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Pine Marten
Cat Crainn · Martes martes
Agile climber with sharp claws
Woodlands and forests · Found mainly in wooded areas of Ireland
4 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of Ireland
Ireland is bursting with amazing animals, from the fields and leafy forests to the bustling sea. Watch rabbits hop through the meadows, listen to birds chirp high in the trees, or spot seals playing in the waves. Each animal has a special role in keeping the land lively and beautiful.
Featured Species
LC
Habitat Zones
Forests and Woodlands
Lush areas filled with trees, perfect homes for many creatures.
Red Fox, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel
Coastal Cliffs and Islands
Windy areas with rocky cliffs where seabirds love to nest.
Puffin, Grey Seal, Cormorant
Grasslands and Moorlands
Open lands with lots of grass, a favorite for grazing animals.
Irish Hare, Hen Harrier, Skylark
Size Comparison
10-year-old
Red Fox
About the size of a small to medium dog
Irish Hare
A bit smaller than a 10-year-old child
Puffin
About the size of a pigeon
Pine Marten
About the size of a domestic cat
Where to Spot Them
Red Fox
Look in: Widespread across Ireland
Watch for: Red foxes are mostly nocturnal, known for their stealth.
Irish Hare
Look in: Common across the countryside
Watch for: Irish hares are solitary animals that are active all year.
Puffin
Look in: Seen on coastal cliffs and islands during breeding season
Watch for: Puffins are excellent fliers and can reach speeds up to 88 km/h.
Pine Marten
Look in: Found mainly in wooded areas of Ireland
Watch for: Pine martens are mostly nocturnal and are excellent climbers.
Cultural Connection
The Irish hare is a symbol of Ireland's wildlife and is deeply ingrained in local folklore and traditions.
Vocabulary
While the red fox is found in many countries, the Irish hare is unique to Ireland and has adapted to its environment over thousands of years.
