Explore Courtown Woods & Beach
The centre is steps from Courtown Woods (four easy walking trails) and a 7-minute walk from Courtown Beach. Perfect for extending your day out — grab fish and chips in the village and stroll the sandy coastline.
Seal Rescue Ireland Visitor Centre (Please visit our website for visit availability)
4.8 (820)
About
Ireland's only seal rescue centre — a working rehabilitation hospital in Courtown where you can meet rescued seal pups, learn their stories, and even help feed them before they return to the wild.
Things to Do
30-Minute Guided Educational Tour
The family-friendly introduction to Seal Rescue Ireland. A 15-minute talk on Ireland's seal species and the threats they face, followed by a 15-minute tour through the fish kitchen, ICU, kennels, and rehabilitation pools. You'll meet the pups currently in care and hear their individual rescue stories. Suitable for all ages; under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Seal Feed & Enrichment Experience (1 hour)
Go behind the scenes in the hospital, help staff prepare fish feeds and enrichment items, then head to the pools to feed the seals yourself. Watch them dive and compete for fish — it's the highlight for most visitors. Max 6 people per slot. Age 13+ only; under-18s need a participating guardian. Includes €5 off a seal adoption.
Rescuer for a Day (3 hours)
The ultimate hands-on experience. After an in-depth presentation and full hospital tour, you'll work alongside the animal care team: clean pools and kennels, prepare feeds, and help with care tasks. Intimate group size — max 5 per slot. Age 13+; guardians who supervise but don't participate pay €35. Comes with a free seal adoption and sticker.
Browse the eco gift shop & adopt a seal
The on-site gift shop stocks eco-friendly products and items from local artisans. You can symbolically adopt a seal pup — you'll receive a personalised certificate, info pack, and exclusive updates on your pup's recovery journey. All proceeds directly fund the rescue and rehabilitation work.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open most weekends and holidays, 9:30am–4pm. Weekday opening varies depending on seal numbers and welfare — always check the website for current tour times before travelling. Advance booking is essential; online booking is only available up to 2 weeks ahead.
- Admission: Guided Tour €10 adults / €8 children 5–17 / free under 5. Seal Feed Experience €30pp. Rescuer for a Day €90pp.
- Parking: Free parking at the Courtown Leisure Centre car park beside Active Tribe swimming pool. Follow signs to the Seal Rescue centre behind the leisure centre. No parking at the centre itself. Accessible drop-off available at the front entrance ramp — call ahead to arrange.
- Food: No café on site. Courtown village has several cafés, pubs, and restaurants within a short walk, including a coffee shop serving vegan treats. The nearby Taravie Hotel and harbour-area eateries are also convenient.
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