The red deer is a widespread Irish resident with established populations in Wicklow, Donegal, Galway and Kerry. Smaller populations also exist elsewhere in the country.

​

The red deer can be found in open moorland and woodland habitats. It will migrate to lower altitudes in winter, relying on conifer plantations and secluded woodland for shelter. It is grazer, feeding on grasses, shoots of deciduous and coniferous trees, leaves of heather, oak and holly as well as berries, acorns and other fruit.

​

Image (c) from Lviatour, used under Creative Commons License BY 3.0.