The records for 2023 are given below. The first sighting of a free-flying butterfly of each species is indicated in bold.
Neil J. Bourke (03/02/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at N 81049 15507 flying across the Naas Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Mild, c.11C
Helen Cloney (03/02/2023)
Red Admiral 1 at S9040, Caim, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Jesmond Harding (11/02/2023)
Marsh Fritillary larval nests 2 at N 68839 25640, Lullybeg, Co. Kildare. Mild, bright but not sunny, c.10C.
Sean Geraty (13/02/2022)
Peacock 1 at O 04630 35297 at 3:50 pm at Edmundsbury, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Breezy, c.9C.
Helen Cloney (17/02/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at S9040, Caim, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Sean Geraty (22/02/2023)
Peacock 1 at O 12655 34757, Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin. Sunny, 11C.
Joan Smyth (01/03/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at O 263379 Sutton Dinghy Club, Dublin 13. Sunny, 8C.
Sean Geraty (07/03/2023)
Red Admiral 1 at O 04630 35297 at 11:15 pm at Edmundsbury, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Sunny, 3C.
Pat Wyse (16/03/2023)
Brimstone 1 on the track at N 69039 25659, Lullybeg, Co. Kildare. Brief sunny spell, 13C.
Ian Whitehouse (16/03/2023)
Comma 1 at O215181, Knocksink Wood, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Sunny, 13C
Padraig Punch (17/03/2023)
Tortoiseshell at 1 pm feeding on hyacinths and primulas in my garden at V94K5C1 Patrickswell, Limerick. Cloudy but a few clear breaks, 14 Celsius.
Con O’Donnell (22/03/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at C648408 Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle, Co. Donegal. 12 C sunny and breezy.
Jonathan Shackleton (22/03/2023)
Red Admiral 1 at N6782, Killyconny Bog (SAC), Mullagh, Co. Cavan.
Philip Strickland (23/03/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1, Comma 1 at O 03433 35543, Liffey bridge, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Sunny, breezy, c.9C.
Pat Wyse (23/03/2023)
Brimstone 9 between 11:30 am and 2 pm from N 69196 26023 to N 68735 26192, Lullymore, Co. Kildare. Sunny, breezy, c.11C.
Jim Fitzharris (25/03/2023)
Comma 3, active in a sheltered glade, at O 1865 2438, at Fernhill Gardens, Stepaside, Co. Dublin. Mild, calm, sunny, 15°C.
Joan and Frank Smyth (25/03/2023)
Peacock 1, at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Part cloudy, 12C.
Geraldine Nee (26/03/2023)
Brimstone 1 at M083 677 Tourmakeady Woods, Co. Mayo. Sunny, light breeze, 12 Celsius.
Small Tortoiseshell 2 at M152 794 Ballintubber, Co. Mayo. Sunny, light breeze, 12 Celsius.
Jesmond Harding (27/03/2023)
Brimstone male 1 at N 68857 25652, Lullybeg, Co. Kildare. Intermittent sunshine, calm, c.12C.
Maurice Simms (27/03/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 2, flying, at H330984, in the garden at Combermore, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 12C approx.
Con O’Donnell (30/03/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 1 at C 6744 at Port Kill, Inishowen Head, Co Donegal. Sunny and 15-16 C.
Small Tortoiseshell 2, at C 648408 at Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle, Co Donegal.
Jim Fitzharris (30/03/2023)
Speckled Wood 1 at O 120267, Knocklyon, Co. Dublin. Mild, breezy; sunny; 15°C.
Ian Stevenson (30/03/2023)
Peacock 1 at O 0530, Corkagh Park, CO. Dublin.
Maurice Simms and Akke Simms (31/03/2023)
Peacock 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, at H 330984, in the garden at Combermore, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Cloudy.
Green-veined White 1 at O 1133, Inchicore, Co. Dublin.
Frank Smyth (01/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Part cloudy, 11C.
Jesmond Harding (02/04/2023)
Holly Blue 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 1 at O 24110 43866, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. Sunny, calm, c.12C.
Geraldine Nee (02/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 basking in the sun at M189 839 Belcarra, Co, Mayo. Sunny, light breeze, 14 Celsius.
Peacock 2 at M175 817, Cloonconragh Bog, Co. Mayo. Also Oak Eggar Moth Caterpillars 2 on gorse and Common Heath Moth (male) 1 – wasn’t expecting to see one of them quite so soon!
Joan and Frank Smyth (02/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 3 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, calm 11C.
Jim Fitzharris (02/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 3 at O 122 344, Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin. Mild, breezy; sunny; 16°C.
Frank Smyth (06/042023)
Red Admiral 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Part cloudy, 11C.
Jesmond Harding (06/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 in my garden at N 92070 42461, Mulhussey, Co. Meath. Sunny, calm, c. 11C.
Maurice Simms (06/04/2023)
Speckled Wood 3 at G 673974, Eden Rosbeg, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 13C.
