Irish Hares

The Irish hare—an iconic species found only in Ireland—stands out for its unique mix of traits, including shorter ears, a russet coat in summer, and an unusually early breeding season that can begin as early as January. Unlike the mountain hare, from which it evolved thousands of years ago, the Irish hare does not typically turn white in winter, allowing it to blend into the country’s milder, snow-free landscapes. Highly adaptable, it thrives in habitats ranging from coastal grasslands to upland bogs. With its energetic “boxing” displays during the breeding season and its cultural place in Irish folklore, the Irish hare remains one of Ireland’s most distinctive and charismatic wild mammals..