Libellula quadrimaculata

Four-spotted chaser - flies from mid May to September in Ireland. The larvae has a two year development cycle. Mainly seen around heathlands, ponds and slow moving rivers. The brown colour and the four spots on the wings make them unmistakable.
Widespread throughout Ireland and Britain. They are active dragonflies, spending a lot of time hunting over water for insect-prey or to mark out their territories. There were many of these dragonflies around a pond in Greaghnafarna Co. Leitrim.
where these photographs were taken.