If you are looking for a dip around the coasts of Ireland in the warmer months, have a read of our top ten places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland.
The summer of 2021 saw a dramatic rise in the number of jellyfish around the coasts of the Emerald Isle. With the warmer weather now reapproaching us in 2022, there is potential that the explosion in numbers may return.
Recently, the Irish Examiner reported on sightings of jellyfish in County Cork, and the HSE notes that there are five native jellyfish in Ireland: Barrel, Blue, Common (Moon), Compass, and Lion’s Man.
With the summer approaching and swimming weather not too far away, read below on the top ten places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland, based on sightings from last year.
10. Shannon Estuary as far as Glin Pier, Co. Limerick – swimming places unheard of before
According to the Irish Examiner, you may not have thought of this one off the top of your head, but jellyfish were found in the River Shannon last year.
Indeed, John Leech, CEO of Irish Water Safety, said, “A lion’s mane jellyfish went up the Shannon estuary as far as Glin Pier in Limerick – that is unheard of. Nobody has ever seen a lion’s man in Limerick before….”
Address: Killacolla (Barker), Glin, Co. Limerick, Ireland
9. West Donegal, Co. Donegal – along the Wild Atlantic Way
There were jellyfish sightings in their droves along the west coast of Donegal last year, in the likes of Dunfanaghy and Gweedore.
Meanwhile, the venomous Lion’s Mane was spotted at the famous Magheroarty Beach.
Address: Unnamed Road, Co. Donegal, Ireland
8. Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry – one of the most interesting places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland
There have been reported sightings of jellyfish in the waters circulating Skellig Michael on the Kerry coast, making it one of the more interesting and remote places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland.
Address: Skellig Rock Great, Ireland
7. Ballybunion Beach, Co. Kerry – caused difficulty on the Kerry coast before
Much similar to Rossbeigh Strand, further down this list, it was reported that there were several washed-up jellyfish on Ballybunnion Beach.
At the same time, swimmers were told to avoid this beach back in 2016 due to the volume of jellyfish.
Address: Co. Kerry, Ireland
6. Portmarnock Beach, Co. Dublin – Lion’s Mane nearby
The first from Dublin on our list of places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland is Portmarnock Beach.
It was reported back in August 2020 that “massive” Lion’s Mane jellyfish were found at Portmarnock Beach. The Lion’s Mane is one of the world’s largest species of jellyfish.
Address: Co. Dublin, Ireland
5. Sandycove Beach, Co. Dublin – another Dublin entry
Like last summer, the Lion’s Mane jellyfish was spotted in Sandycove waters back in 2019, so they will likely reappear again this year.
Keep an eye out if you plan to swim at Sandycove Beach in the coming months.
Address: Sandycove, Co. Dublin, Ireland
4. Cobh Harbour, Co. Cork – an invasion of this iconic coastal town
The Irish Examiner reported that thousands of jellyfish had arrived at the coastal town of Cobh last year, much to the surprise of locals.
Social media posts evidence thousands of the creatures occupying the Cork waters.
Address: Rae an Chalaidh, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co.Cork, Ireland
3. Rosslare, Co. Wexford – for blooms of Barrel jellyfish
Next on our list of places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland is Rosslare in County Wexford.
Rosslare was deemed a jellyfish hotspot in 2015, while Barrel jellyfish form enormous blooms each year in Rosslare.
Address: Co. Wexford, Ireland
2. Salthill, Co. Galway – keeping the promenade closed
Back in 2020, the popular Salthill beach just outside of Galway city was forced to close due to an invasion of the Lion’s Mane jellyfish.
Previously, there was an uptake in reports of stings from jellyfish back in 2018.
Address: Bóthar na Trá, Co. Galway, Ireland
1. Rossbeigh Strand, Co. Kerry – keep vigilant along the Dingle Peninsula
Last summer, beachgoers to County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula were urged to take care and act with caution as there were reports of many jellyfish in the waters.
At this time, a vast amount was said to have washed up on Rossbeigh Strand.
Address: Co. Kerry, Ireland
While some jellyfish don’t pose a threat, some can be more dangerous, such as the Lion’s Man of the Portuguese Man o’ War. For more information, read here.