Luke Geraty (06/04/2023)
Comma 1 at N 95721 38351, Carton, Co. Kildare. Sunny.
Helen Cloney (06/04/2023)
Holly Blue 3, Comma 2 at S9040, Caim, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Maurice Simms (07/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 4 at G 691959,688/9/958/9, near Mass House at Sheskinmore Reserve, Rosbeg, Co. Donegal. Sunny 14C.
Peacock 1 at G 804999, Cleangort, Gweebarra, Co. Donegal. Sunny 15C.
Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 1 at G 696989, Pound Cottage, Portnoo, Co. Donegal. Sunny 16C.
Akke Simms (07/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at G 704986, Doon Road Portnoo, Co. Donegal. Sunny 16C.
Meadhbh Walsh (07/04/2023)
Holly Blue 1 in the front garden at S 58110 01509, Patrick St, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Warm weather and a light breeze.
Jesmond Harding (07/04/2023)
Holly Blue 1, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 1, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 2 between N 91875 42697 and N 91482 41911, Mulhussey, Co. Meath. Sunny, 11C.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (07/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 4, Peacock 4 at C 030145, Glendowan, Churchill, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 13C.
Note: Early and late in the flight season most butterflies will be found close to hedges, tree lines, and walls as long as there are nectar sources present. Warm, sheltered places with abundant direct sunshine should be checked for butterflies. Most species avoid open areas at this time of the year. Please check out-buildings for butterflies and moths that have spent the colder months indoors. These should be released.
Frank Smyth (08/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at O274370, Carrickbrack, Howth, Co. Dublin. Breezy, sunny 12C.
Small Tortoiseshell 3, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 1 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13 Sunny, 12C.
Stephen Franck (08/04/2023)
Peacock 1 at O 30039 10568, Three Trouts Path, near Greystones, Co. Wicklow.
Geraldine Nee (08/04/2023)
Common Heath 1 (male) at M 177 821, Clogher Bog, Co, Mayo. Overcast, breezy, Circa 8 Celsius.
Jim Fitzharris (08/04/2023)
Holly Blue 2 females at T 126 056, Churchtown, Co. Wexford. Mild, breezy; bright; 15°C
Peacock 1 at S 937 076, Reahouse, Co. Wexford. Mild, breezy; sunny; 16°C.
Jim Fitzharris (08/04/2023)
Holly Blue 1 male (my first and only one in the garden so far) at O 120 267, Knocklyon, Co. Dublin. Warm, calm; sunny; 17°C.
Ethna Diver (10/04/2023)
Holly Blue 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1 at C213084, Knockbrack, Co. Donegal.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (10/04/2023)
Peacock 2 at C 144174, Keenaghan, Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal. Intermittent sunshine, 14C.
Orange-tip 1 on the roadside at C 140083, Letterleague, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 13C.
Geraldine Nee (10/04/2023)
Speckled Wood 1 basking in the sun at L 839 633, Bundorragha, Co, Mayo. A mix of heavy showers and sunshine, Warm in sun.
Jesmond Harding (13/04/2023)
Brimstone 1 at N 75040 33086 and Small Tortoiseshell 2 at N 76308 34350, Timahoe Bog north, Co. Kildare. Sunny followed by a hail shower.
Luke Geraty (14/04/2023)
Orange-tip 1 at N 95721 38351, Carton, Co. Kildare. Sunny.
Frank Smyth (14/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 1 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13 Sunny, 12C.
Holly Blue 1, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 4 at O 284366, Ceannchor Road, Cliff Path, Howth, Co. Dublin Sunny, 12C.
Niall Dollard (14/04/2023)
Red Admiral 1, Peacock 2, Comma 1 at S 49598 35054, Aghaviller, Co. Kilkenny. Partly cloudy, 12° C, light northwest breeze.
Jesmond Harding (14/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at O 08917 27582, The Square, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Sunny.
Comma 1, Speckled Wood 1 at N 91467 42324, Walshe’s Lane, Mulhussey, Co. Meath. Sunny, c.11C.
Frank and Joan Smyth (16/04/2023)
Holly Blue 1 at O 266326, St Fintan’s Park, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, SE breeze, 16C
Frank Smyth (16/04/2023)
Small White 2, Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 2 One appeared to be laying, Small Tortoiseshell 4, Peacock 10, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 2 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, breezy, 16C.
Robert Aldwell (16/04/2023)
Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 1, at O 2178128665 Rockfield Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin intermittent sun and 16-18 C.
Holly Blue 2 in a sheltered area flying around Ivy and Holly at O 2168428863 Rockfield Park Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (16/04/2023)
Orange-tip 1 at C 199 281, Milford, Co. Donegal.
Maurice Simms (16/04/2023)
Peacock 1 at G 965846, Ardnamona Wood, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal. Short glimpses of the sun. 15C.
