Post Tagged with: "Killarney National Park"

Orthodontist by day Moth-er!  by night..A new moth not previously recorded in Ireland was confirmed this week from Killarney National Park by amateur moth enthusiast Stephen Cotter. The moth is named Scoparia Ancipitella or “Northern Grey”. It is very small and is a light grey mottled colour: Perfect for camouflaging against tree trunks during the day.



Stephen roams the quieter parts of the National Park at unearthly hours of the morning and night to catch a glimpse of these rare and beautiful species



Speaking about his new recording, Stephen remarked, “People may not appreciate the incredible moth diversity we have in Ireland. We have over 1500 different species and new species are being recorded every year by a small but dedicated network of so called moth-ers!. Some of the new species recorded are related to weather and winds, some due to transportation of plants and foodstuffs, some like this moth are probably always present but in low numbers and simply not recognised.”



The caterpillars of this moth feed on Lichens and mosses. “People think that caterpillars only eat leaves but in reality, they feed on a huge range of items including plants, mosses, fungi, rotting leaves and wood; even the hides and feathers of dead creatures! Moths are in this way incredibly important in the recycling of nutrients. And, of course, everything wants to eat them, they can be thought of as the “plankton of the forest”, and in this way support a huge diversity of creatures.” Earlier this year, Stephen recorded a rare ‘White Prominent Leucodonta’ -thought to be extinct in Ireland.  Stephen has recorded over 400 different species in Killarney National Park and Kerry County. 

The fact that enthusiasts and Conservation Rangers are  still finding new species is a sign of the richness of our moth fauna. Killarney National Park is an astounding area of rich biodiversity and this is further evidence of that.

Stephen Finds Moth In Killarney National Park Not Previously Recorded In Ireland

November 22, 2023 at 12:00 pm Comments are Disabled

A NEW moth, not previously recorded in Ireland, was confirmed this week from Killarney National Park by amateur moth enthusiast Stephen Cotter. The moth is named Scoparia Ancipitella or “Northern Grey”. It is very small and is a light grey mottled colour: perfect for camouflaging against tree trunks during the […]

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500 Species of Fungi - 202 new specimens,  A remarkable new book by  Louis O’Toole - ‘Fungi Of Killarney National Park’ - (3rd left) launched by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, the  book titled ‘Fungi of Killarney National Park’ in Killarney. With Louis isÉamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Louis’s Brother Peter O’Toole, former Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park. The book is 
published by National Park and Wildlife Service. Researched and produced by Louis, it is a mammoth masterpiece of wonderful photographs and text - with an inventory of 500 species of fungi recorded in Killarney National Park, 400 pages, coffee table book. Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, was on hand to launch the book in Killarney. 
Louis painstakingly photographed each fungi - a lifetimes work that is crucial to the understanding of mycological presence in the native woodlands. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC

New Book On Fungi In Killarney National Park Launched

October 22, 2023 at 10:51 am Comments are Disabled

A NEW book titled ‘Fungi of Killarney National Park’ in Killarney was launched earlier this week by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD Researched and produced by Louis O’Toole and published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the book is the most comprehensive inventory […]

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At the launch of the  very popular Killarney National Park ‘Autumn Talks Series’ 2023, which returns for the first time since the pandemic. The talks series commences on Thursday 5th October and continues  for six weeks and takes place at Killarney House Auditorium Thursday nights at 8.00pm. The talks series is free, seating is limited and it will also be live-streamed via the Killarney National Park Facebook page @killarneynationalpark. from left, Harry O'Donoghue, Killarney House and Gardens, Éamonn Meskell, Guest Speaker, Divisional Manager, NPWS, Mary Sheehan, District Conservation Officer, NPWS, Rachel Kavanagh, Guest Speaker, Killarney House and Gardens and Autumn Series Talks Organiser, Padruig (Brac) O'Sullivan, Conservation Ranger, NPWS. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC***

Autumn Talks Series Returns To Killarney National Park

September 27, 2023 at 10:37 am Comments are Disabled

THE Killarney National Park ‘Autumn Talks Series’ 2023, returns for the first time since the pandemic next month. The talks series commences on Thursday, October 5 and continues  for six weeks and takes place at Killarney House Auditorium Thursday nights at 8.00pm. The talks series is free, seating is limited and it […]

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Irish Red Deer Stag and his hinds in wilderness outcrops of Killarney National Park. Very shortly the annual rutting season will begin in Killarney. 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. As part of the Killarney National Park Autumn Gathering 2023,  Morning Deer watch with well known Conservation Ranger - Padruig ‘Brac’ O’Sullivan, both Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October Mornings meeting at Knockreer front gate at 7.30am. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC/NPWS***

Packed Programme For Autumn Gathering At Killarney National Park

September 19, 2023 at 12:13 pm Comments are Disabled

THIS year marks the second Autumn Gathering – ‘Samhain’ in Killarney National Park, on Saturday/Sunday, October 21/22 and there’s a lot on during the weekend. The programme of events will be presented by the Conservation Rangers of Killarney National Parks – National Parks and Wildlife Service, (NPWS). Autumn in Killarney […]

