Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
Killarney National Park’s popular Samhain gathering gets underway this weekend with conservation rangers presenting a series of events, beginning with what promises to be a fascinating dawn deer watch in Knockreer Estate on Saturday.
Ranger Padruig O’Sullivan, who has an unrivalled knowledge of the park’s deer population, will also present the walk on Sunday morning and the meeting point on both days will be at the front gate of the estate, opposite St Mary’sCathedral, at 7.30am.
Autumn is the highlight of the nature calendar in Killarney National Park, in particular the month of October which is considered the most amazing time to observe the red deer activity during the annual rutting season.
The audible bellows and tribal behaviour is fascinating and the rich colours of the season and the clear crisp air of the mornings and shadows of evening light make the park so spectacular.
Saturday will also feature the annual Paudie O’Leary Memorial Lecture dedicated to the late head conservation ranger at Killarney National Park who passed away unexpectedly in August 2012.
Paudie’s gentle presence left a huge void among his peers and people of Killarney. His knowledge and love of the national park was incredible and his legacy remains enormous.
This year to honour Paudie’s memory, biologist Áine Ní Shúilleabháin, will deliver the lecture entitled Paudie: Our Man for All Seasons.
Áine worked with Paudie for many years and always treasures the wonderful memories of their time in Killarney National Park.
She is the longest serving volunteer in the park with over 41 years spent using her kills as a research biologist to record valuable scientific data on waterfowl and water quality.
Áine’s research has been an invaluable source of material with recordings dating back to 1982. The lecture takes place at Killarney House Auditorium on Saturday next at 3.00pm and bookings can be made by email on infokillarneyhouse@npws.gov.ie
There are still a few places on Sunday to join renowned international landscape photographer Micheál O’Sullivan for a half day photography workshop and national park shoot.
The tour presents a very unique opportunity for those who would like to explore, learn and capture beautiful images of ancient woodlands, historic castles and breathtaking landscapes of mountains and lakes. For bookings email info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile or call 087-6290556.
All the family events at Muckross Schoolhouse and the nocturnal nature ramble at Knockreer are already fully booked.
Be wise and advertise where it will be seen: For great value advertising contact news@killarneytoday.com or call 087-2229761
