History & heritage in Ireland
Founded in 1860, the Irish Hawking Club has represented the sport and practice of falconry in Ireland for over 160 years, making it one of the longest-running falconry clubs anywhere.
All associations
FALCONRY
Irish Hawking Club
Established 1860
Ireland's national falconry club, established in 1860 and among the oldest hawking clubs in the world.
What the practice involves
Members train and fly birds of prey — hawks, falcons and eagles — to hunt quarry in the field, a discipline built on years of apprenticeship, daily husbandry and a close working bond between falconer and bird.
Conservation & land management
Birds of prey conservation sits alongside falconry itself in the club's mission, with members' captive-breeding and husbandry expertise contributing directly to raptor welfare and, in some cases, reintroduction efforts.
Standards, legality & welfare
This pursuit is practised under Irish law and the rules of its governing body, which sets welfare, conduct and membership standards for every affiliated member. Reports of malpractice are investigated and can result in suspension or expulsion.
For associations
Taking part in the Rural Footprint programme
Associations wishing to update their profile, or to circulate the survey to their members, can contact the research team directly.