🐂 Aurochs
Aurochs (Bos primigenius), extinct giant wild cattle, ancestors of domestic cows. Roamed Irish woodlands and plains during the Neolithic and earlier. Often depicted in cave and rock art across Europe.
🐺 Grey Wolf
Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), once widespread across Ireland; apex predator in ancient forests. Extinct by the late 18th century but important in mythology and clan symbols.
🦌 Irish Elk
Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus), not actually an elk; a giant deer with antlers spanning up to 3.5m. Went extinct about 7,700 years ago, but bones have been found in Irish bogs and caves.
🐇Irish Hare
Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus), one of the few mammals believed to have survived the Ice Age in Ireland. Still present today but was also known to ancient peoples.
🦊 Red Fox
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Common in Ireland since prehistoric times. Adaptive scavenger and predator known to ancient Irish communities.
🐗 Wild Boar
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), likely present during the Mesolithic and early Neolithic. Important in Irish myth (e.g., the boar of Diarmuid and Gráinne). Went extinct in Ireland but widely hunted in early periods.
🐟 Salmon
Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), vital food source for Mesolithic and Neolithic hunter-gatherers. Featured in mythology (e.g., Salmon of Knowledge).
🐻 Brown Bear
Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), inhabited Ireland until at least 1000 BC. Cave remains suggest they were hunted or worshipped by early humans.