Foreign falconers flock to Kerry village for worldwide conference on birds of prey

Hawkers and falconers from around the world have gathered in the village of Sneem, Co Kerry, for a worldwide conference on birds of prey and the ancient art of falconry.

World Falconry Day yesterday saw dozens of the 200 delegates don traditional costume before heading off for a day’s hawking. Today will see a display for locals and for children on the village green.

Some 80 countries from Mongolia to Qatar to Japan are represented and the AGM of the International Association of Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey was secured for Ireland two years ago, spokesman Hilary White said.