The white-tailed eagle was reintroduced to the Irish countryside today by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.
The bird, which can have a wing span of over 8ft and weigh up 16lbs, became extinct in Ireland around 100 years ago. It is one of the world's largest birds of prey.
Mr Gormley said the release of the eaglets in Killarney National Park was another step for the Government's plan to reintroduce native birds and comply with obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
"These eagles had pride of place in the cultural and natural heritage of Ireland for hundreds of years but due to trapping and shooting in the 19th and early 20th centuries they became extinct," Mr Gormley said.
The Minister reintroduced the red kite in Co Wicklow last month after an absence of 200 years. The Golden Eagle was reintroduced in Co Donegal in 2001 and has already bred successfully.
The 11 white-tailed or sea eagles released today are expected to disperse to the coastline after a few months where they will be monitored. Four more will be released in the coming days.
"I know that in Scotland white-tailed eagles attract thousands of visitors annually, and hopefully in time, these eagles will attract similar visitor numbers and will prove another attraction in promoting the wild and unspoilt landscape of the south west region," Mr Gormley said.
The eagle chicks, which came from Norway, were met with protests when the arrived at Kerry Airport in Farranfore last June. More than 100 farmers demonstrated over the threat the eagle could pose to lambs, in particular.
But Eamon Meskell of Killarney National Park said: "Research we put in place showed wasn't any need for that concern. But we're in ongoing consultation regarding this and other concerns."