A happy St Patrick’s Day! Legend has it that all the snakes were driven out of Ireland by St Patrick, but what about the dinosaurs in Ireland? Today, March 17th, is the day we celebrate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a day to wear green and to carry a shamrock. One of the myths that has emerged is that St Patrick banished snakes from Ireland. This might be a metaphor as some pagans used the snake as a symbol and St Patrick helped to introduce Christianity to the Emerald Isle.

We at Everything Dinosaur wish all our Irish customers a happy St Patricks Day.

What About Fossils of Dinosaurs in Ireland?

With so many limestone exposures on the island of Ireland there are plenty of places to find invertebrate fossils.  However, as far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, only two fossils of dinosaurs have been found on the island.  These specimens were found in Jurassic aged rocks exposed on the coast of County Antrim (Northern Ireland).

To read more about this fossil discovery: First Dinosaur Fossils from the Island of Ireland.

These two specimens represent two different dinosaurs.  One fragmentary bone probably represents an ornithischian dinosaur, perhaps an armoured dinosaur.  The second specimen, also fragmentary, has been assigned to the Theropoda.  It was certainly not a member of the Tyrannosauridae family.  Notwithstanding this, we used artificial intelligence (AI) to create an image for us.  We wanted a dinosaur celebrating St Patrick’s Day.  The image generated certainly fits the brief provided.  However, theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex never roamed Ireland.

Happy St Patrick’s Day (March 17th). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur (image generated in Canva).

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur (image generated in Canva)

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Toys.

Not Many Dinosaurs but Megaloceros Aplenty

There might not be many dinosaur fossils. However, there are plenty of other, albeit much later vertebrates associated with this location. For example, large numbers of Megaloceros (M. giganteus) fossils have been found in Ireland. So many in fact, that this extinct deer is often referred to as the Irish elk. Ironically, Megaloceros was not confined to Ireland. Its fossils are found all over Europe and northern Asia. In addition, it was not closely related to the extant elk.

The term seems to have become popular from the 1800s onwards due to the large number of exceptionally well-preserved specimens found in lake sediments and peat bogs in Ireland. Many of these “Irish elk” specimens can still be seen in museums all over the world today.

A Megaloceros skeleton on display in the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Famed for its enormous antlers, Megaloceros exhibits are often found in prominent and busy locations in museums.  Their fossils certainly make an eye-catching display.  Model collectors have a rather limited choice when it comes to replicas of Megaloceros.  However, in 2020 Papo introduced a Megaloceros replica.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur had the opportunity to view a prototype, and the production figure is most impressive.

The beautifully painted Papo Megaloceros model. This figure was introduced in 2020. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Papo prehistoric animal model range: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models.

There might not be many dinosaurs in Ireland, but we can still celebrate the island’s rich culture and fossil heritage.

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is: how can I acquire rare dinosaur models?  For some collectors it is not enough to purchase the latest releases.  They are looking for retired and rare models too. Figures that they remember from their childhood.  Prehistoric animal toys that were once cherished.  Sometimes the collector sets out to obtain an entire retired range.  For example, we still get some enquiries about the Carnegie Collection.  Incidentally, this range of figures was retired a decade ago.

The rare and long ago retired Safari Ltd Carnegie Collection Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The retirement of the Carnegie range of prehistoric animal models: The End of the Line for the Carnegie Collectibles Range.

Rare Dinosaur Models

Acquiring rare dinosaur models can be an exciting extension to their hobby for collectors.  Unfortunately, we have heard many stories about collectors being let down.  For example, the advertised figure does not turn out to be as expected.  It is not in pristine condition, it lacks the original product tags or packaging.  Worse still, it turns out to be a copy of the cherished figure and not an original.

Here are our top tips when it comes to sourcing rare figures:

1. Start by finding a reliable supplier.  A specialist in museum-quality collectibles.  Look for retailers with genuine customer reviews and a solid reputation in the model collecting community.
2. Having identified such a supplier, reach out to them.  Contact them directly.  A reliable and trustworthy supplier should welcome your enquiry. In addition, they should be able to demonstrate considerable product knowledge.  This two-way contact can help provide valuable information about the quality and availability of figures.
3. Ask for photographs.  Trusted companies should be happy to send out additional images.  For example, at Everything Dinosaur we often photograph individual models and email these images to the potential buyer.
4. Make sure that any prices are clear and unambiguous.  There can be hidden costs, especially if purchasing from overseas.  Extra charges can occur due to customs, tariffs or additional costs for postage.  A transparent pricing structure helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for.

