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Pictured were: Eileen O'Donoghue (Killarney Municipal District Officer) and Cllr John Sheahan (Mayor of Killarney), with Kathleen Foley, Philip Hanafin and Yvonne Quill (Killarney Looking Good/Killarney Tidy Towns Chairperson), with one of the seven wooden carvings located between Deenagh Cottage and the playground on the Fossa Way in Killarney National Park. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

By Michelle Crean

If you go down to the woods today – you’ll definitely get a surprise – as some very lifelike animal carvings have been unveiled in Killarney.

Seven wooden carvings, including a heron, kingfisher, otter, Greenland white-fronted goose, red squirrel, pine marten and an owl, were installed on the Fossa Way between Deenagh Cottage and the playground.

The wildlife were carved by Sol Solomon of Wyrdwood in West Cork and it’s the latest Tidy Towns project for 2019 to highlight the wildlife that surrounds us in the National Park, Eileen O'Donoghue, Killarney Municipal District Officer explained to the Killarney Advertiser this week.

“Some of this wildlife such as an owl, red squirrel and a heron can be seen at times within easy reach of the carvings,” Eileen said. “The Tidy Towns committee are hoping to raise awareness with parents and children to watch out for and pay attention to the wildlife we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. The Tidy Towns committee wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund and in installing the sculptures. This vital source of funding allows us to complete such worthwhile initiatives.”

The committee are currently looking at developing a storyboard which they plan to erect at the start of the trail, with information to do with the area included, she added.

“We would be very grateful for any information from members of the public to do with this location, around the Deenagh and Port Road that might be of interest to locals and visitors.”

The committee will be shortly launching their new three year plan and are always looking for volunteers to design and implement projects such as the above.

If you have an idea for any such project contact killarneylookinggood@gmail.com.