Red deer, once synonymous with Bunratty, can once again be seen roaming the grounds of the folk park.
Shannon Heritage introduced two females, currently in calf and due to give birth in May, to the park this week. A young stag will also be arriving shortly at Bunratty.
Speaking about the arrival of the red deer, Niall O’Callaghan, Managing Director, Shannon Heritage said: “Red deer have been synonymous with Bunratty Folk Park for over thirty years. They have been a hugely popular attraction as people enjoy seeing such majestic animals at close quarters. They are also seen as a real symbolic animal of Ireland by overseas visitors in particular.
“Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a living, working visitor attraction. We are really excited to have red deer back here at our site. With over 26 acres, our deer will have plenty of room to make themselves at home. The close ties between Shannon Heritage and our animals is evident in the fact that a stag is featured on our company brand logo.”
The red deer will join the growing number of animals that are currently on site at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. These include poultry, hens, ducks, turkeys, geese, sheep, ewes and lambs. There are also Shetland ponies, shorthorn cattle, donkeys, and goats.
Earlier this year Shannon Heritage also acquired two female Irish wolfhounds who are proving very popular with visitors.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.