Book Your Visit Today!
‘Seal Feed & Enrichment’ Experience
Advanced booking is required for visits. We recommend booking 2 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment!
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
Our immersive, behind-the-scenes tour is now available online! Now our fans and fellow seal lovers from around the globe can take advantage of the unique opportunity to meet our adorable seal pups up close, from the comfort of your own home!In this completely virtual experience, we will bring the excitement of our rescue centre directly into your home! You will have the unique opportunity to have an in-depth look into the world of wildlife rehabilitation at Ireland’s only seal rescue centre. Come meet our adorable seal pups up close and help them get one step closer to being released back into the wild!
Your experience will begin with an educational talk about the different types of seals in Ireland, the threats facing them, and how you can help create a safe environment for seals in the wild. Next, we’ll bring you behind the scenes for a tour of the hospital where you’ll hear the stories of the rescue seals currently in care and meet them up close and personal. Learn how we keep the seals happy and mentally stimulated while in our care, how we keep them fed and gaining weight, learn about the rehabilitation process from ICU, to Kennels, to Pools and observe them dive, swim, and develop the skills they’ll need to flourish in the wild!
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