By following these steps, you can build a collection of rare prehistoric animal figures that will impress any enthusiast. Happy collecting!

Contact Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Visit the retired or rare section of the Everything Dinosaur website: Retired or Rare Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Everything Dinosaur has received excellent Feefo customer feedback from a dinosaur fan from Australia. Our customer service scores top marks “Down Under”.  Everything Dinosaur is a UK-based mail order company.  We specialise in the sale and supply of museum quality prehistoric animal models.  The company has thousands of customers all over the world.  Moreover, Mike and Sue who run Everything Dinosaur have a fantastic reputation for customer service.  For example, the company has received seventy customer reviews from Feefo this month.  Everything Dinosaur consistently gets rated “5-stars” for customer service.

Here is a typical review from one of our numerous customers in Australia.

“Professional, swift and efficient” genuine Feefo customer feedback from a customer in Australia. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The customer from Australia responded to a Feefo email requesting feedback on a recent purchase.  Everything Dinosaur has many customers “Down Under”.  The feedback is typical, it reflects the view of our customers overseas.

The customer described our service as:

“Professional, swift and efficient.”

View the award-winning and highly rated Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Dinosaur Toys.

Feefo Customer Feedback

Feefo is one of the world’s largest buyer review platforms. The Feefo platform helps businesses to collect genuine, verified reviews from customers. Everything Dinosaur has received thousands of 5-star customer reviews. The company has won many awards for its customer service. For example, the business was recently awarded Feefo’s Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2025.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that input from customers was essential.

He added:

“We welcome feedback from customers.  Views, comments, suggestions and feedback are greatly appreciated.  It’s great to have this two-way dialogue with our global customer base.”

Everything Dinosaur has been awarded the prestigious Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2025. Picture credit: Feefo.

Picture credit: Feefo

To see the independent customer reviews collected by Feefo about Everything Dinosaur: Feefo Customer Reviews About Everything Dinosaur.

Team members at Everything Dinosaur comment upon dinosaurs and Valentine’s Day as we celebrate this special day in the calendar.  This date is associated with chocolates and flowers.  It might seem a world away from the Dinosauria, but we can find some fascinating connections.

For example, a few years ago Everything Dinosaur commissioned a colourful heart-themed logo for use in its range of children’s T-shirts.  Dinosaurs are certainly very popular with many children.

I love dinosaurs! Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of dinosaur-themed clothing stocked: Dinosaur Themed Clothing.

Dinosaurs and Valentine’s Day

Palaeontologists have implied nurturing behaviour in dinosaurs by interpreting the fossil record.  For example, evidence of communal nesting has been found.  In addition, it is thought that many dinosaurs cared for their offspring as demonstrated by the amazing fossils found at the “Egg Mountain” nesting site associated with the hadrosaur Maiasaura (M. peeblesorum).

Dinosaur hatchlings! Maternal behaviour has been suggested for some dinosaur taxa. As it is Valentine’s Day, we remember receiving this model as a gift after providing some information on the Late Cretaceous hadrosaurid Maiasaura (M. peeblesorum) to a customer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dinosaur Courtship Displays

Dinosaurs probably indulged in elaborate courtship displays, just like their avian relatives. Dinosaur courtship displays likely involved complicated behaviours such as dynamic movements and intricate vocalisations.

For example, in early 2016, we wrote about some recently published research that may have provided an insight into dinosaur display behaviour. Could scrapes in the ground represent preserved dinosaur courtship displays?

To read our article: Dance of the Dinosaurs.

Pterosaurs probably indulged in complex social displays too.  Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur an illustration of a bonded pair of azhdarchid pterosaurs.  The illustration was inspired by the television series Prehistoric Planet II.  It is a great picture, and fitting considering today is Valentine’s day.

Two Hatzegopteryx pterosaurs illustrated. The drawing inspired by a scene from the recently aired Prehistoric Planet II. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

We have to use our imaginations when it comes to depicting the courtship behaviours of long extinct animals.  It is likely that some of the courtship displays of the Dinosauria would have been spectacular.  A couple of lovesick forty tonne sauropods with only eyes for each other.  Or ritual combat between two ceratopsians as they battled over mating rights. If only we could travel back in time to observe these behaviours.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Our thanks to prehistoric animal model collector Carl who sent into Everything Dinosaur some photographs of his Haolonggood sauropods.  These huge dinosaurs are displayed with several ornithischian figures including the Haolonggood Maiasaura and Edmontosaurus models.  The foliage for these herbivores to feed on are two cycad trees from the CollectA range of figures.

It is certainly a most impressive collection.

