Northern Ireland

Jellyfish warning issued in Co Down

Lion's Mane Jellyfish have washed up around the Co Down coast at Cloghey Picture by Hugh Russell.
Lion's Mane Jellyfish have washed up around the Co Down coast at Cloghey Picture by Hugh Russell. Lion's Mane Jellyfish have washed up around the Co Down coast at Cloghey Picture by Hugh Russell.

Warnings have been issued after large number of a potentially poisonous jellyfish washed up along a Co Down coastline.

The Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team issued a warning through Facebook after hundreds of Lion’s Mane jellyfish were found on a beach at Cloughey, near Portavogie, this week.

The Jellyfish is known for its vicious sting and can cause an anaphylactic reaction in dogs.

The potential to sting is known to continue long after the jellyfis has died.

Lion's Mane Jellyfish. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Lion's Mane Jellyfish. Picture by Hugh Russell. Lion's Mane Jellyfish. Picture by Hugh Russell.

Lions Mane jellyfish are common in the Irish Sea and is one of the largest known species of jellyfish.

It is named because of its trailing tentacles, which resemble a lion’s mane.

On their own, stings from the jellyfish are not known to be fatal with most causing temporary pain and redness.

The coastguard has warned people to be careful.

“Anyone finding a lion’s mane jellyfish washed up on the beach should also be aware that the tentacles of this species retain their potent sting long after the jellyfish has died, and dead specimens should therefore never be touched under any circumstances,” they said.

“If your dog comes into contact with a Lion's Mane Jellyfish, immediate veterinary attention is advised as anaphylactic reactions are not uncommon.”