We’re reopening to the public for in-person experiences on May 1st!
‘Seal Feed & Enrichment’ Experience
Currently available to Wexford residents only due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Details: Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and children under 2 are not able to come into the hospital area.
Discount: Receive €5 off a seal adoption(s) of your choice for participating.
Virtual Seal Rescue Ireland Experience
COVID NOTICE:
Halloween at SRI: Seal your Doom!
For the week of halloween (both weekends included) we will be offering two additional programmes, one for kids and one for adults:
*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Seal Rescue Ireland Visitor Centre is NOT currently open to walk-in visitors throughout the day*
Starting 22nd June, the public can visit us again only by booking ahead for the new ‘Seal Feed & Enrichment Experience’. Come and meet our adorable seal pups while they’re on their road to recovery, take part in a seal feeding and enrichment experience, learn their stories, and be inspired to join the efforts in protecting seals in the wild! Come check out our gift shop, adopt your favourite seal, and make sure to take the time to explore the beautiful surrounding Courtown Woods Walking Trails and scenic coastline. See below for more details!
Getting to Seal Rescue Ireland:
We are located in the heart of Courtown harbour, snuggled just behind Courtown Adventure and Leisure Centre.
By Car: Click directions on the map for detailed driving directions from wherever you are visiting us from.
By Bus: Wexford Bus and Bus Eireann frequently stop in Gorey, from Gorey a variety of taxi services can get you to Courtown:
- Spudz Cabs: 087 127 4650
- Paudge’s Cabs: 087 274 5580
Originally established in June 2010 as “Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary” located in Co Kerry, the facility was destroyed by a a series of winter storms at the beginning of 2014. At that point, the organisation rebranded as “Seal Rescue Ireland” and moved to the current site in Courtown, Co Wexford, where we’ve continued our work ever since. Since 2014, our efforts have resulted in successful rehabilitation and release of over 350 EU protected, native seals.
Our facility comprises of 6 (out of view) intensive care units, twelve kennels with baths & heat mats, four large nursery pools, a seal hospital/ food prep kitchen, a public picnic and garden area, and our visitor centre with and education space and gift shop.
We recently teamed up with Lorraine from Gallivanting Tours to explore the ancient beauty of Courtown Woods, a current hotspot for biodiversity, and one of the last remaining strongholds of An Dubh Tir, The Dark Country.
Watch The Short Film Here
The centre is at its busiest during the two pupping seasons.
Common seals are generally born during the summer months of June and July.
Grey seals are generally born in Autumn and Winter, between October and December.
Check out this amazing sunrise seal appearance in Courtown Harbour
The beautiful Courtown Harbour is nestled quietly amongst a vast area of natural beauty. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or even a day trip down from Dublin or the Midlands make the quick trip down the “The Sunny South-East”.
Activities Near By
- VISIT OUR SEALS!
- Explore the wild & well kept Courtown Woods, with walkways for all ages.
- Follow your toes as you wander along our golden, East coast
- Get your swimming trunks on and dive into the Irish Sea
- Enjoy a frothy pint of Ireland’s black gold and a deliciously warm bite to eat at one of Courtown’s cafe’s, bars, restaurants or pubs.
- Have a laugh at Pirate’s Cove, Courtown Adventure & Leisure Centre, Flanagan’s Wharf, Courtown Amusement Centre or any of the other activities you’ll find if you come visit this gorgeous coastal community.
FIND OUT MORE AT:
‘Rescuer For A Day’ Experience
Temporarily Paused Due to COVID-19:
SRI Experience (2 days – 4 weeks)
€150.00 – €275.00
