Ireland’s Eagle Comeback: Latest Batch of Chicks Set Free

Four white-tailed eagle chicks were released into the wild on Friday at Killarney National Park in County Kerry, marking the final phase of the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) reintroduction programme.

The project, which began in 2007, has so far overseen the release of 245 chicks across Ireland as part of efforts to restore the species after more than a century of extinction.

Once native to Ireland, the white-tailed eagle disappeared in the nineteenth century due to human persecution. Since 2007, the NPWS has worked closely with partners in Norway, as well as local farmers and communities, to reintroduce the bird and establish a self-sustaining population in the wild. The white-tailed eagle plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity as a top predator.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD spoke at the release event in Killarney, praising the programme’s success. He said, “This project has brought the white-tailed eagle soaring again in Irish skies. It is the result of 18 years of collaboration between NPWS and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, alongside local communities and landowners. We now have breeding pairs from Cork in the south right up to Donegal in the north.”

Killarney National Park has become a key stronghold for the species, with two chicks fledging successfully for the fourth consecutive year. All released chicks are fitted with satellite tags to monitor their movements and survival as they disperse. Despite the progress, the birds remain vulnerable to threats such as adverse weather, disease, and illegal poisoning.

Norway’s Ambassador to Ireland, Aslak Brun, highlighted the strong cooperation between the two countries. “Thanks to wildlife experts and volunteers from both nations, white-tailed eagles are once again spreading their wings over Ireland,” he said. “This successful reintroduction is an important step in protecting biodiversity and offers hope for future conservation efforts.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of NPWS, described the programme as a flagship conservation initiative that combines science, best practice, and community partnership. Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager at Killarney National Park, added that the park provides ideal habitat with tall oak and pine trees, quiet surroundings, and abundant fish to support the eagles.

White-tailed eagles feed on fish, waterbirds, and carrion, nesting near coasts and large freshwater lakes. Protected under Irish law, they were eradicated in the 19th century but are now returning as a vital part of Ireland’s natural heritage. The reintroduction also has potential to boost rural economies through eco-tourism.

The current phase of the programme began in 2020 to strengthen the population established by the original 2007–2011 releases. The first successful breeding occurred in 2012 on Lough Derg, County Clare. By 2020, there were eight to ten breeding pairs across several counties, producing 31 fledged chicks.

An estimated 150 individual eagles now live in the wild in Ireland, enough to maintain a self-sustaining population. In 2024, 13 chicks were born from 10 known pairs. So far in 2025, there are 17 confirmed breeding pairs, though the total number of chicks is still being monitored.

Each year, young white-tailed eagle chicks aged seven to ten weeks are flown from Norway to Ireland. They are cared for by NPWS until ready for release. Satellite tracking continues after release to monitor their progress and breeding success in the wild.