Geraldine Nee (16/04/2023)
Speckled Wood 1 at G239046, Drummin Woods, Foxford, Co. Mayo.
Helen Cloney (16/04/2023)
Holly Blue 5, Peacock 3, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 1 at S9040, Caim, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Maurice Simms (17/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 6, Peacock 4, Speckled Wood 4 at H 330984,H 324/326/983, Combermore and adjoining fields at Townparks, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Short sunny periods 16/17C.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (17/04/2023)
Orange-tip 1, Holly Blue 4, Peacock 2 at C 138175, Legnahoorey, Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal. Sunny spells, 16C.
Green Hairstreak 7, Holly Blue 4, Peacock 8, Speckled Wood 3t C187 202, Ballyare Wood, Ramelton, Co. Donegal. Overcast, 18C.
Frank Smyth (18/04/2023)
Small White 1, Small Tortoiseshell 6, Peacock 7, Comma 2, One egg found, Speckled Wood 5 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton Dublin 13. Sunny, breezy, 13C.
Ethna Diver (18/04/2023)
Holly Blue 5, Speckled Wood 1, at C213084, Knockbrack, Co. Donegal
Green-veined White 3, Peacock 3, Speckled Wood 1, at C266099, Mongorry, Co. Donegal.
Pat Wyse (19/04/2023)
Brimstone 7, Orange-tip 3, Small Tortoiseshell 6, Peacock 4, Speckled Wood 3 at N69528-26032-N68756-26070, Lullymore, Co. Kildare. Sunny 13C.
Ethna Diver (20/04/2023)
Holly Blue 4, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 2 at 213084, Knockbrack, Co. Donegal
Orange Tip 1, Speckled Wood 1, at C114196, Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal.
Holly Blue 8, Peacock 3, Speckled Wood 2 at C119186, Ballyare Woods, Co. Donegal.
Robert Aldwell (20/04/2023)
Holly Blue 2, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 3 at O 218286 Rockfield Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Sunny, 11 C, cold east wind.
Sean and Luke Geraty (20/04/2023)
Green-veined White 1, Peacock 2, Comma 1 at O31269 07786, Kilcoole beach, Co. Wicklow. Sunny, breezy, c.12C.
Brimstone 8, Holly Blue 4, Small Tortoiseshell 9, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 2 at N69512 26032, Lullymore Bog West, Co. Kildare. Sunny, c.14C.
Coilin MacLochlainn (20/04/2023)
Green-veined White 3, Orange-tip 6, Holly Blue 2, Peacock 50+, Red Admiral 1, Speckled Wood 5 at O 1020, along Dodder River and Glenasmole Reservoir, Glenasmole Upper, Co. Dublin. Calm, warm and sunny.
Maurice Simms (20/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 3, ( on Dandelions) Speckled Wood 1, at G 696986, Pound Cottage, Lackagh, Portnoo, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 13/14C.
Con O’Donnell (20/04/2023)
Green-veined White 1, Orange Tip 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 3 at C 648408 Eleven Ballyboes Greencastle, Co Donegal
Green-veined White 7, Orange Tip 2, Speckled Wood 3 at C 6341Ballymacarthur, Greencastle, Co Donegal.
Green-veined White 3, Orange Tip 2, Peacock 3, Speckled Wood 5 at C 6140 at Carnagarve, Moville, Co Donegal
Green-veined white 3, Peacock 4, Speckled Wood 5 at C 6744 Portkill, Inishowen Head, Co Donegal.
Eleanor Hort (20/04/2023)
Green-veined White 2, Small Tortoiseshell 3 at G 67288925 Meentashesk, Carrick, Co. Donegal.
Helen Cloney (20/04/2023)
Green-veined White 1, Holly Blue 7, Peacock 4, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 2 at S9040, Caim, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Jim Fitzharris (20/04/2023)
Orange-tip 1 male, Holly Blue 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 3, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 2 at O 114 278, Dodder Linear Park, Co. Dublin. Mild, breezy; sunny; 18°C (sheltered areas).
Frank Smyth (21/04/2023)
Holly Blue 2, Peacock 2, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 7 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, breezy, 12C.
Ciarán Flynn (21/04/2023)
Orange-tip 1, Holly Blue 1, Speckled Wood 1 at J 177 066, Rathcor, Co. Louth. Sunny, breezy.
Geraldine Nee (21/04/2023)
Orange Tip 3 at M190841, Belcarra, Co. Mayo.
Specked Wood 4 at N172227 and Small Tortoiseshell 1 at N170227, Tarraun Wetlands, Co. Offaly.
Weather was quite cold – a few warm spells which is when I made the sightings.
Also found the larval case of a Coleophora betulella* in nearby Noggusduff Bog – apparently not many records of these for Ireland!
* A birch-feeding micro-moth mainly known from County Clare.
Craig Ayers (22/04/2023)
Green-veined White 6, Orange-tip 10, Holly Blue 1, Small Tortoiseshell 4, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 4, at G 849831, Lettermore, Inver, Co. Donegal.
