Bats are a unique and vital part of Ireland’s wildlife.
Though they are often unseen, these animals play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
This article covers everything you need to know about bats in Ireland and how they are protected.
Table of Contents
What Are Bats?
Bats are mammals – like humans. They have fur, are warm-blooded, give birth to live young, and mothers feed their babies milk. But what makes bats unique is their ability to fly.
A bat’s wing is very similar to a human hand. Their thumb is small and claw-like, but the other fingers are long and support a thin layer of skin stretched between them. This skin forms the wing and allows them to fly.
All bats can see; however, they famously use echolocation to help them fly in the dark. This involves making high-pitched sounds (that humans can’t hear) and listening to the echoes that bounce back from objects in their path.
Species of Bats in Ireland
Bats belong to the group of animals known as Chiroptera. Around the world, there are over 1,400 bat species. Bats in the tropics can eat fruit or even drink blood. However, the 9 species of bats in Ireland are all insect-eaters. Irish bats usually live for about 7–8 years, but some have been known to live over 15 years.
The 9 species of bats in Ireland fall into two groups:
Family Rhinolophidae:
- Lesser horseshoe bat – mainly found in the west & southwest.
Family Vespertilionidae:
- Common pipistrelle
- Soprano pipistrelle
- Nathusius’ pipistrelle
- Leisler’s bat
- Brown long-eared bat
- Daubenton’s bat
- Whiskered bat
- Natterer’s bat
These bat families are told apart by their noses and ears. Vesper bats have simple noses and a skin flap in the ear (tragus). Horseshoe bats have a skin flap on their noise (noseleaf) but no tragus.
Where do Bats Live?
The place a bat lives is called its roost. Bats need different roosting conditions at different times of the year and often move around to find a roost that meets their needs.
In summer, females gather in warm places (e.g. attic spaces, stables, old buildings) to give birth. These are called maternity or nursery roosts.
In winter, bats hibernate in cooler, damp areas like caves, cellars, or basements.
Many bats in Ireland also roost in woodlands and trees when they can find the right conditions. Good roosts are hard to come by, so bats often rely on buildings. As a consequence, their protection depends on us.
Protecting Bats in Ireland
Bats in Ireland are protected by law (both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). It is illegal to harm, kill, or disturb a bat or its roost. If someone wants to carry out building or development work where bats may be present, they must get advice from the proper authority:
- Republic of Ireland – National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
- Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
On top of local laws, Ireland also has to follow European regulations under the EU Habitats Directive. The lesser horseshoe bat gets special protection, and their roosting areas are often marked as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). All other bat species are also protected and must be kept in a “favourable conservation status.”
Bats & Building Work
If bats or their roosts might be affected by building work, a bat survey is often required before development can begin. Local authorities may request a survey if they think the land or building has potential for bats, even if none have been recorded there before.
Bat surveys are usually carried out in summer when bats are most active and easier to detect. However, if the site could be used for hibernation, surveys might take place during winter. If bats or their roosts are found, then the NPWS or trained expert must be contacted before proceeding with any work.
These steps help ensure that development doesn’t harm bats in Ireland or the places they depend on.
Bat Surveys with Southern Scientific
Bats are a vital part of Ireland’s natural world. They control insect populations and are indicators of a healthy environment. That’s why bat conservation is so important.
At Southern Scientific, our team of qualified ecologists offers expert bat surveys. If you’re planning a project that could affect bats or their habitats, we’re here to help you move forward responsibly while protecting these incredible animals.
