A crayfish plague caused by a water mould is devastating white-clawed crayfish in the River Maigue near Limerick, with locals reporting hundreds of deaths. Researchers are using environmental DNA to track the species and say reducing pollution could help remaining populations persist.

A large fish kill on a 30 km stretch of the River Blackwater in north County Cork has reportedly killed thousands of fish; Inland Fisheries Ireland estimates 8,000–10,000 wild fish, while local angling groups put mortality as high as 46,000. Preliminary sampling indicates fungal infection on many fish, but no evidence to date links the kill to a licensed discharge.

Record-breaking sightings of the exotic Eurasian hoopoe in southern Ireland have Irish birdwatchers buzzing, while native robins appear unsettled by their unexpected arrival.

Avian influenza found in Black-headed seagulls in Limerick.

In 2020, Seal Rescue Ireland reported the highest number of strandings on record, 202 dead seal reports coming from all over the country. They think one contributing factor is climate change; an increase in the severity and frequency of storms is causing more deaths among pups, from drowning or storm related injuries.

Ireland's highest temperature was reported at Shannon Airport, Co Clare on June 28 reaching a high of 32.0 °C, its highest since 1946. The summer of 2018 will be remembered for the scorching heatwave and drought conditions that affected the whole country.