34 deer in the Phoenix Park have been culled.
The OPW says the managed cull took place on Tuesday to keep the deer population under control.
Animal rights campaigners are calling for alternative options to be examined, such as contraception or moving the animals to a bigger space.
John Carmody from Animal Rights Action Network says culling is not the solution: "Phoenix Park is fast becoming a bloodbath for the intelligent and sensitive deer population who have lived and thrived in that park for centuries but are now lethally targeted only to end up on restaurant plates.
"We call on President Michael D. Higgins to come out and oppose the killing of these creatures that are literally roaming in his backyard, he’s been a known advocate against hunting over the years so he can no longer remain silent."
In a statement, the OPW says: "The deer population in the Phoenix Park is actively managed to keep the herd at a sustainable size. There are no natural predators for wild deer in Ireland, i.e. wolves. If animals were not removed, food would become scarce and more animals would ultimately suffer.
"Without population control, there would be other welfare issues such as low body fat, malnutrition and high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter.
"Attempting to maintain too many deer within a restricted park area would soon lead to a build-up of parasites and other pathogens causing disease in the deer.
"The Office of Public Works undertook a managed cull of the wild deer herd in the Phoenix Park on Tuesday, 2 November. There was a total of 34 animals removed from the herd, 12 males and 22 females."
