Spiders in Ireland

Spiders are without a doubt among the most terrifying critters on the planet. They have scary fangs and long wiry legs that will surely scare away people, especially those who have a phobia of spiders. In Ireland, there is this called spider season – the time of the year when spiders make their way to your homes, especially in the nooks and crannies. The good news is that only a few spider species have venom potent enough to inflict harm on humans. Most of their venoms aim to target their prey, but even so, you still need to keep an eye on these crawlers.

Spiders in Ireland Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Ireland

Biggest Spiders in Ireland

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Ireland

Silver-sided Sector Spider also known as Missing Sector Orb Weaver (Zygiella x-notata)	Window Lace Weaver Spiders (Amaurobius fenestralis)	Black Lace Weaver Spiders (Amaurobius ferox)
Pumpkin Spiders	Candy Striped Spiders (Enoplognatha ovata)	Stripe legged Spider (Harpactea hombergi)
European Cave Spider (Meta menardi)	Rabbit Hutch Spiders (Steatoda bipunctata)	False Black Widow Spiders (Steatoda grossa)
Noble False Widow Spiders (Steatoda nobilis)	Toothed Weaver (Textrix denticulate)	Missing Sector Orb Weaver Spiders (Zygiella x-notata)
Spitting Spider (Scytodes thoracica)	—	—

Biggest Spiders in Ireland

Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica)	Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius)	Furrow Orb-Weaver (Larinioides cornutus)
Woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata)	—	—

Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa) - The False Black Widow spider is part of the Steatoda genus and is frequently confused with the more dangerous Black Widow Spider. Known by various names, including 'cupboard spider' and 'brown house spider' in Australia, this species sometimes earns the label of a pest in certain areas.… Continue Reading >

Actinopodidae

Mouse Spider – Scotophaeus blackwalli

Less Venomous Spiders

Crab Spiders (Thomisidae)

Goldenrod Crab (Misumena vatia) - Goldenrod Crab Spiders are super cool! They can change colors and hang out on flowers, waiting for their food. Instead of making big webs, they use silk for catching food or keeping their eggs safe.… Continue Reading >

Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae)

Nursery Web Spider – Pisaura mirabilis
Great Raft Spider – Dolomedes plantarius

Jumping Spiders

Zebra (Salticus scenicus) - Discover the fascinating world of the Zebra Spider, a creature from the northern hemisphere with stripes like a zebra. These lively spiders don't spin webs to catch their dinner.… Continue Reading >

Orb Weaver Spiders

Walnut Orb Weaver Spiders – Nuctenea umbratical
Cucumber Green Spider – Araniella cucurbitina

Furrow (Larinioides cornutus) - Did you know there's a spider called the Furrow spider? It belongs to the orb-weaver family. You can find them in places like North Africa, Europe, parts of Asia, and even in North and South America!… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest spider found in Ireland?

The biggest spider in Ireland is the Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica), known for its significant leg span and speed. Another notably large species is the Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius), which is rarer and typically found in wetland habitats, recognized for its substantial body size.

Are there venomous spiders in Ireland?

Yes, Ireland has spiders with venom, but only a few species have venom potent enough to affect humans. The Noble False Widow (Steatoda nobilis) is the most notable, as its bite can cause pain and discomfort. However, most Irish spider venom is designed for small insect prey.

What does spider season mean in Ireland?

Spider season in Ireland refers to the time of year, usually late summer and early autumn, when spiders become more noticeable as they move indoors. This behavior is driven by their search for mates and shelter from the changing weather, leading to more frequent sightings inside homes.

What are the most common spiders found inside Irish houses?

Common spiders found inside Irish houses include the Giant House Spider, the Rabbit Hutch Spider (Steatoda bipunctata), and several False Widow species (Steatoda grossa, Steatoda nobilis). The Window Lace Weaver is also frequently seen, often building its web around window frames and in quiet, undisturbed corners.

Is the Noble False Widow spider common in Ireland?

Yes, the Noble False Widow spider (Steatoda nobilis) is a common species in Ireland, frequently found in and around homes and buildings. Originally from the Canary Islands, this spider has become well-established across the country, particularly in urban areas where it finds ample shelter and prey.

Can you find Fen Raft Spiders in Ireland?

Yes, the Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius) can be found in Ireland, although it is one of the country’s rarer species. This large spider is semi-aquatic and inhabits specific wetland environments like fens and grazing marshes. Its size makes it one of Ireland’s most impressive arachnids.

Are Woodlouse Spiders found in Ireland?

Yes, the Woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata) is found in Ireland and is considered one of the country’s bigger spider species. It is recognizable by its reddish-brown body and large fangs, which are specifically adapted to pierce the hard exoskeletons of its primary prey, woodlice (slaters).

Spiders in Ireland

Common Spiders in Ireland

Biggest Spiders in Ireland

Most Venomous Spiders