A procession of prehistoric animal figures. What a fabulous collection! The two CollectA cycad tree models provide something for the sauropods to browse. Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

Superb Haolonggood Sauropods

The range of Haolonggood dinosaur models has expanded to include a range of Jurassic and Cretaceous sauropods.  However, the company has yet to make a Triassic sauropodomorph or indeed an example of a basal sauropod such as Vulcanodon, Shunosaurus or Cetiosaurus.  There is already a wide variety to choose from.  There are giants such as Mamenchisaurus and Apatosaurus was well as representations of smaller sauropods such as Amargasaurus and Dicraeosaurus.

To view the range of Haolonggood sauropods and other prehistoric animal figures available: Haolonggood Dinosaur Models.

Displaying the various 1:35 scale figures together really helps to give an insight into the size differences between different sauropods.  In addition, it puts the size of some duck-billed dinosaurs into perspective too.

Haolonggood sauropods and other prehistoric animal models on display. On thanks to model collector Carl for sending into Everything Dinosaur his photographs. Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

Commenting on the display shelf, Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“What an incredible display!  This dinosaur model collector is highlighting the enormous variety of sauropod figures.  The whole shelf is a tribute to these majestic animals and the intricate details of the models.”

Thank you Carl, for sending these wonderful photographs.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Figures.

A unique and imaginative tyrannosaur hybrid was spotted at a trade show. “B-rex” is a cross between a bee and Tyrannosaurus rex.  The unusual theropod was on display at the London Toy Fair.  It is certainly one of the most unusual dinosaur models that we have come across.

An imaginative interpretation of a theropod dinosaur a “B-rex” a cross between a bee and a tyrannosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“B-rex”

Bees are insects (Insecta). They belong to the order Hymenoptera. The ancestors of bees are thought to have evolved in the Early Triassic, shortly before the first dinosaurs evolved. Social members of this order are thought to have first appeared during the Cretaceous. Insect fossils are extremely rare. However, it is thought that with the rise of the flowering plants, bees evolved and became numerous in the Late Cretaceous.

Therefore, it is likely that bees and Tyrannosaurus rex co-existed. Although, we suspect they rarely interacted.  It is extremely unlikely that any evidence demonstrating interactions will be found in the fossil record.

The “B-rex” is a most intriguing figure.  The black and yellow stripes on the body, the delicate wings on the back and the two antennae on the head.  This model is a tribute to the designer’s active imagination.

For more accurate Tyrannosaurus rex models and other figures: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

At the London Toy Fair, excitement was in the air as visitors flocked to the trade stands.  It was extremely busy.  However, amongst the many attractions, a team member from Everything Dinosaur spotted a friendly Triceratops.  This cheerful character was being escorted around the busy halls.  The Triceratops welcomed exhibitors and visitors.  We were allowed to take a photograph.

A friendly Triceratops spotted at the London Toy Fair. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Friendly Triceratops

At Everything Dinosaur, we appreciate all the hard work of the people dressed as characters.  The costume would have been hot and with three horns on the face, it would have been difficult to see where you were going. The Triceratops character posed for photos and spread joy wherever they went.  The bright red ceratopsian reminded everyone that playtime is important, regardless of age. This memorable moment at the London Toy Fair highlighted the power of creativity and fun.

Not sure what species was being represented T. horridus perhaps? Maybe the geologically younger Triceratops prorsus?  Palaeontologists might have skin impressions of the Triceratops taxon to study, but we are not sure what colour this dinosaur was.  We suspect that it was not bright red, but you never know…

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

It was a great start to 2025 for fans of UK fossil sites.  The University of Birmingham sent out a media release about the investigation into extensive dinosaur trackways found in Oxfordshire. Five dinosaur trackways dating back to the Middle Jurassic had been unearthed in an Oxfordshire quarry.  Four of the trackways were made by sauropods.  The research team behind this remarkable research suggested that the footprints could have been made by a dinosaur such as Cetiosaurus (Cetiosaurus oxoniensis).  The research project was co-led by the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the dinosaur tracks: Remarkable “Dinosaur Highway” Found in Oxfordshire.

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur remembered visiting the wonderful Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) and viewing the Cetiosaurus (Cetiosaurus oxoniensis) fossil specimens on display.

Cetiosaurus Fossils on Display

Fossils ascribed to the taxon Cetiosaurus on display at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows several sauropod fossils on display at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.  A femur is shown on far left. The large bones in the centre are a right scapula and a right humerus. The fossil bones adjacent to them are from the lower portion of the forelimb (right ulna and right radius). Above these limb bones several caudal vertebrae (tail bones) are displayed.  These fossils have been assigned to the taxon Cetiosaurus.  The fossils represent some of the very first sauropod bones to have been extensively studied.

