The vast wildlife population within Ireland indicates the nation’s great natural appeal. The wilderness areas, along with public parks and forestlands, are home to various deer species considered among its most fascinating wildlife.
Deer is an important issue of Ireland’s herbal history, with each species providing a completely unique view into the island’s diverse surroundings. Whether roaming through the calm woods of Killarney national park or exploring the rolling hills of Glenveagh, viewing those splendid creatures is a must for every wildlife enthusiast.
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Types of Deer in Ireland
1. Red Deer
The Red Deer is Ireland’s largest and most iconic wildlife. During the mating season, males display handsome antlers that stretch to one meter long. Science has confirmed that these animals existed in Ireland for 5,000 years.
Killarney National Park contains the only herd with this long historical lineage since all other Irish herds were reintroduced during the nineteenth century. The red deer populations can be found in parts of County Mayo, Connemara, and Glenveagh National Park.
Identifying Feature: This deer features rusty brown fur along with massive branching antlers, low within its immense size.
2. Fallow Deer
The Normans brought Fallow Deer to Ireland in the 12th century, making them smaller than Native Red Deer. The white and light-brown summer coat of this species transforms into darker tones during winter seasons. The adaptable fallow deer exists throughout the Irish landscape, with notable numbers observed in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
Identifying Feature: Medium-sized deer with obvious white markings in the summer and more muted colors in the winter.
3. Sika Deer
Asian Sika Deer arrived in Ireland during the nineteenth century, which is of Asian origin. Sika Deer measures slightly under Red Deer and displays dark brown coats in winter before turning reddish brown during summer months.
The woodlands are ideal habitats for Sika Deer, and people can spot these animals throughout Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal, along with areas in Wicklow and other forested regions.
Identifying Feature: These deer carry an average to medium body frame that appears stocky. The black stripe extends across their back, while they possess a white rump area.
4. The Giant Irish Deer
Despite being extinct for nearly 10,000 years, the Giant Irish Deer roamed Ireland’s lowlands before and following the last great Ice Age. These deer species were termed ‘giant’ for good reason: adult stags weighed around half a ton and stood 1.8 meters/5/9 feet tall at the shoulder.
Their antlers might be as wide as 4 meters/13 feet. Fossils of these gigantic beasts have been found throughout Ireland, primarily in bogs and ancient lakes, but also in caves.
Can you shoot and eat deer?
Asia controls a deer carcass in precisely the same way we handle typical carcasses. First, the animal must be bled and gutted (a Gaelic phrase). Depending on the animal’s size, you can usually chill for 10 days afterward.
Then you can cut it into various cuts such as steaks, roasts, burgers, sausages, and mince. When handled properly, it is an excellent meat rich in iron and low in fat.