Very warm in local sheltered areas for a couple of days with the temperature of up to 19 C on the southside of the Bluestack Mountains. Frequent mating of Green-veined Whites and Orange-tips observed in damp fields rich in Cuckoo Flower.
Maurice Simms and Dennis Hawke (23/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1 at G 870932, beside the Owengarve River (on Pussy Willow) near Glen of Glenties, Co. Donegal. Short sunny intervals approx. 11/12C.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (23/04/2023)
Green-veined White 1, Holly Blue 2, Speckled Wood 1 at C 152 114, Kirkstown Rd, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Maurice Simms (25/04/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 6, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 11, at H 330984,329983,324982/3,322983, Combermore and adjoining lands at Townparks, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Sunny periods.
Robert Aldwell (25/04/2023)
Holly Blue 2 at O 215281 Fleurville Road, Blackrock Co Dublin sunny with a cool breeze and 9-10 C.
Pat O’Donnell (25/04/2023}
Green-veined White 6, Orange-tip 9, Holly Blue 2, Peacock 20, Speckled Wood 6 at B 916189 Dunlewey, Gweedore, Co. Donegal.
Frank Smyth (26/04/2023)
Holly Blue 3 at O266326, St. Fintan’s Park, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, S.E. breeze, 13C
Small Tortoiseshell 3, Peacock 3, Comma 1 plus 3 eggs, Speckled Wood 3 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13.
Anthony Mooney (26/04/2023)
Small White 4, Orange-tip 2, Holly Blue 2, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 1, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 2. at N 9134 Bryanstown, Maynooth, Co Kildare. In warm local sunny sheltered areas 16-18 C.
Geraldine Nee (26/04/2023)
Green Veined White 1 at M189840, Belcarra.
Orange-tip 9 (4 Male, 5 Female), Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Speckled Wood 1 between M211825 and M243834 on the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail between Belcarra and Balla, Co. Mayo. Sunny, warm 16C, occasional showers.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (26/04/2023)
Green Hairstreak 4, Peacock 2 at C 299 105, Dooish Hill, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal.
Con O’Donnell (28/04/2023)
Small White 2, Orange-tip 2, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 1 at C 648408 Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle. Co Donegal.
Green-veined White 5, Orange-tip 4, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 1 at C 6341 Ballymacarthur, Greencastle, Co Donegal.
Maurice Simms (28/04/2023)
Green-veined White 5, Speckled Wood 13, at H 330984, Combermore, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Sunny periods.
Con O’Donnell (29/04/2023)
Large White 1, Green-veined White 3, Orange-tip 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Speckled Wood 3 at C 606385 at Breda Glen River Walk, Moville, Co Donegal.
Con O’Donnell (30/04/2023)
Large White 1, Green-veined White 18, Orange-tip 2, Peacock 7, at B 8920 Upper Dunlewey, Gweedore, Co. Donegal. Breezy at 12/13 C
Geraldine Nee (01/05/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 1, at F975016 on Western Way, near Furnace Newport, Co. Mayo. Warm, 14C.
Frank Smyth (02/05/2023)
Orange Tip 3, Holly Blue 1, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 3 at O 237411, Baldoyle Race Park, Dublin 13. Mainly sunny, stiff S/W wind, C16.
This site is being engulfed by gorse, bramble, and buddleia which will damage this important Cryptic Wood White site in North Co. Dublin.
George Mc Dermott (02/05/2023)
Green-veined White 5, Orange-tip 10, Green Hairstreak 1, Small Tortoiseshell 5, Peacock 6, Drinker Moth larva 1 at C432306, Meenyanly, Buncrana, Co. Donegal. 15C, cloudy.
The Small Tortoiseshells were chasing each other over a nettle patch on a sheltered roadside. Green Hairstreaks were busy defending a sunny Bilberry patch from passing Peacock butterflies.
John Lovatt (02/05/2023)
Holly Blue 1, Peacock 3, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 2 at O 22217 50009, Newbridge Park, Donabate, Co. Dublin.
Eamonn McGlinchey (02/05/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 1, Wall Brown 4 at C 156 432, Sessiagh, Fanad, Co. Donegal. Overcast, 18C.
Frank Smyth (03/05/2023)
Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 6, Wall Brown 2 at O 291316, Lion’s Head to Baily area, Cliff Path, Howth, Co. Dublin. Hazy sunshine, 16C.
Jesmond Harding (03/05/2023)
Brimstone 15, Green-veined White 3, Peacock 1, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth 1, Four-spotted Chaser c.10, Hairy Dragonfly 4, Large Red Damselfly 1 along the track between N 68797 25636 and N 69198 25691, Lullybeg/Lullymore, Co. Kildare. Sunny, c.18C.
