What is the Irish Hawking Club?

The IHC is the representative body for falconry in Ireland. It is thought to be one of the oldest falconry clubs in the world, with its origins stretching as far back as the mid-19th century. The history of falconry on the island of Ireland goes back much further, however. For a more detailed information on this ancient heritage, go here.

Conservation & Rehabilitation

Falconry cannot take place without the health of raptors, game species, and habitats. For this reason, all falconers, both here and around the world, take a keen interest in conservation and sustainable use. The Irish Hawking Club has a consistent track record of not only supporting conservation projects for various species, but also in the rehabilitation and release of injured wild raptors. In Summer 2024, we hosted a Raptor Welfare & Management and Avian Medicine course to help Irish vets and wildlife rehab groups better understand raptor medicine. For more detailed information on what we do, see here.

Becoming a falconer

While deeply enriching for those who practise it, falconry is not something to be taken up on whim and comes with many challenges. For a taster of what is required, please read this.

How can I become a member of the IHC?

You can join by submitting an application through our website form here.

Does the IHC hold events?

Yes. Fieldmeets and club events are held during the year and are open to members. We also host various workshops and seasonal falconry events, including veterinary conferences, conservation fundraisers, game fair stands, and a hugely successful exhibition on falconry history at Phoenix Park as part of National Heritage Week.