The Fauna of Kerry

Extinct Animals
Visitors to Muckross House in Killarney are amazed at the size of the huge antlers hanging in the main hall. This specimen belongs to one of Ireland´s now extinct animals, the Irish Elk. Its huge antlers measured as much as 14 feet (4.3m). It seems to have died out about 6,000 years ago. Bears existed here until 800 B.C., a bear´s tooth has been found in the sandhills at Castlegregory. Wild boar survived until the 1600´s and from excavations of various sites, seems to be have been widespread throughout the country. Wolves were also common here and were probably one of the reasons for the building of the many stone forts around Ireland. Torc Mountain in Killarney gets its name from an enchanted boar that was killed there by the legendary hero, Fionn McCumhail. Many of the stone forts built in Kerry were built as protection from wolves. The last wolf in Ireland is said to have been killed in the McGillycuddy Reeks in 1710.

Kerry´s Special Animals
If all the above animals are dead and gone, what is left? Well Kerry is fortunate in having some animals that are special to the county. For example the Red Deer, a reminant from the last ice age over 10,000 years ago, still roams freely in the mountains above Killarney. A number of animals have been moved to one of the Blasket Islands to ensure their