No species meet the strict definition of “Endemic Species of Ireland.”
Define “endemic” as a species found only on the island of Ireland. Use that strict rule and authoritative lists (for example, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and IUCN) show no species that occur nowhere else. Expect instead records of subspecies, local varieties, or species with very restricted Irish populations. This precise criterion therefore produces an empty species‑level list.
Understand why this happens. Ice ages wiped the island clean of most life, and plants and animals recolonized from Britain and mainland Europe long ago. Ireland is also small and close to larger landmasses, so many species have ranges that cross borders. Scientists also split life into species and subspecies in different ways. That means unique Irish forms more often appear as subspecies or isolated populations, not wholly new species. Examples that almost fit are the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus), which is treated as an Irish subspecies, the Kerry slug (Geomalacus maculosus), which is a near‑endemic shared with Iberia, and distinct lake populations of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) that are unique locally but not separate species.
Focus on useful alternatives. Look for endemic subspecies, island or local endemics, and “near‑endemic” species that mostly occur in Ireland. Also explore Ireland’s rare and vulnerable species lists, habitat‑specific specialists in places like the Burren and Killarney, and conservation assessments from the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the IUCN Red List. Explore those areas next to get the conservation story and the closest matches to “Endemic Species of Ireland.”
