European Day of Parks celebrated in Killarney National Park

The European Day of Parks has recently been celebrated in Killarney National Park.

National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation rangers held guided walk and litter pick on the Old Kenmare Road to mark the occasion.

The European Day of Parks is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe, to raise awareness by bringing the community together.

Killarney National Park is home to many flowers, plants, trees, and wildlife, including the field maple tree; Killarney is possibly the only part of Ireland it’s known to be growing in.

Pictures of Killarney’s flora and fauna by photographer Valerie O’Sullivan can be viewed on the Radio Kerry website.

A squirrels kitchen - identified by the open nut case, on a bed of moss, hidden in woodland in Killarney National Park.
Photo:Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC

Field maple tree, discovered along the old Kenmare track, in Killarney National Park. This is possibly the only part of Ireland the deciduous tree is known to be growing. It was identified by botanist, Dr Rory Hodd. The lifespan of the field maple is 250-350 years.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC

Brian Landers, left and Diarmuid Griffin, on a guided walk to mark European Day of Parks in Killarney National Park with NPWS Conservation rangers along the Old Kenmare Road.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC

To mark European Day of Parks in Killarney National Park, NPWS Conservation Rangers, Tricia Beecher, centre and Jess Burkitt, chatting with Brian Landers on a guided walk and litter pick.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC

The cuckooflower, also known as Lady's Smock' as the flower was said to resemble a milkmaid's smock.
Its pale pink flowers bloom from April to June and are thought to coincide with the arrival of the first cuckoo.
It is noted for attracting wildlife, being the main food plants of the orange tip butterfly.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC

Common damselfly - blue and black is male. They usually occur in most fresh water lakes, such as in Killarney National Park.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/FREE PIC