The Emerald Isle is home to diverse wildlife, including foxes, hedgehogs, dolphins, puffins, and even whales. But we bet you didn’t know that one Irish island has a colony of wild wallabies.
Did you know there is one remote Irish island that is home to wild wallabies?
Lambay Island, located just four kilometres (two and a half miles) off the coast of Dublin, boasts a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including the furry marsupials, which are native to Australia and New Zealand.
So, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or you’re looking for a unique experience the next time you visit Ireland, here’s all you need to know about the remote Irish island that is home to a colony of wild wallabies.
How did Wallabies end up in Ireland? – they didn’t make the journey alone
According to an article in the Smithsonian Magazine, Lambay Island was purchased by the Barings family (a famous merchant and banking family of English-German origin) in 1904.
Historians believe the family wanted to introduce different exotic species to the island off the coast of Dublin in the 1950s and 1960s. However, the wallabies are the only species that managed to survive long-term.
The island’s wallaby population grew even more in the 1980s when Dublin Zoo director Peter Wilson requested help from the Barings family to deal with the zoo’s expanding wallaby population.
The zoo’s wallaby population had reached capacity. So, seven red-necked wallabies were then shipped to the highest point of Lambay Island and set free.
A surprising population – Ireland’s lesser-known wildlife
Many wild wallabies still call the remote Irish island home to this day, thanks to the hospitable environment and rich vegetation that provides plenty for them to eat.
Wilson told the Smithsonian, “It’s a wonderful sanctuary for them. If you like, perfect habitat.”
He continued, “There’s lots of thick vegetation for cover when the weather’s cold, and there’s a lot of grass and things for them to eat. So, it’s an absolutely perfect place for them.”
A largely self-sufficient species, the adorable marsupials even adapted to the cooler climate of Ireland, growing thicker coats to keep them warm throughout the winter.
How to visit the island – witness Ireland’s wallaby population
Lambay Island can only be visited by private, pre-arranged tours.
So, if you want to witness the incredible wild wallabies on this remote Irish island, you’re going to need to plan your trip in advance.
Tours are generally available between April and September. During your visit, you will be taken by boat to the island where you can enjoy a guided walk around with some free time to explore.
You can also witness the island’s other incredible wildlife, including seals, deer, and various seabirds.
