Ireland does not have an official national animal. Like many of Ireland’s national symbols, this is a matter of tradition and common usage rather than legislation. The Irish hare (also called the mountain hare) is the most widely cited unofficial choice - native to Ireland, deeply woven into Irish folklore and mythology, and a fixture on Irish stamps and coins since the earliest days of the state’s own currency. The red deer is sometimes proposed as an alternative - historically, the now-extinct Irish elk was the original informal candidate, and the red deer became the natural successor once that option was off the table.
The Irish Hare
Fossils place the Irish hare in Ireland since the late Pleistocene - genuinely ancient by any measure. It develops a white winter coat for camouflage, and its population in the Republic is estimated at around 7.66 hares per square kilometre, protected under the Wildlife Act (in place since 1930) and the EU Habitats Directive, with a “Least Concern” conservation status.
The hare features heavily in Irish folklore - associated with the moon, the Otherworld, and shape-shifting tales - and has appeared on Irish stamps (a 1980 series) and on the state’s earliest coinage from 1938.
Other National Symbols
National bird: the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is the commonly cited national bird, though - as with the animal - there’s no single official legislative designation; the rook and Eurasian oystercatcher have occasionally been suggested as alternatives.
National fish: the Course Fish group (roach, bream, perch) is commonly cited as Northern Ireland’s national fish, with the northern pike sometimes named instead.
National tree: the sessile oak, long associated with Celtic and Druid tradition.
National flower: the shamrock.
National instrument: the Celtic harp, with over a thousand years of history in Irish art and manuscripts.
National anthems: “Amhrán na bhFiann” (The Soldiers’ Song) is the official anthem of the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland, as part of the UK, uses “God Save the King” (Charles III has reigned since September 2022) at official and sporting occasions, alongside “Ireland’s Call” for all-island sporting teams and “Londonderry Air” in some contexts.
National drinks and dishes: Irish whiskey and stout are the most commonly cited national drinks; Irish stew, the full Irish breakfast, and bacon and cabbage are frequently cited as national dishes - none of these carry official designation either, reflecting Ireland’s general pattern of tradition-led rather than legislated symbols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ireland have an official national animal? No - there’s no official designation. The Irish hare is the most widely recognised unofficial choice.
What is the Irish hare? Ireland’s only native lagomorph (rabbit/hare family member), present on the island for millions of years and central to Irish folklore.
Is the red deer Ireland’s national animal? Not officially - but it’s the most commonly cited alternative to the hare, and the only deer species native to Ireland.
What is the national bird of Ireland? The Northern Lapwing is the most commonly cited choice, though - like the national animal - this isn’t an official legislative designation.
