Red Deer(Fia rua)

Identification Tips

• 1Largest deer in Ireland — unmistakable when mature
• 2Rich red-brown coat in summer, darker grey-brown in winter
• 3Stags have large branching (not palmate) antlers
• 4Cream rump patch without black border
• 5Calves are spotted in first few months

Similar Species

Sika Deer

Red deer are larger with less prominent rump patches and branching antlers

Fallow Deer

Red deer are larger with branching rather than palmate antlers

Description

Ireland's largest wild land mammal. Native populations survive in Kerry, with introduced populations elsewhere. Stags carry impressive branching antlers.

Habitat

Further Reading

• Red deer | Irish Deer Commission
• RTE | Learn about Ireland's largest land mammals