Bee Species
at Dunsany
Dunsany’s rewilding has created the conditions for seven native bee species to flourish. As key pollinators, they support the regeneration of wild plants and play a crucial role in strengthening the estate’s recovering ecosystems.
The Importance of Bees in Rewilding
Bees play a vital role in the rewilding of Dunsany Estate, where seven bee species have already been recorded. As key pollinators, bees support the reproduction of wildflowers, trees, and native plants, helping to restore balanced ecosystems and promote biodiversity across the landscape.
Their presence is a strong indicator of ecological health, contributing to the resilience of food webs and the return of other species. Protecting and encouraging bee populations at Dunsany is essential to the long-term success of the estate’s rewilding efforts.
Learn about the Bees in Dunsany Estate
Bees in Dunsany Estate
Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Ireland’s only native honeybee species
Other honeybee strains were later introduced from France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Russia
Native populations declined significantly due to disease outbreaks
Native Irish honeybees are typically darker in colour
Commonly found living in mixed colonies
Active throughout the year, though activity slows from November to February
Bees in Dunsany Estate
Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius)
The most common red-tailed bumblebee species in Ireland
Listed as near threatened due to habitat loss and other pressures
Nests underground in colonies of 100–300 individuals
Workers, queens, and females have black bodies with red hairs on the hindlegs
Males feature red hairs on the hindlegs and distinctive yellow hairs on the collar and head
Active from March to October
Bees in Dunsany Estate
White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum)
A species group that includes Bombus lucorum, Bombus magnus, and Bombus cryptarum
These species are visually similar and difficult to distinguish
Workers and queens have two yellow stripes and a white tail
Males display brighter yellow markings and pale hairs on the thorax
Commonly found in hedgerows, grasslands, and farmland
Active from early March to October
Bees in Dunsany Estate
Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola)
First recorded in Wicklow in 1974
Found mainly in upland areas, including mountains and the Antrim Plateau
Identified by a red abdomen and two bright yellow thorax stripes
Males typically have more yellow on the head
Prefers moorlands, bogs, and upland woodlands
Active from March to September
Bees in Dunsany Estate
Common Carder Bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum)
The most common bumblebee species in Ireland
Smaller than most other bumblebee species
Recognisable by its orange hairs on the thorax and abdomen
Found in gardens, woodlands, and meadows
Active from March to October; queens may remain active during winter
Known host to the cuckoo bee Bombus campestris
Bees in Dunsany Estate
Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum)
Ireland’s smallest bumblebee species
First recorded in 1947
Now one of the most widespread bumblebees in the country
Workers and queens have yellow stripes and a distinctive orange tail
Males feature yellow hairs on the head and an additional yellow stripe
Found in woodland edges, farmland, parks, and gardens
Active from March to October
Bees in Dunsany Estate
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)
Commonly found in urban parks and gardens
Queens have two yellow stripes and a buff-coloured tail
Workers typically have white tails
Males display longer yellow stripes and more buff colouring
Widespread across parks, gardens, meadows, and farmland
Active from March to October
Queens and some workers may forage during mild winters
