Red deer return to roam grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

A GROUP of red deer have returned to roam the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Shannon Heritage has announced that the deer can once again be seen roaming the grounds of 26 acre park and follow the recent addition of two Irish wolfhounds at Bunratty.

The group includes two females currently in calf and due to give birth in May, as well as a young stag.

“Red deer have been synonymous with Bunratty Folk Park for over thirty years,” said Niall O’Callaghan, managing director of Shannon Heritage.

“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 log,” he added.

The deer join a thriving group of animals in the park that also includes poultry, hens, ducks, turkeys, geese, sheep, ewes and lambs, Shetland ponies, shorthorn cattle, donkeys, and goats.