This 260-hectare remnant of an ancient volcano, therefore, should be called ‘Lambay’ and not ‘Lambay Island’. Following a shipwreck in 1918,’ black’ rats took refuge on Lambay. The black species is now confined to major ports but, according to Dr Matthew Jebb, descendants of the ship-wrecked ones still survive on Lambay. The black rat is smaller slimmer, and has larger ears, than its ubiquitous cousin. A ‘Lambay Life’ project aims to rid the island of all invasive species, including the rats.

Source: Irish Examiner February 12, 2026 16:36 UTC