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service has appealed to the public not to light fires or barbecues in public places. The NPWS has increased ground crews on fire patrol and ramped up aerial monitoring with helicopters and drones. Early Summer is a precious time for wildlife and their vulnerable young, especially ground-nesting birds and mammals who are now rearing their young.
This appeal is following a ‘Condition Orange’ – High Fire Risk. Be Prepared, issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, valid until 06/06/2023
Condition Orange will generally derive from extended periods of low precipitation, moderate relative humidity and low to moderate wind conditions which have the capacity to significantly increase the risk of wildfire initiation and spread.
The Director General of the NPWS, Niall Ó Donnchú, has also asked for everybody’s cooperation to protect nature and said:
“While NPWS has increased ground crews and monitoring from the air this week, we still need to enlist your help to protect nature at this high risk time. We ask that members of the public not light fires or barbecues in any National Parks or Nature Reserves, or indeed in nature generally.  We are also asking that the public be vigilant and report any fire activity without delay.”  
Sean Noonan, left and Mark Campion, Members of Killarney Meitheal working group on fire guarding patrol - overlooking Killarney National Park at Aghadoe viewing point this week. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC/ ISSUED 30/05/2023

National Parks Service Urges Caution During ‘Condition Orange’

May 30, 2023 at 3:13 pm Comments are Disabled

THE National Parks and Wildlife Service has appealed to the public not to light fires or barbecues in public places. This appeal is following a ‘Condition Orange’ – High Fire Risk. Be Prepared, issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, valid until June 6. The NPWS has […]

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is pleased to announce its latest strategic land acquisition at Derrycunnihy, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
The acquisition consists of over 70  hectares at Derrycunnihy, a site completely surrounded by Killarney National Park lands. It is a hugely important addition to the Park as it is an area of high conservation and ecological value, and all of the lands are part of a European site of nature conservation, Macgillycuddy Reeks & Killarney National Park SAC (site code 365).  The habitat here consists of dry heath, oak woodlands, pockets of blanket bog and an oligotrophic lake, a true reflection of what lands in a National Park should be.
These lands are close to Derrycunnihy church, an important architectural feature  within Killarney National Park.  This iconic structure, one of the most beautifully situated, scenic churches in Ireland has recently undergone conservation works and is home to a number of protected species including the lesser horseshoe bat. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PICS/ISSUED FOR NPWS***

NPWS Acquires More Land For Killarney National Park

December 13, 2022 at 1:09 pm Comments are Disabled

THE National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has announced its latest strategic land acquisition at Derrycunnihy, Killarney. The acquisition consists of over 70 hectares at Derrycunnihy, a site completely surrounded by Killarney National Park lands. It is described by the NPWS as a hugely important addition to the Park as […]

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For The Birds…With Sam Bayley
Sam Bayley National Park and Wildlife Conservation Ranger in Killarney National Park, will be providing information and regular video features on his work as a Conservation Ranger. One of the main role of the Ranger is the monitor the wildlife within the Killarney National Park. Sam’s particular focus is birds. Some of this is through observation and other methods such as bird ringing, which requires lots of training and licencing in the use of nets to catch the birds and ensuring their welfare. Speaking about his work “Bird Ringing helps us to study particular individuals within the population, so we can learn about their movements, habitats  and how long they live for. A series of measurements such as wing length, weight, ageing and sexing are key factors for us to record.” 
Also included in the photos is  Orla Van Der Noll, from Tralee,  an Ecologist with passion for ornithology and  chiropterology and the conservation of our biodiversity. www.facebook.com/killarneynationalpark for updates. 
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PICS on behalf of NPWS

Conservation Ranger To Provide Video Updates On His Work In Killarney National Park

November 30, 2022 at 10:22 am Comments are Disabled

THE National Park and Wildlife Conservation Ranger in Killarney National Park, will be providing information and regular video features on his work as a Conservation Ranger. One of the main roles of Ranger Sam Bayley is to monitor the wildlife within the Killarney National Park. Sam’s particular focus is birds. […]

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Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Councillor Brendan Cronin at Dinis Cottage where works were carried out.

€200,000 Works Completed At Parking And Lay-By Areas Near Killarney National Park

December 21, 2020 at 12:02 pm Comments are Disabled

THE Council has announced the completion of works costing €200,000 to a number of parking areas and lay-bys near Killarney National Park on the Killarney-Kenmare Road. The works at one of the county’s top tourist attractions took place at five locations and were funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme […]

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Fire At Killarney National Park Now Contained

Fire At Killarney National Park Now Contained

March 30, 2019 at 10:26 am Comments are Disabled

KERRY Fire Service has attended and contained a fire which occurred overnight in Killarney National Park, but is asking members of the public to stay away from the southern side of Torc Mountain until further notice. The fire was reported to the Fire Services at 10pm and two units from […]

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