Tick Bites & Lyme Disease in Ireland — What You Need to Know

Where ticks live in Ireland

Ticks are common in long grass and woodland — Wicklow, Kerry, west of Ireland, and elsewhere. Spring and autumn are peak seasons.

Removing a tick

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover
2. Grip the tick close to the skin
3. Pull steadily upward — do not twist or crush
4. Clean the area; save the tick if possible (photo / sealed bag)

Lyme disease

Most tick bites do not transmit Lyme. Watch for these signs in the 30 days after a bite:

• Erythema migrans — a circular spreading rash, often with central clearing (“bull’s-eye”), typically 1–4 weeks after the bite
• Flu-like symptoms — fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headache
• Joint pain, neurological symptoms

When antibiotics help

If the rash is present, antibiotics (doxycycline 21 days, or amoxicillin in pregnancy / children) cure the disease in most cases. Prophylactic antibiotics after a bite are not routine in Ireland.

Online Doctor consultation

Photo of the rash plus history is enough for assessment in most cases. We will prescribe doxycycline where indicated and signpost in-person review for atypical or late-stage presentations.

FAQs