Brimstone 6, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Speckled Wood 1 at and around N 68552 25708, Lullybeg Reserve, Lullybeg, Co. Kildare. Weather as above.
John Lovatt (03/05/2023)
Holly Blue in my garden at O2290 5014, Donabate, Co. Dublin.
Maurice Simms (03/05/2023)
Green-veined White 4, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 9 at H 330984, Combermore, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Hazy sunshine.
Robert Adwell (05/05/2023)
Red Admiral 1 at O 2626 Dalkey Hill, Co Dublin. Butterfly basking on rock in evening sunshine.
Con O’Donnell (06/05/2023)
Large White 1, Small White 2, Green-veined White 2, Orange-tip 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Speckled Wood 1 at C 648408, Eleven Ballyboes, Green Castle, Co. Donegal.
Green-veined White 11, Small Tortoiseshell 3, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 2 at C 6744, Port Kill, Inishowen Head, Co. Donegal.
Robert Aldwell (07/05/2023)
Orange-tip 1, Holly Blue 5, Red Admiral 1, Speckled Wood 2 at O 217285 Rockfield Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Red Admiral was large female flying around a large patch of nettles, stopping occasionally apparently to lay.
Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 1, At O 220286 in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. In my garden, Red Admiral was flying around testing various vegetation among which were a few nettles.
Jesmond Harding (07/05/2023)
Large White 1, Green-veined White 2, Holly Blue 2, Speckled Wood 1 in my garden at N 92070 42461, Mulhussey, Co. Meath. Sunny, light breeze c.18C.
John Lovatt (07/05/2023)
Green-veined White 2, Red Admiral 2 at X 7397, Hook Head, Co. Wexford.
Jim Fitzharris (07/05/2023)
Green-veined White 2, Red Admiral 2 at X 948 973. Great Saltee, Co. Wexford. Mild, breezy; sunny; 16°C
Jim Fitzharris (08/05/2023)
Common Blue 1 male at T 307 836, Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow. Mild, breezy; sunny; 16°C.
Con O’Donnell (08/05/2023)
Green-veined White 8, Orange-tip 6 at C 6543 Shore Path, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Green-veined White 6, Orange-tip 2 at C 6743 Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Alex and Jesmond Harding (08/05/2023)
Green-veined White 1, Orange-tip 2, Peacock 2, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 1 between O 21792 17922 and O 21190 18260, Knocksink Wood, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Warm sunshine at times, but bright when overcast. Calm, c. 18C.
Alex and Jesmond Harding (09/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 1, Green-veined White 1, Orange-tip 2, Holly Blue 2, Small Copper 1, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 1 at N 91486 41834, Ballymagillin, Co. Meath. Sunny, calm, c.16C. The Small Copper was a male who chased the Peacock away from his territory.
Michael Gray (09/05/2023)
Green-veined White (male) 1, Orange-tip (male) 1, Holly Blue 8, Painted Lady 1, Small Tortoiseshell 4, Peacock 4, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 4 at O 156260, Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
This return represents an extensive butterfly exploration of about 75% of Marlay Park in good conditions; warm, no wind, and intermittent sunshine. Disappointing to only come up with 24 butterflies given the conditions and downright shocking to only see the 2 whites mentioned in my record in the whole of the park.
Robert Aldwell (09/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 2, Holly Blue 1 at O 199305 Booterstown, Co. Dublin.
Ciarán Flynn (09/05/2023)
Orange-tip 1, White sp. 3, Speckled Wood 2, Silver Y 1, Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1 at J 122 074, Rockmarshall, Co. Louth. Sunny spells, light winds, c.16C.
Luke and Sean Geraty (09/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 1, Brimstone 10, Orange-tip 5, Holly Blue 1, Speckled Wood 5, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth 2 at 53.2849799, -6.9510877, Lullymore, Co. Kildare. Warm with thundery afternoon showers.
Shirley O’ Neill (09/05/2023)
Comma 2 at R5860, Parteen, Co. Clare.
Ethna Diver (09/05/2023)
Green-veined White 14, Orange-tip 5, Peacock 2, at C236047, Mongorry, Co. Donegal.
Ethna Diver (10/05/23)
Green-veined white 12, Orange Tip 1, Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 1, Speckled Wood 5, at C213084, Knockbrack, Co. Donegal.
Jim Fitzharris (10/05/2023)
Large White 1, Orange-tip 3 males. Holly Blue 3 at O 142 296, Dodder, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin. Mild, calm; sunny; 17°C.
Con O’Donnell (11/05/2023)
Green-veined White 2, Green Hairstreak 10+ at C 6342 Balleeghan, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Green-veined White 15, Orange-tip 7, Peacock 2,at C 6342 also Silver Y 1 Ballymacarthur, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Large White 1, Green-veined White 3, Cryptic Wood White 5, Peacock 1 at C 6743 Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Large White 2, Green-veined White 6, Orange-tip 2, Red Admiral 2, Small Tortoiseshell 6, Peacock 7, Hummingbird Hawkmoth 2 and Silver Y 1 at C 6743 Greencastle Shore Path, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Ethna Diver (12/05/2023)
Green-veined White 14, Holly Blue 6, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 2, at C050281, Glenveagh, Co. Donegal.
