World of Owls
World of Owls
4.7
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
World of Owls is one of the largest most diverse collections of owls in the UK and Ireland. 2020 Finalist of Best Small Visitor Attraction NI 2020 Finalist of Best Small Visitor Attraction NI 2020 Winner of TripAdvisor Best Small Attraction NI Winner of Best Staff Award by "World Host". Best Voluntary Contribution to Birds of Prey and Wildlife" by RSPCA. Birds of prey, reptiles, insects & other animals. Children's play park, gift shop and wheelchair accessible. Visit the website for full details. Registered charity, all staff work for no reward to look after the animals and educate the guests. It is a licensed and regulated zoo not government funded. It is rustic and rural and the vast majority of the animals are rescued. (Covid-19 Update) Pandemic closure meant funding that was destined to upgrade the centre had to go on food and bills. Upgrade will be restarted soon. We are a working Animal Education Sanctuary in a forest setting not a Disney type theme park.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.7
427 reviews
Excellent
355
Very good
47
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
11
MezCow123
London, UK11 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This was so amazing! I loved seeing all the birds, and they looked well-fed, happy, and the staff were SO friendly. We had run out of water, and we asked a member of staff if we could borrow some water, and they went out of their way to get us a bottle of fresh water!
The owls were really beautiful, and a personal favourite of mine was the Eurasian owls, which hooted at each other! The shop had nice tokens, and inside was a parrot which spoke! I would 100% recommend going here, but don’t bring REALLY young children who are loud, as they might frighten the birds. Definitely go here!
The owls were really beautiful, and a personal favourite of mine was the Eurasian owls, which hooted at each other! The shop had nice tokens, and inside was a parrot which spoke! I would 100% recommend going here, but don’t bring REALLY young children who are loud, as they might frighten the birds. Definitely go here!
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather W
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
After a quick Google search for something to do on a Saturday, we were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful world of owls. With a multitude of birds from all over the planet, some reptiles and a very helpful (and informative) guide - Mike, this location turned out to be a fantastic day out. At only £15.50 for 3 (2x adults and 1x child) it was great value, especially when you realise that all proceeds go towards the animals food, shelter, and medicines.
Mike and his family have done a tremendous job of looking after these magnificent birds and giving them a second chance where their previous owners have fallen short. I would highly recommend this exhibit to all walks of life!
To get the most value out of your visit, make sure to ask questions! The staff/volunteers were more than happy to help us and it even taught us a few new things. :)
Mike and his family have done a tremendous job of looking after these magnificent birds and giving them a second chance where their previous owners have fallen short. I would highly recommend this exhibit to all walks of life!
To get the most value out of your visit, make sure to ask questions! The staff/volunteers were more than happy to help us and it even taught us a few new things. :)
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karis B
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Friends
A fabulous little spot with the most knowledgeable and caring team! We had such a great chat with Mike about all the birds and his care is so evident and encouraging! A fully voluntary sanctuary, all funds go to giving the animals the best care and it’s clear the love they all get day in and out. Definitely worth a visit!
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie C
5 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Today I brought my 3 children to visit World of Owls. There was a free of charge car park just a few metres away from the entrance which was surrounded by beautiful scenery. When we entered we were greeted very pleasantly by Mike. The entrance fee is cheap and it feels even better knowing its all for a charity that is caring for such unique animals.
The birds were all so beautiful and their enclosures were clean with the volunteers hard at work when we were there. We even got to hold one of the Owls and any questions my kids had Mike answered and told us a lot of interesting facts about the birds.
At the end of our visit we had a picnic at the picnic benches and the kids all had fun on the climbing frame and swings. The kids were even asking when they could come back again and we hadn't even reached the car! 100% recommended for a day out with children.
The birds were all so beautiful and their enclosures were clean with the volunteers hard at work when we were there. We even got to hold one of the Owls and any questions my kids had Mike answered and told us a lot of interesting facts about the birds.
