Beach alert over biggest invasion of killer jellyfish in 100 years

The Portguese man o’war is easily identifiable by its purple ‘bladder’ shape and long tentacles

Bathers and beachgoers have been warned to exercise caution on beaches after a massive infestation of deadly Portuguese man o'war jellyfish reached our shores.

Irish Water has warned about the invasion, which is the largest in more than 100 years.

The jellyfish have been arriving at coastal zones on the south, west and northwest.

The jellyfish, whose tentacles can reach several metres in length, have been known to kill people, such is the severity of their sting.

Sightings of the Portuguese man o'war have been reported in Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Donegal by local authorities.

According to Irish Water, some 80 landings have been reported on the South Harbour in Cape Clear, Co Cork, while more than 20 have been spotted around Keel Bay in Achill.

The sting can cause anaphylactic shock - with victims advised to seek medical attention if they are feeling anything other than minor discomfort, according to John Leech of Irish Water. "They are incredibly dangerous," he said.

Irish Independent