Green-veined White 6, Orange Tip 4, Green Hairstreak 4, Peacock 4, Speckled Wood 3, at C033232, Derrylahan, Co. Donegal.
Maurice Simms (12/05/2023)
Green-veined White 1, Green Hairstreak 1 at G697985, Lackagh, Portnoo, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 15C.
Green-veined White 1, Orange-tip 1 at G696986, Pound Cottage, Lackagh, Portnoo, Co. Donegal. Sunny 16C.
Dingy Skipper 1, Green-veined White 10, Orange-tip 1, Holly Blue 4, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 5 at G798/9/ 994/5, and G 800/1/2/994/5, Cleengort Lane, Gweebarra, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 15C.
Green-veined White 5. Peacock 1 at G787988, Mullinamin, Gweebarra, Co. Donegal. Sunny 15C.
Dingy Skipper 2, Green Hairstreak 6 at G 703/4 /988/9, near Still Lough, Lackagh and Narin, Portnoo, Co Donegal. Sunny, 16C.
Grace Meenan (12/05/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 1 feeding on dandelions in an old graveyard at B 8546 West Town Tory Island, Co Donegal.
Frank and Joan Smyth (13/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 18, Cryptic Wood White 4, Green-veined White 16, Orange-tip 5, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 1 at G 897732, Murvagh, Co, Donegal. Sunny, 21C.
Burrenbeo Trust/Butterfly Conservation Ireland Walk (13/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper c.10, Wood White c.15, Green-veined White c.15, Orange-tip 5, Small Copper 3, Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 2, Pearl-bordered Fritillary c.4 (males), Wall Brown 1 (male), Speckled Wood 3, Common Carpet 1, Speckled Yellow 4, Brown Silver-lines 3, Pyrausta purpuralis 1: Odonata: Large Red Damselfly 1, Hairy Dragonfly c.20; Hymenoptera: Common Carder Bee c.5. Shrill Carder Bee 1, Red-tailed Bumblebee 1 between R 27247 95432 and R 28569 95279, Clooncoose Valley, Co. Clare. Mainly sunny, light breeze, c.18C.
Maurice Simms (13/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 5, Green-veined White 3, Orange-tip 4, Small Copper 2, Small Blue 4, Peacock 2 at G 688/9/90/958/9/60 Sheskinmore Reserve, Rosbeg, Co. Donegal. Sunny 17C.
Con O’Donnell (13/05/2023}
Cryptic Wood White 6, Green-veined White 11, Orange-tip 7, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 6, Speckled Wood 2 at C 6245/46 Kinnagoe Bay-Mossy Glen,.Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Includes one of two known sites for Cryptic Wood White in northwest Inishowen.
Green-veined White 30+, Orange-tip 12, Peacock 3, Speckled Wood 1 at C 6345 Glennagiveny, Inishowen, Co. Donegal.
Large White, Small White 5, Green-veined White 3, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 2 at C 5535 Redcastle, near Redcastle Co. Donegal.
Katy Duff (13/05/2023)
Holly Blue 1, Red Admiral 1 in my garden at O 22042835 Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (15/05/2023)
Orange-tip 1, Green Hairstreak 22, Peacock 1 at B932187, Poisoned Glen, Dunlewey, Co. Donegal. Cool 12 deg. A few short sunny spells.
Maurice Simms (15/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 1, Small Copper 1 at G 682954, Tramore Sand Dunes, Rosbeg, Co. Donegal. Sunny spells, 15C.
Green-veined White 1, Wall Brown 1, at G 697996 along the path behind Portnoo Pier, Lackagh, Portnoo, Co. Donegal. Sunny, breezy 14C.
Green-veined White 1, Wall Brown 1, Speckled Wood 1 at G 667971, on the New Line, near Kiltourish Lake, Rosbeg, Co, Donegal Sunny periods 14C.
Dingy Skippers 3, Green-veined White 1, Wall Brown 2, at G 667971, in the small valley running down to the edge of Kiltourish Lake, Rosbeg, Co. Donegal. Sunny 15C.
Jesmond Harding (16/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 8, Brimstone 1, Painted Lady 1, Marsh Fritillary 2 males, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth 1, Burnet Companion 17, Mother Shipton 4 at and around N 68401 25633, Lullybeg Reserve, Co. Kildare. Intermittent sunshine, 14C.
Frank Smyth (16/05/2023}
Cryptic Wood White 6, Green-veined White 10, Orange-tip 3, Speckled Wood 1 at G 871684, Lower Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal. Sunny, very breezy,15C .
Green-veined White 3, Orange Tip 1, Green Hairstreak 10, Small Heath 1 at G 838648, near Creevy Pier, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 16C.
