Burren is haven for butterflies

A scarcity of butterflies has been noted by yours truly and others this summer, but late July and early August can often be good times to see these delightful, delicately coloured creatures, experts tell us.

The latest update from Butterfly Conservation Ireland and is that, although we’ve had some good temperatures, July is not the best month for adult butterflies, but there should be lots to see throughout August and September and many are ready to hatch.

While butterflies are found all over Ireland, the best places to see them are the Burren, the Bog of Allen, Lullymore Bog, in Co Kildare, and the Raven Nature Reserve, Co Wexford. We’re told the pearl-bordered fritillary is found only in the Burren, while the brown hairstreak is also there and in neighbouring counties.