Killarney National Park has announced the arrival of the first calf of 2026 in its historic Kerry Cattle herd.

Staff at the national park yesterday (Saturday, March 28) confirmed the arrival of the heifer calf.

"It's a girl…the first Kerry calf of 2026! Born this morning in the rare Kerry Cattle ‘maternity ward’ in Killarney National Park.

"Both doing exceptionally well, under the guidance of NPWS herdsmen," a post on social media said.

Kerry Cattle

Kerry Cattle are a rare breed of dairy cattle which are native to Co. Kerry.

The breed is understood to have descended from the Celtic Shorthorn, brought to Ireland as early as 2000 BC.

Kerry Cattle are therefore considered one of the oldest breeds in Europe.

The cattle are known for their milk quality and gentle nature.

The Kerry Cattle Premium Scheme, run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), provides financial support to encourage farmers to keep herds of Kerry cattle.

Farmers, who must be a member of the Kerry Cattle Society, can get a premium of €120 per eligible calf up to a maximum payment on 32 animals in any herd in a calendar year.

According to the department, the scheme helps to maintain a sufficient reserve of pure-bred breeding stock.

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park said it recognises the importance of conserving the historic Muckross Herd of Kerry Cattle, which can be seen grazing in the park.

The herd was established in the early 1900s by former owner of the estate, Arthur Rose Vincent.

In 2002, 12 Kerry Cattle were sent from Killarney National Park to Farmleigh House and Estate in Dublin in order to establish a herd there.