The Asian Hornet Management Group, chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with support from the National Museum of Ireland, have successfully located the first ever Irish nest of the Asian Hornet. Dr Aidan O’Hanlon, Curator of Entomology at the National Museum of Ireland, was part of the team that discovered the first hornet specimens in Cork earlier this month.
Since this initial discovery, Dr O’Hanlon has been helping the National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers on-site in their efforts to monitor and ultimately track down the hornet’s nest. He also partnered with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, combining their citizen science data and the Museum’s entomology collections to produce identification resources to help the public recognise the Asian Hornet.
The discovery of this nest is an important win for biodiversity conservation in Ireland. Members of the public are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre https://invasives.ie/species-alerts/asian-hornet/
Asian Hornet - Know What to Look For!
This guide helps distinguish the Asian Hornet from similar native species. If you suspect a sighting, please report it via the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and include a photograph if possible.
https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/invasives
Members of the public can also view an example of the Asian Hornet up close at the National Museum in Turlough Park. The specimen on display there is the first Asian Hornet ever collected in Ireland in 2021. It has been on display since February 2024 as part of The Murmur of Bees exhibition at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Recently Discovered Hornet Nest Removed and Transported to Dublin for Analysis
Friday, 5 September 2025 | It has been confirmed that the recently discovered hornet nest has been transported to Dublin for scientific analysis under the care of Dr Aidan O’Hanlon, Curator of Entomology at the National Museum of Ireland. The specimen will undergo research to better understand its origin and development. In the meantime, members of the public are strongly advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings of Asian hornets immediately. Image: RTE News
