This beautiful Irish red squirrel was spotted in Donegal Town this week.

The adorable native animal was snapped yesterday morning by an eagle-eyed Donegal Daily reader along the scenic Bank Walk. 

Now is a good time of year to catch a glimpse of the shy reds because many trees are still bare, and it is easier to see squirrels and their nests (dreys) in the branches.

The Irish red population in Donegal is, unfortunately, under threat from invading non-native grey squirrels in large areas of the county. However, they are, for now, thriving in south Donegal, particularly around Lough Eske.  

A native Irish red squirrel spotted having a snack high among the trees along the Bank Walk in Donegal Town.

The Donegal Red Squirrel organisation is working hard with Ulster Wildlife in a bid to help save the elusive mammals in the county.

Mr Michael Stinson, Red Squirrel Officer with Ulster Wildlife, said even one grey carrying squirrel pox could decimate an entire red squirrel population in a matter of weeks. Grey squirrels can carry the pox without being affected, but it is deadly to reds.

Another way the grey impacts on reds is that they have a stronger digestive system and so they eat acorns before they are ripe. By the time the acorns would be ripe enough for red squirrels to digest, the oak trees have already been stripped.

Grey squirrels have a much more destructive impact when they take hold. They can destroy woodland, gardens and bird populations. They also have a bigger population density and can travel up to 20 kms to set up a new territory.

Mr Stinson added that a lack of Pine Martens, the grey’s main predator, means they are harder to keep under control. 

Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the Donegal Red Squirrel Group as well as recording sightings of greys, reds and Pine Martens on the Biodiversity Ireland website.

While there’s a strong red squirrel population in south Donegal, Mr Stinson warned that greys are moving north and west at a steady rate.

Anyone interested in helping save the reds should contact the Donegal Red Squirrel Group through the ‘Red Squirrels of Donegal’ Facebook page. 

Sightings can also be reported by logging on to www.biodiversityireland.ie

Beautiful native Red Squirrel spotted in Donegal Town! was last modified: March 31st, 2026 by Staff Writer

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