The National Reptile Zoo

About The National Reptile Zoo

The National Reptile Zoo, based in Hebron Business Park just outside Kilkenny city, is Ireland's only dedicated reptile zoo and puts hands-on encounters at the heart of every visit. General admission includes a public Animal Encounter session where a keeper introduces guests to some of the resident snakes, lizards, tortoises and invertebrates, including long-time favourites like sulcata tortoise Sully. Beyond snakes and lizards, the collection extends to amphibians and insects, and the zoo runs an educational "Zoo To You" outreach programme that brings animals out to schools and events rather than only welcoming visitors in. It partners with conservation bodies including the Turtle Survival Alliance and the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Group, and its education offering includes summer camps and STEAM-linked activities for school groups. On site, the Explorer's Mess café covers coffee, drinks and snacks, there's a gift shop, and free on-site parking with camper parking available on request. Open every day of the year bar the Christmas period, it makes for a distinctive, indoor-friendly alternative to the region's larger open-air parks, especially on a wet day.

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