Donegal Spider Identification! 144KB Photo - Anybody recognise this beastie?

Chief

Hey folks,

For the past 3-5 years I've spotted this spider around our locality in a few places and like to keep a good distance as it looks threatening and I'm not fond of spiders, last year even a friends dog wouldn't go near it. I finally got a chance to photo it as I nearly stuck my head into it and it's web whilst climbing up to stomp our wheelie bin. This photo is of it tucked up ant 1.5 inches long but when it spreads itself out on it's web it look about 3 inches plus in size. I'm not a fan of harming spiders (even though they scare the bejaysus into me!) cos I believe they do a great job. Anyway.....



Anybody seen one before?
Thanks in advance folks!

HemmingSay

I think it's a garden spider, it's got the distinctive white cross, you'll see adults from july to october, and they can grow that big.

here's some more info:
Araneus_diadematus

Chief

HemmingSay Thankyou! Go raibh mile maith agat! looks like you hit the nail on the head there heheh! A lot less worried now!