Call Of The Wild
Call of the Wild…
Autumn Gathering 2022
The highlight of the Killarney National Park Nature Calendar
Autumn watch…This year marks the inaugural ‘Call of the Wild’ Autumn gathering in Killarney National Park, on Saturday 15th Sunday 16th October 2022. Autumn is considered the highlight of the Killarney National Park nature calendar, the programme will be presented by the Conservation Rangers of National Parks and Wildlife Service, led by Danny O’Keeffe, District Conservation Officer, NPWS.
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. 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)
Autumn in Killarney National Park, in particular the month of October, is considered the most amazing time to observe the Irish Red Deer activity during the annual rutting season. The audible bellows and tribal behaviour is fascinating. The rich colours of Autumn, the clear crisp air of the mornings and shadows of evening light make the park so spectacular.
To celebrate this wonder and designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a number of events will be taking place during the weekend.
Saturday will feature the Inaugural Paudie O’Leary Lecture, Paudie, was the Head Conservation Ranger at Killarney National Park, and sadly passed away unexpectedly in August 2012. His gentle presence has left a huge void among his peers and people of Killarney. His knowledge and love of the National Park was incredible. His legacy is insurmountable. 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 15th October 2022 at 3.00pm.
Other events include Autumn Dawn Watch, Photographic Workshops with renowned landscape Photographer Micheál O’Sullivan, 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 at Muckross School House, Muckross Traditional Farms on Sunday 16th at 2.00pm.
The Programme will Include:
Saturday 15th October
7.30 am: Autumn Dawn Watch Gathering: 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. No booking required.
***Early morning self guide photographic opportunities within Killarney Demesne – observing and photographing the annual rutting season from a safe distance on designated paths.
10.00 am: Autumn Photographic Workshop: with International award winning Photographer Micheál O’Sullivan meet at Ross Castle, Killarney. Bookings: info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile: +353 (0)876290556.
10.00 am – 2.00 pm 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. This event is Fully Booked
3.00 pm: 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.
7.30 pm: 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.No booking required.
Sunday 16th October
7.30 am Autumn Dawn Watch Gathering: National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) local Conservation Rangers No booking required.
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.
10.00 am: Autumn Photographic Workshop with International award winning Photographer Micheál O’Sullivan meet at Ross Castle, Killarney. Bookings: info@killarneyphototours.ie/mobile: +353 (0)876290556.
2.00pm: 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 . No booking required.
For further information and updates: www.facebook.com/killarneynationalpark