Too many red deer in Killarney

Numbers of red deer in the two main herds in the lowland areas of Killarney National Park are now believed to be higher than ever, writes Donal Hickey. 

X-Taoiseach Charlie Haughey used to boast that native red deer which had been relocated from Killarney National Park, Co Cork, to his Blasket island haven, Innisvickillane, were doing better than deer remaining in the park.

It’s more than 40 years since a stag and two hinds were moved to Innisvickillane, later joined by other stags to strengthen bloodlines. At one stage, the island herd numbered around 100 and a cull had to be carried out. Haughey cited his personal experience of the animals, in which he took obvious pride, as proof that deer could be successfully relocated.