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    Spotting Bats in Ireland

    Author: Dawn Rainbolt, PR Manager
    More by Dawn

    Creatures of Ireland

    Bats, black cats, frogs, spiders – these small creatures feature often in spooky stories, be that as a witch’s familiar, a creepy companion, a vampire’s animal form, or the haunt of a haunted house.

    While it’s true that bats (not to mention frogs, toads and spiders!) might seem icky at first glance, these are remarkable creatures that play an essential role in the local ecosystem. Bats are actually some of Ireland’s most fascinating wildlife – and Halloween is just the time of year to appreciate these witchy nocturnal animals. So why not embrace the spooky season by learning more about these nocturnal flyers?

    Why Bats are Fascinating

    Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight – that in itself is fascinating. As nocturnal beings, they have an incredible ability to navigate in the dark using echolocation. To “see” through sound, bats send out high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects.

    While bats not be Ireland’s most popular wildlife species, they are integral in keeping insect swarms to a minimum. Feasting nightly on mosquitoes, moths, and other pesky bugs, these often misunderstood creatures play a crucially beneficial role in the environment. Far from being dangerous or unlikeable, bats help balance ecosystems and keep unwanted insect populations in check.

    When and How to Spot Bats in Ireland

    Ireland is home to nine bat species, and while you might not think about going bat-spotting, it’s easier to find these small mammals than you might expect.

    Where to spot bats? Read More

    The best places to spot bats are near wooded areas, on river banks, along lake shores, or near old buildings – anywhere with plenty of insects for them to hunt. They particularly like old buildings for roosting, where they doze during the daylight hours. Be careful not to disturb them, as bats are a protected species.

    How to spot bats? Read More

    They are most active during twilight hours, so dusk is the perfect time to watch them swooping silently through the air. Ireland’s long summer hours mean you’ll have to stay out late to watch them flit about, so autumn’s longer evenings are actually the perfect time to spot bats.

    Head out in the evening to watch them dive across the dusky skies – once you’ve had your fill of these incredible creatures, it’s time to step into the pub, cosy up by the fire, and enjoy the warmth of a hot whiskey in hand.

    Where to Spot Bats – West Coast

    Donegal

    Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, from the northern reaches of Donegal down to the tips of West Cork, offers some fantastic locations for bat-spotting, with its mix of natural landscapes and historic sites. County Donegal, known for its rugged cliffs and deep forests, provides ideal bat habitats, especially near areas like Glenveagh National Park. With its wooded valleys and serene lakes, Glenveagh offers the perfect mix of water and cover that bats need.

    Hike through wild Donegal and its eerie mountainous landscapes on a hiking tour that combines this rugged region perfect for wildlife spotting from bats to birds of prey to red deer, along with the unique and storied landscape of the Causeway Coast. Learn more below.

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    Glenveagh National Park

    Connemara

    Moving south, Connemara National Park in County Galway is another great spot for bat (and other wildlife) enthusiasts. Connemara’s varied landscape, from bogs to stony hills, supports many bat species, including the Common Pipistrelle. Around the park’s lakes and rivers, you may catch a glimpse of bats hunting for insects in the early evening.

    Beyond the bats, Connemara’s wild corners, heather-capped hills, deep fjords, windblown islands, and salt-stung shores are an outdoor lover’s playground. Offering fantastic hiking opportunities for beginners and experienced hikers alike, as well as stunning cycling routes for two-wheeled travellers, Connemara is simply a wonderful and wild place.

    Explore the rugged hills and peatlands of Connemara and wander its windswept islands where the buggy bogs keep bats busy.

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    Connemara Mountains

    Clare & the Burren

    In County Clare, the Burren’s unique karst landscape might seem like a barren landscape at first glance, but at night, it becomes an active hunting ground for bats. The caves and crevices that line the Burren’s rocky hills offer perfect roosting spots for these nocturnal creatures.

    Don’t miss the region’s fabulous natural bouquet of wildflowers bursting from the crags of the Burren. From the flowers to the bugs to the bats, the Burren is far less barren than aerial shots of this rock-strewn landscape might have you believe.

    Climb over the limestone landscape and into the limestone caves when exploring the Burren on a hiking tour of Clare.

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    Underground caverns at Ailwee Caves in the Burren

    Underground caverns at Ailwee Caves in the Burren.

    Killarney & Kerry

    For a truly special experience, head to Killarney National Park in County Kerry, one of Ireland’s most biodiverse areas. Its rich woodland and proximity to large lakes make it a haven for wildlife, including several bat species. Muckross Abbey, with its atmospheric ruins and old trees, is a prime location to catch sight of bats flitting through the twilight.

    Killarney is a special place by day and by night. Hike the soaring mountains and valleys of Kerry to spot eagles, red deer, and birds of prey by day and bats and a star-studded sky by night.

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    Muckross Abbey

    West Cork

    Further down the coast, Gougane Barra Forest Park, located in County Cork, is an enchanting place to spot bats. This remote woodland park, with its sheltered valley and reflective lake, is another excellent habitat for Ireland’s bat species, particularly the Brown Long-Eared Bat.

    Beyond this park, West Cork is a windswept and wild place, flung far from the hustle and bustle of the city. For anyone looking to get away from the world and immerse yourself in nature, West Cork is just the place to do it.

    Bike through West Cork on a gentle bike tour, perhaps spotting a few flitting bats in the evening. Not keen to pedal a road bike? Upgrade to an E-bike so you can focus on the views.

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    Gougane Barra, St Finbarr's Route, Ireland's pilgrimage paths

    Gougane Barra Forest Park, Cork

    What Bats You Might Find

    Ireland has nine bat species. The Irish bat population includes species such as the Common Pipistrelle, the Soprano Pipistrelle, and the Brown Long-Eared Bat, all of which are relatively common species. The Pipistrelles are tiny, weighing less than a medium-sized coin, and are often seen flitting around urban areas at dusk. The Brown Long-Eared Bat, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive ears, which help it detect the softest of sounds when hunting. A few other bats, like the horseshoe bat, are far less common. Other bat types you might spot here are the Nathusius’ pipistrelle, Leisler’s bat, Daubentoon’s bat, Natterer’s bat, and the whiskered bat. (Learn about bat conservation here).

    In any case, all Irish bats are protected by EU regulations. You can read more about this on Ireland’s National Parks and Wildlife Service page here.

    Discover More Irish Wildlife

    Wildlife Tours in Ireland

    Wilderness Ireland Departure DatesAvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

    12th Apr - 18th Apr 2025

    6 place(s) leftGuaranteed 2,920Book Now
    Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

    19th Jul - 25th Jul 2025

    8 place(s) leftAvailable 2,920Book Now
    Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

    30th Aug - 5th Sep 2025

    6 place(s) leftGuaranteed 2,920Book Now

    Meet the Author: Dawn Rainbolt

    American by birth but European in spirit, Dawn has called the US, Costa Rica, Spain, England, Poland, France and now Ireland home over the years. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she has been a part of Wilderness Ireland's marketing team since 2017.

    View profile More by Dawn

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