Do I Need Bug Spray In Ireland?

Short answer = Yes.

We heartily recommend packing bug repellent in your suitcase when travelling to Ireland.

What type of insects are there in Ireland?

We get our fair share of mosquitos. Irish mozzies are not quite as large or as commonplace as elsewhere in the world. But what they lack in bulk, our Irish mosquitos make up for in appetite!

Seriously, mosquitos tend to appear only in hotter weather over the summer months (May, June, July, August).

Midges, on the other hand...

What are midges?

Midges, or midgies, are small, biting flies. They swarm in damp, windless, warm conditions. A typical midgie hotspot would be near a bog (wetland) or a lake in an enclosed mountain valley.

The windiness of Ireland's climate, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way, helps ward off midges and other biting insects. Stick to the coast and you will most likely avoid midges.

Kiwi visitors to Ireland will recognise the midge as the cousin to the infamous New Zealand sandfly, or 'sandie'.

Local midges insisted on meeting Michelle Obama in person on her visit to Ireland.

Where to buy bug spray in Ireland

You will find a pharmacy in all towns and most villages in Ireland.

Boots is a pharmacy chain that you will find in all major cities.

Dublin Airport has a pharmacy in Terminal 2.

Any other Irish insects I should worry about?

Horseflies are common in agricultural areas and in uplands and on mountains. They tend to be around during summer months. Horseflies look like a small moth, but fly during the day. Their bite is non-poisonous but is quite painful initially.

Bees and wasps are common in Ireland in the summertime. Employ common sense to avoid a sting.

Irish spiders are 99.9% non-venomous and 100% non-lethal. Contact local medical services if you're worried about a spider bite.

We don't do snakes in Ireland.