5, First child free, otherwise £2.50 *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to the Donkey Sanctuary here.
12. The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is a sanctuary for donkeys as the name implies, and it’s a charity, much like the World of Owls. It’s free to visit, but a donation is encouraged. And you do have to book your visit in advance as spots are limited. Visiting the sanctuary provides a very up close and personal experience with donkeys which are beautiful animals often overlooked at traditional farms. But not here…they’re treated like royalty!
Location: Ballyclare, County Antrim
Find out more and book a trip to the Donkey Sanctuary here.
13. C&J’s Animal Park
This Animal Park is like a farm or zoo but with a much more personal approach. You are able to hold or pet most of the animals available. Including snakes, skunks, lemurs, spiders etc. If you hit it at the right time, you can have a personal animal experience with animals you don’t get the opportunity to very often. I would recommend it to all animal lovers.
Location: Portadown, County Armagh
Price: Adults- £7, Children- £6, Under 3s- Free, *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to C&J’s Animal Park here.
14. Titanic Boat Tour
Even though the primary purpose of these boat tours is not animal life, it is a close second. Sailing through the harbour of Belfast, you often will see hundreds of seals out lying on the rocks. It’s a great opportunity to see wild seals in our country, especially if speedboats are not your thing. Unfortunately, the tour company have no website, so I have left their full address below.
But being on the north coast, there are lots of opportunities to do lots of other fun things such as head to the Giant’s Causeway, one of the most Instagrammable places in Northern Ireland.
Address: 68 Donegall Quay, Belfast, BT1 3AT, Northern Ireland
Price: Adults- £7, Children- £6, Under 3s- Free, *prices online and correct as of September 22
15. Mountpanther Farm Park
Mountpanther is another great animal experience in Northern Ireland the final option on my list. It’s a case of last but not least for sure. Mountpanther is another great open farm, with lots of animals and kids’ activities. The unique experience offered by Mountpanther is their ‘deer safari’. For only £3, you can venture into the deers’ field on the back of a jeep and get up close and personal with these astounding animals. Talk about value for money!
Location: Dundrum, County Down
Price: Adults- £8.90, Children- £8.50, 1-2 Years old- £2, Under 1- Free, *prices online and correct as of September 22
Find out more and book a trip to Mountpanther Farm Park here.
Animal Experiences in Northern Ireland: The Wrap Up
So there you have it! 13 amazing animal experiences in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, as our country is so small, we don’t have many options, but I can personally guarantee you will have a great time at any one of these 13! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and go have some animal fun!
