By Michelle Crean   

It's not often members of the public get a safe close up look at the native Red deer - but soon they can with two days of events at Killarney National Park. 

AUTUMN WATCH: Autumn is considered the highlight of the Killarney National Park nature calendar. Pictured are: Danny O’Keeffe (2nd left) District Conservation Officer NPWS. Also included are Conservation Rangers Sam Bayley (1st left) Padrúig O'Sullivan and Sean Forde. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

This year marks the inaugural ‘Call of the Wild’ autumn gathering - the highlight of the Killarney National Park nature calendar - and it takes place on Saturday and Sunday October 15 and 16.

The programme will be presented by the Conservation Rangers of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), led by Danny O’Keeffe, District Conservation Officer.

Killarney National Park was the first National Park in Ireland, it encompasses 10,000 hectares of diverse ecology, ancient oak and yew woodlands - the most extensive covering of native forest of international importance, the famous Lakes of Killarney, the monastic 6th century Innisfallen Island, Muckross House and Killarney House and Gardens. There the renowned native Irish Red deer - the largest and only native species with a continuous presence in Ireland since the end of the last Ice Age (c.10,000 BC) - live.

Paudie O’Leary was the Head Conservation Ranger at Killarney National Park, and sadly passed away unexpectedly in August 2012. This year to honour Paudie’s memory, Divisional Manager Killarney National Park, Eamonn Meskell, will deliver the inaugural Paudie O’Leary lecture at Killarney House Auditorium on Saturday October 15 at 3pm.

Other events include Autumn Dawn Watch, Photographic Workshops, Children's Autumn Watch with Killarney National Park Education Centre based at Knockreer House, Autumn Night Watch, and an informal discussion of the work of NPWS Conservation Rangers chaired by Chief Executive Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell.

Programme

Saturday October 15

7.30am: Autumn Dawn Watch Gathering takes place. National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) local Conservation Rangers meet at Knockreer Gates (opposite St Mary’s Cathedral) walking tour observing native Irish deer, flora and fauna during the autumn season.

Early morning self guide photographic opportunities within Killarney Demesne - observing and photographing the annual rutting season from a safe distance on designated paths.

10am: Autumn Photographic Workshop with photographer Micheál O’Sullivan at Ross Castle. For bookings: info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile 087 6290556.

10am - 2pm: Children Autumn Watch: Killarney National Park Education Centre, Knockreer House, Scavenger hunts, beginners bushcraft, nature games and a look at the mammals of Killarney National Park.
3pm: The inaugural Paudie O’Leary lecture: Killarney House and Gardens Auditorium delivered by Divisional Manager NPWS Killarney National Park: Eamonn Meskell: Bookings: Reception 01 539 3620.
7.30pm: Autumn Night Watch: Killarney National Park (NPWS) Conservation Rangers to meet at Knockreer gates (opposite St Mary’s Cathedral) bring a head torch/suitable clothing.

Sunday October 16

7.30am: Autumn Dawn Watch Gathering: National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) local Conservation Rangers. Meeting at Knockreer Gates (opposite St Mary’s Cathedral) - walking tour observing native Irish deer, flora and fauna during the autumn season.

Early morning self guide photographic opportunities within Killarney Demesne - observing and photographing the annual rutting season from a safe distance on designated paths.

10am: Autumn Photographic Workshop with photographer Micheál O’Sullivan meet at Ross Castle. Bookings: info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile 087 6290556.

2pm: Autumn Watch Scattering: Muckross School House: informal discussion with NPWS Conservation Rangers on their work in Killarney National Park - chaired by Chief Executive Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell.

For further information and updates: www.facebook.com/killarneynationalpark.