Cetiosaurus was the first sauropod to be named (Owen, 1841).  At the time, Richard Owen thought the bones represented some sort of giant marine crocodile – hence the name which translates as “whale lizard”.

The enormous and robust right femur of a Middle Jurassic sauropod. The femur has been ascribed to the taxon Cetiosaurus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The image (above) shows a close-up view of the huge right femur of a sauropod.  This fossil bone has been assigned to Cetiosaurus.  The text in the exhibit refers to Cetiosaurus as the “Oxford Brontosaur”.  However, the exact taxonomy of Cetiosaurus oxoniensis is disputed although it is quite certain that it was only very distantly related to diplodocids such as Brontosaurus.

Cetiosaurus and Megalosaurus

The theropod trackway has been tentatively assigned to Megalosaurus.  Megalosaurus is another iconic dinosaur that has links to the OUMNH.  Although Megalosaurus has become something of a taxon wastebasket, the only fossil remains ascribed to Megalosaurus with any degree of consensus were found in Oxfordshire.  The track site provides some tantalising evidence of sauropod and theropod interaction.  For example, some of the tracks intersect.  A theropod dinosaur walked over tracks made by a sauropod.  There is no way of knowing how much later the meat-eater walked in the same direction as the herbivorous dinosaur. Perhaps the theropod was stalking the sauropod.

As part of the University of Birmingham media release we received some wonderful artwork from the very talented Mark Witton.  In the illustration, a Megalosaurus attacks a juvenile sauropod.

A Megalosaurus attacks a Cetiosaurus. Picture credit: Mark Witton.

Picture credit: Mark Witton

The remarkable Oxfordshire track site will feature in a BBC Two documentary.  In addition, the OUMNH will open a special exhibition about the dinosaur tracks shortly.

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Cetiosaurus figure.  A model of an early sauropod that lived during the Middle Jurassic.

The picture (above) shows a Cetiosaurus model.  This dinosaur model was introduced into the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range in 2010.

To view the range of not-to-scale CollectA prehistoric animal figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Prehistoric Life Age of Dinosaurs Popular Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The images we received from Birmingham University reminded us of our visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.  It was wonderful to be able to view the Cetiosaurus oxoniensis fossils.  It is a fabulous museum with some amazing exhibits.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Earlier this week, we posted up some photographs of dinosaur wrapping paper.  Today, we highlight some more festive wrapping paper with a prehistoric animal theme.  Such colourful and delightful packaging material.  It is gift wrap with a Gorgosaurus and other dinosaurs in a “roarsome” display.

Some roarsome dinosaur wrapping paper providing seasonal cheer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Amongst the many fir trees, a flock of dinosaurs are delivering their presents and parcels. It is certainly some very festive prehistoric animal themed wrapping paper.

To view our previous blog post highlighting prehistoric animal wrapping paper: Prehistoric Animal Themed Wrapping Paper.

Dinosaur Wrapping Paper

Dinosaur fans young and old will love this dinosaur wrapping paper.  Our thanks to the customer who sent us a present which was wrapped in this delightful gift wrap. We love the design and the bright red background colour.  The paper is so festive and cheerful.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“To receive a gift from a customer was lovely.  To receive a gift presented to us in this beautiful prehistoric animal wrapping paper made it extra special. Our thanks to the customer for their thoughtful present.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Today, we wanted to show you some of the amazing prehistoric animal wrapping paper that we have been given.  It has been used to wrap all sorts of gifts and we admire the use of dinosaurs and pterosaurs in the colourful designs.  Each sheet is extremely bright and engaging.  Children will love unwrapping presents wrapped in this fun paper. We certainly did!

Colourful prehistoric animal wrapping paper featuring sauropods, stegosaurs, ceratopsids, theropods and pterosaurs. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Prehistoric Animal Wrapping Paper

The design is certainly creative.  The orange Triceratops and the cute Stegosaurus complete with booties and a Santa hat.  Our congratulations to the talented and imaginative design team.  Several dinosaurs including a sauropod seem to be riding on skateboards.  Whereas the pterosaur has festive lights on its wings.  Moreover, it is carrying a parcel in its beak.

A festive theropod carrying a decorative tree and riding a skateboard. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The photograph (above) shows a close-up view of a green theropod dinosaur riding a skateboard.  The meat-eating dinosaur has a festive tree strapped to its back and it is wearing a Santa hat.

Such delightful and wonderful dinosaur and prehistoric animal themed wrapping paper.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.