On Wednesday August 13th 2025, the National Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed the sighting of an Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) in the Cork area.
While the Asian Hornet does not pose a significant threat to humans, it can "pose a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations," according to the NPWS.
NPWS Director of International and EU Affairs Áinle Ní Bhríain described the species as "a bit like a wasp, about 2cm long, mostly black and brown, little orange face, orange tail and yellow legs - he looks like he's wearing long yellow socks."
Citizens are encouraged to report suspected Asian Hornets to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
For more information, you can check out this news article on RTÉ, or read the statement from the NPWS.