A number of Asian Hornets (a.k.a. Yellow-Legged Hornet) have been trapped in Cork. Also, a single Asian Hornet has been photographed in Dublin. So far, no nest has been located but the authorities are in the process of tracking down the hornet's home.
Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are an invasive species confirmed in Ireland, posing a major threat to native pollinators, especially honeybees, with the first confirmed sighting in Cork in August 2025 leading to the removal of the first nest in September 2025
Above is an Asian Hornet at a bait station near City Hall in Cork city. This should help you to identify the hornet. Note the yellow lower legs, as well as the yellowish stripe at the end of the abdomen. Note here is its orange face with large eyes.
For more information on the Asian Hornet, see here, and for information on traps, see here.
There are a number of different insects in Ireland which are sometimes thought to be the Asian Hornet, in particular the Giant Woodwasp (a.k.a. the Greater Horntail), so please make sure you are familiar with the characteristics of this invader.
If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet, report it to Biodiversity Ireland's invasive species page. It's better to report something that turns out to be innocuous rather than miss the chance of reporting a real threat.
If you have an Asian Hornet trap consider registering it at asianhornets.ie - the location is anonymised on the map to protect your privacy/security so please mark it in the correct location.
This information page is courtesy of the County Louth Beekeepers Association