At the end of our visit we had a picnic at the picnic benches and the kids all had fun on the climbing frame and swings. The kids were even asking when they could come back again and we hadn't even reached the car! 100% recommended for a day out with children.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conor M
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Decide to go to the world of owls as my 2 year old daughter is fascinated by all wild life and particularly owls at the minute (woot woot).
Some spectacular bird life here. Owls of all breeds, raptors, hawks and a golden eagle. We walked the ground very quickly as the 2 year old has no patience. We were trailed to the grass area with a small park for 20 mins or so to burn of some of the toddlers energy. When we went to the last part of the visit this made the trip absolutely fantastic. We meet Mike the owner and four Americans from Texas who were holding a very special owl and a very rare black barn owl. We got lots of information on the owl who has been in films and tv shows and photos. My son who is 12 years old is a big fan of one of the films. My family had a great day and a great experience at the World of owls. Thank you Mike.
Some spectacular bird life here. Owls of all breeds, raptors, hawks and a golden eagle. We walked the ground very quickly as the 2 year old has no patience. We were trailed to the grass area with a small park for 20 mins or so to burn of some of the toddlers energy. When we went to the last part of the visit this made the trip absolutely fantastic. We meet Mike the owner and four Americans from Texas who were holding a very special owl and a very rare black barn owl. We got lots of information on the owl who has been in films and tv shows and photos. My son who is 12 years old is a big fan of one of the films. My family had a great day and a great experience at the World of owls. Thank you Mike.
Written 17 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam C
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Couples
Absolutely brilliant. It was better than we could have imagined. Mike was incredibly helpful and provided a great experience, going above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. Around 40 different birds to see, and I can 100% recommend the owl experience to anyone interested. Mike was prompt to reply and help organise our visit beforehand.
Written 10 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacob M
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
The world of owls is a wonderful experience to do with family, we went there today and we saw many stunning animals and even got to pet a few. There was so much to see and enjoy and the staff were very friendly and helpful, and informative! I would recommend to anyone!
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan H
Belfast, UK6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
My wife and I along with 2 of our granddaughters visited World of Owls at the start of April 2024. We had a lovely time, staff were pleasant and Mike in particular was excellent with information and funny at the same time. Our 2 granddaughters want to go back it was so good!!
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KayTB
London, UK175 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The owls are gorgeous. The staff have had a really hard time keeping going because of all the income they lost from COVID, but they have managed to keep all the owls fed, and they were very friendly and chatty with us. I hope lots more people will visit to help provide the income for the improvements they would like to be able to make.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raymondg962
Coventry, UK123 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
If you like Owl's and birds of prey, this is worth a visi. Itt is not a very big place, but will kill an hour or so. The birds are spectacular. Unfortunately, the place is a looking a bit run down, the enclosures are showing their age and most of the name plates and descriptions are missing, there didn't appear to be any refreshments available. There is nothing there for younger kids, like maybe a playground either, i know kerping their attention can be challenging when they want to burn of excess energy,there is a public toilet at least.
It appears to be to be in need of some urgent upgrading and a LOT of t.l.c., as I said the birds are magnificent in their splendour, but it definitely needs a lot of money invested.
I don't know what their mission statement is, are they just like a small zoo or sanctuary. Or are they trying to be a sanctuary cum breeding cum protection type of thing.
As I said, if you like birds if prey, worth a visit, that is if you are in the area, anything more than a 45 minute drive and I believe people
may be disappointed.
I don't want to completely do them a disservice as I said I enjoyed it as did my mum who is a massive Owl freak.
If you are in the area give it go, the little ones should at least enjoy the birds.
It appears to be to be in need of some urgent upgrading and a LOT of t.l.c., as I said the birds are magnificent in their splendour, but it definitely needs a lot of money invested.
I don't know what their mission statement is, are they just like a small zoo or sanctuary. Or are they trying to be a sanctuary cum breeding cum protection type of thing.
As I said, if you like birds if prey, worth a visit, that is if you are in the area, anything more than a 45 minute drive and I believe people
may be disappointed.