Jane and Jesmond Harding (17/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 3, Cryptic Wood White 5, Small White 1, Green-veined White 2, Orange-tip c.10, Common Blue 1, Peacock 1, Small Heath 1, Cinnabar 6, Burnet Companion c.20, Mother Shipton 3 at N 95996 10357, Native Woodland Trust Blessington Reserve, Co. Wicklow. Intermittent sunshine, calm, c. 17C.
This is an interesting site. It holds undisturbed grassland, marsh, scrub and woodland growing in a disused sand pit immediately south of the N81.
Daniel Hogan (18/05/2023)
Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth 1 at N 38109 43220, near Lough Ennell, Co. Westmeath.
Paul Mapplebeck (18/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 1, Large White 1, Small White 1, Common Blue males 4, Peacock 1, Marsh Fritillary 1, Common Heath 6, Drinker Moth larva 1 (dead) at O 24213 37767, Bull Island, Co. Dublin.
John Lovatt (18/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 2, Common Blue 2 at O 24856 52586, Portrane Burrow, Co. Dublin.
Sean and Luke Geraty (18/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 20, Brimstone 5, Peacock 1 at N 69280 26075, Lullymore, Co. Kildare.
Brimstone 1, Marsh Fritillary 1, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth 4 at N 68668 25649, Lullybeg, Co. Kildare.
Brimstone 3, Orange-tip 1, Marsh Fritillary 2 along the track running east to west from Lullymore to Lullybeg at N 68956 25643, Co. Kildare.
Cuckoo and Great-spotted Woodpecker heard calling and drumming respectively.
Anthony Mooney (18/05/2023)
Red Admiral 1 at N 760265 Allenwood, Co. Kildare.
Geraldine Nee (19/05/2023)
Green-veined White 2, Peacock 1 at L841633 and Green Hairstreak 3 at L841634, Bundorragha Co. Mayo. Sunny, light breeze 18 Celsius
Tricha Donoghue (20/05/2023)
Cinnabar 1 at M 40892 17190, Killeenmunterlane, North Kilcolgan, Co. Galway.
Con O’Donnell (20/05/2023)
Large White 2, Small White 5, Orange-tip 1, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 2, Hummingbird Hawkmoth 3 at C 6540, Greencastle Shore Path, Inishowen, Co. Donegal.
Cryptic Wood White 11, Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1 at C 6743, Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
John Lovatt (21/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 4 along the road east of Lough Sheelin at N 4406-8195, Lough Sheelin, Co. Westmeath.
Jesmond Harding (22/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 4, Brimstone 5, Marsh Fritillary 38, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth 2 at and around N 68401 25633, Lullybeg Reserve, Co. Kildare. Intermittent sunshine, 16C.
Con O’Donnell (22/05/2023)
Small White 1, Green-veined White 14, Orange-tip 2, Small Copper 1.,
Peacock1 at C 6743 Port Kill, Inishowen Head, Co. Donegal.
Cryptic Wood White 9, Small White 1, Speckled Wood 3 at C 6743 Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Frank Smyth (22/05/2023)
Small White 1, Green-veined White 1, Orange-tip 2, Holly Blue 4, Peacock 6, Speckled Wood 1 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, strong SW breeze.
Naomi Steele (23/05/2023)
Cinnabar 1 at 53.064061,-6.225239, the national school playground, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow.
John Lovatt (23/05/2023)
Small Blue male 1, Common Blue 5 at O 24856 52586, Portrane Burrow, Co. Dublin.
Sinead Morrissey (23/05/2023)
Cinnabar moth 1 at N 90522 16398, domestic garden, Broadfield, Naas, Co. Kildare.
John Lovatt (25/05/2023)
Small Blue 4 (male 1, female 3), Common Blue 41 plus (mostly male), Small Heath 1 between 10:30 and 11 am at O 24856 52586, Portrane Burrow, Co. Dublin.
Bob Aldwell and Frank Smyth (25/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 15, Green-veined White 2, Orange Tip 1, Holly Blue 4, Peacock 1 at O 237411, Baldoyle Race Park, Dublin 13. Sunny, 17C.
Green-veined White 1, Small Blue 14, Common Blue 6 at O 260397, Burrow Beach, Sutton, Dublin 13.
Eamonn mc Glinchey (26/05/2023)
Green Hairstreak 35 at C 061235, Losset, Churchill, Co. Donegal. Nearly all were on or around holly bushes.
Frank Smyth (26/05/2023)
Small White 1, Common Blue 7, Holly Blue 6, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 6, Small Heath 1 at O 268372, Red Rock, Sutton, Dublin 13. Sunny, 17C.
Jesmond Harding (26/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 1, Large White 5, Green-veined White 2, Peacock 1, Speckled Wood 8; Odonata: Four-spotted Chaser 1 at N 32443 23722, Charleville Forest, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Sunny, c.15C.
