Walkers and swimmers on a West Donegal beach have been warned to take extra care following an influx of Mauve Stinger Jellyfish.
Following this week’s high tides, a number of the jellyfish have been washed up around Maghery Beach.
At least one person has received a nasty sting from the creatures.
Dog owners are also being warned to take care when out exercising their pets.
The operator of the local community centre, Ionad An Mhachaire, have issued a warning about the creatures which they say can cause a nasty sting.
Maghery Beach. Photo by Rob Davies
A warning just posted on the community centre’s Facebook page says “It has been brought to our attention that the heavy seas yesterday has brought a lot of “Mauve Stinger Jellyfish onto Maghery Beach.
“These jellyfish can produce a very painful sting (there has been at least one person stung so far).
“Please exercise caution if visiting the beach and they could provide a hazard to dogs as well. They are quite small and difficult to see.”
The ‘mauve stinger’ is a small jellyfish, but it certainly packs a powerful punch, with long tentacles and warty structures on its ‘bell’ full of stinging cells.
This is species are common to Irish and UK waters usually appears a bluey purple (mauve) colour with a globe shaped umbrella covered in orangey brown warts with long, thin tentacles hanging down from around the bell, reaching a maximum of 3 metres.
