Killarney National Park

Kerry Cows grazing in the beautiful setting of Muckross Park

Kerry Cows are the only cattle breed indigenous to Ireland. Mature cows weigh around 450 kg. They are very frugal and well adapted to the generally poor grazing conditions of western Ireland. Up until the 1970s they were considered the ideal breed for marginal areas, but their milk yields of around 3500 kg are no longer considered adequate for modern demands. The only pure-bred herd is bred on the farm belonging to Muckross House, now state-owned.