Most bat species are widely distributed in Ireland.

The most widespread species is the soprano pipistrelle which has been found in most surveyed 10km grid squares across the island. It is occasionally absent from coastal areas in the west.

The second most widespread species is the common pipistrelle, although this species is more frequently absent from parts of the extreme north and north west.

Other bat species are generally widespread but more localised. Many species show a slight southern bias favouring warmer temperatures that are found in the south. The resident species with the most restricted distribution is the lesser horseshoe bat which is mainly found in Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork. It has also been recorded in Sligo and Roscommon. The Nathusius’ pipistrelle has the second most restricted distribution of the Irish bat species. Its stronghold is in Northern Ireland, particularly around Lough Neagh, although it has been recorded from many lakeland areas across the island.

See our map page for more detail of bat distributions in Ireland