I don't want to completely do them a disservice as I said I enjoyed it as did my mum who is a massive Owl freak.
If you are in the area give it go, the little ones should at least enjoy the birds.
Written 13 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long would you spend here? Is there a specific good time to visit for example
Written 11 October 2020
Sorry, I am only seeing this section of TripAdvisor now.
Most people spend roughly between an hour and 2 hours, also depends on the weather. It depends on what you want to experience with us. People that come with a positive attitude tend to spend longer. Our staff will talk to you all day if you let them. Some people, especially in the summer bring picnics and spend the day with us. Remember, we are a working animal rescue sanctuary not a Disneyland type attraction.
Written 19 October 2020
Where is the nearest bus station and how old do I have to be to volunteer?
Written 10 December 2017
Hi Luke,
I am sorry I do not know the answer to any of your questions. I visited by car and I am not a part of the centre administration. However, the staff are very helpful and if you were to contact them I sure they will be able to answer your questions. You can contact them by telephone, email, or post.
Address:
World of Owls Centre,
Randalstown Forest,
32 Mt Shalgus Lane,
Randalstown,
County Antrim
BT41 3LE
Phone: 028 9447 2307
Email: admin @ worldofowls . com (no spaces)
Hope this helps
Written 11 December 2017
hi, how much is the owl experience?I can't seem to find this info on the website. Hoping to bring my three kids next weekend and think this extra option may be something they'd like. Thanks in advance.
Written 12 April 2017
£5.50 per adults and kids/oap were £4.50.
Written 12 April 2017
Hi, We have an Owl experience for an extra fee, all goes to aid the owls and animals in our care. Please check worldofowls. com if your answer is not there please feel free to email or call us.
Written 17 November 2016
Why would you write such things about a self funding charity trying to do good. I appreciate that everyone has their own opinion but that was completely unfair for people that do all this good work for no pay and also use their own personal money to help these animals. I am a vet and can tell you I have visited many collections in the world and i can assure you World of Owls animals are in top physical and mental condition. You must be used to visiting well funded zoo's and not family run rescue centres to say such horrid things, which in turn will only damage their reputation and hinder them from getting more visitors thus decreasing their funds to help the animals in their care. Do you also realise that the owner sold his own family home to set this place up, again for no reward ALSO that the family offer the only FREE wildlife rescue service in Northern Ireland, were do you think the money comes from to do all this???
Written 14 September 2015
Thank you Michael. Its seems ages since we last spoke. Thanks for your kind remarks.
I am aware that we will not please everyone, these 2 bad reviews have really hurt the feelings of our voluntary staff and myself to be honest. I am the first to say we need some new enclosures, we can only do what we can with the money we have. As YOU are aware our enclosures are perfectly adequate for our birds requirements and do legally confirm with the standardised legal requirements, but we have to build nice shiny larger aviaries for public perception.
If people would ask rather than go straight ahead and write damaging reviews it might improve their understanding, such as, every animal with us was rescued, a lot of which out of, sheds, garages, cupboards, etc. If you put these poor animals straight into a large open enclosure it can cause them stress.
We are replacing older enclosures as we speak and will always be improving the centre. Thanks again, please get in touch as i dont have your contact details. Please add me to Facebook, if you use it.
Written 14 September 2015
Just wondering if Anne L went to the same place we did. Yes some of the enclosures are a wee bit run down. But as was explained by more than one member of staff to us, they are saving up to replace them as soon as they can. Maybe make a donation to help instead of trying to run the place down. Will be visiting again as our Grandson(aged 7) and even our 15 month old grand-daughter loved it. Oh and by the way both myself and my wife loved the place as well.
Written 12 September 2015
Thank you John for your kind remarks. I also agree some of our enclosures are run down. We were broken into and vandalised causing a lot of loss death & financial hardship. But as you look around there are many more New enclosures starting to replace them. The animals are in great health. If these people had of asked rather than degrade us they would have been shown our forward strategy and explained to about what we are doing.
Written 14 September 2015
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