So are there any snakes in Ireland now?

[Captain_Lance_Murdoch]

In reference to http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mirishsnakes.html

Is The Emerald Isle still snake-free? I would think in this global age it would be nigh to impossible to keep stowaways, pets and souvenirs out of the country. The introduction of snakes has been devastating to the ecosystems of other islands. Has Ireland managed to fend of serpentine invaders?

[Colibri]

As far as I know, so far there are still no snakes in Ireland. According to this:

Apparently, attempts have been made to introduce grass snakes to Ireland (usually done surreptitiously by individuals, and invoking the rage of most Irish) but these have failed. Such failures could simply be due to the small numbers of snakes introduced, or to the unappealing (to snakes) climate, or to a combination of these factors.

[AskNott]

Snakes from Britain could not go forth and multiply, for they were adders. Yea, verily.

[GorillaMan]

In Britain, the Adder is heavily endangered, and the (IIRC) two other indigenous species are also in decline. Ireland’s climate and habitat would be just about sufficient for the Adder, but various man-made circumstances would prevent a population to establish itself. And in any case, nobody keeps them as pets. The species which are kept are pretty much incapable of surviving outside anywhere in the British Isles, certainly not enough to establish themselves.

[Saltire]

@AskNott

Snakes from Britain could not go forth and multiply, for they were adders. Yea, verily.

snerk

Good one.

[C_K_Dexter_Haven]

@Asknott

Snakes from Britain could not go forth and multiply, for they were adders.

You bet your sweet asp.

[Una_Persson]

@AskNott

Snakes from Britain could not go forth and multiply, for they were adders. Yea, verily.

But one day a nice Irish park ranger built them a log table, so they could multiply by adding.