Con O’Donnell (26/05/2023)
Large White 2, Small White 1, Green-veined White 8, Orange-tip 2, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 2 at C 6540 Greencastle Shore Path Greencastle, Co Donegal. Also Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1 . Temperature at times 16 C.
Cryptic Wood White 14, Green-veined White 3, Small Copper 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Speckled Wood 1 at C 6743 Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Green-veined White 20+, Small Copper 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Small Heath 1 at C 6744 Port Kill, Inishowen Head, Co Donegal. One batch of dark larvae in a web on nettles.
Maurice Simms (26/05/2023)
Large White 1, Green-veined White 1, Peacock1, (faded) Speckled Wood 1 at H 330984, Combermore, Lifford, Co. Donegal.
Frank Smyth (27/05/2023)
Small White 1, Common Blue 5, Holly Blue 9, Speckled Wood 4, Wall Brown 2 at O 291316, between Lions Head and Baily Lighthouse, Cliff Walk, Howth, Co. Dublin. Sunny, 17C.
BCI Biodiversity Week Event (27/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 4, Brimstone 2, Green-veined White 1, Common Blue 4, Marsh Fritillary 99, Speckled Wood 1, Small Heath 2-3, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth c.5, Burnet Companion 20 plus, Mother Shipton c.5; Odonata: Large Red Damselfly c.7, Blue-tailed Damselfly c.7, Azure and Variable Damselflies present identified one of each, Four-spotted Chaser c.10, Hairy Dragonfly c.5. Warm, sunny spells, calm, c.18C.
Robert Aldwell (27/05/2023)
Small Tortoiseshell larvae 1 batch of first instar larvae in a large bed of nettles at O 217286 Rockfield Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Maurice Simms (28/05/2023)
Wall Brown 2 at B 710074 near Maghery, Croghy Head, Co. Donegal. Hazy sunshine,14C.
Daniel Hogan (28/05/2023)
Marsh Fritillary at 53.235238,-7.682005, Finnamore Lakes, Co. Offaly.
Sean, Luke and Joe Geraty (28/05/2023)
Dingy Skipper 12 plus, Wood White 12 plus, Brimstone 2, Common Blue 25 plus, Pearl-bordered Fritillary 5, Speckled Wood 4, Wall Brown 6 between 10:30 and 1:30 in and around R30417 94497, Gortlecka, Co. Clare. Sunny, gentle breeze, 16C.
Frank Smyth (29/05/2023)
Holly Blue 3, Red Admiral 1 in my garden at O 266326, St. Fintan’s Park, Sutton 13. Sunny, 17C.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (29/05/2023)
Green-veined White 4, Green Hairstreak 6 along track through bog west of Lough Salt at C117 273, Termon, Co. Donegal.
Con O’Donnell (29/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 24, Green-veined White 8, Orange-tip 5, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 1 at C 6245, Kinnegoe Bay, Inishowen, Co Donegal. These figures for Cryptic Wood White are minimum from what I saw and countered. The area is sheltered from the north but suffers a lot from cold sea mist which reduces significantly the hours of sunshine.
Breege McGinty (29/05/2023)
Common Blue 1 at O2136, Clontarf, Co. Dublin.
Maurice Simms (29/05/2023)
Green-veined White 3, Speckled Wood 3, at H 330984, Combermore, Lifford, Co. Donegal. Sunny, 18C. Four batches of Small Tortoiseshell Larvae on Nettles along hedgerows at H 326983, Townparks, Lifford Co. Donegal. Sunny 18C.
Anne Rice (29/05/2023)
Cinnabar 1 in the garden at J1497, Kells, Co. Meath.
Helen Lawless (29/05/2023)
Red Admiral (worn) 1 at S 998 885, Rathgorragh, Rathdangan, Co. Wicklow. Sunny, warm, breezy.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (30/05/2023)
Small Blue 3, Wall Brown 4, Small Heath 8 at B793 266 at Magheragallon, Derrybeg, Co. Donegal.
Eamonn Mc Glinchey (30/05/2023)
Cryptic Wood White 1, Small Copper 1, Small Blue 22, Peacock 1, Marsh Fritillary 25, Wall Brown 2, Small Heath 20, at B803 245, Magheraclogher, Bunbeg, Co. Donegal.
Con O’Donnell (30/05/2023)
Large White 1, Green-veined White 3, Orange-tip 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Speckled Wood 1 at C 648408 Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle, Co Donegal
Cryptic Wood White 6 including mating pair, Green-veined White 3, Peacock 4, Speckled Wood 2 at C 6743 Carrowhugh, Greencastle, Co Donegal
Green-veined White 20+, Small Heath 3, Speckled Wood 1 at C 6743 Port Kill, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.
Susan Moore (30/05/2023)
Small Magpie 1 at S 18717 20151, Kilmacomma, Co. Waterford. Sunny, dry, 22C.