A mute swan and cygnets search for food in the shallow stream at Marina Park Ballintemple, Cork. Mute swans are thought to be the descendants of domesticated swans, prized for their meat through the Middle Ages. Each and every mute swan was legally declared to be the property of the British crown. Another species of swan, the Bewick’s swan, also known as Tundra swan, is a far less common sight now in Ireland. The success of the whooper swan is certainly something to celebrate and support.

Source: Irish Examiner January 21, 2026 10:40 UTC