The local people of Cobh, Co. Cork were amazed by the arrival of thousands of jellyfish into the harbour last week.
The huge numbers of jellyfish were reported along the Cork Coastline at popular swimming locations such as Myrtleville, Sandycove and Cobh’s Kennedy Pier over the weekend.
Cindi Bonny the owner of The Beanie Box coffee shop took to her Instagram page to share the spectacle.
She said, “Today down in cobh we saw so many Jellyfish! It’s mad!!”
Speaking to the Irish Examiner Ms Bonny said, “We were visiting my sister and had spotted the jellyfish while we were going on the boat to Spike Island - we had seen them across the harbour.”
Ms Bonny said this summer she has noticed an increase of jellyfish in Cork waters.
She said, “In general I have noticed an increase of jellyfish in the area for sure as my daughter would be in the water most of the time.
“I'd say the unusually high temperatures we’re getting at the moment - when we get it - and the water temperature rising, that’s bringing them all to the area,” she said.
Videos show thousands of the sea creatures in the water making for quite a sight.
James Linerhan of Deora De Deep Sea Angling Charters told Cork Beo that he had to switch off the engine of his boat to ensure the jellyfish didn’t damage it.
The creatures are believed to be Aurelai Aurita, commonly known as moon jellyfish.
There have been reports of the jellyfish turning up across other beaches along the coast such as Garrettstown in Co. Cork.
The jellyfish may have come further into land than usual as they were drawn to sand banks along the coast.
