Urgent warning to beachgoers and dog walkers this weekend

13:47, 14 Mar 2026Updated 13:51, 14 Mar 2026

Hemlock Water Dropwort discovered on a beach in Youghal(Image: Cork County Council)

An extremely poisonous plant that can be fatal for both livestock and humans has been discovered on a beach in Youghal.

The Hemlock water-dropwort – also known as ‘dead man’s fingers’ – was found washed up on the Mall beach, with Cork County Council issuing an urgent warning to walkers in the area. It’s one of the most dangerous plants in the UK and Ireland, with skin contact often causing irritation – and ingestion sometimes proving fatal within hours.

Ingestion among adults is rare, with only 13 cases of acute poisoning to humans reported in Britain between 1900 and the 1970s – but tragically nine of those cases were fatal – and the increased likelihood of a dog or a toddler coming into contact with the plant makes its appearance on a popular beach on a sunny weekend very dangerous.

As a member of the carrot family, the distinctive roots of Hemlock water-dropwort resemble parsnips. Cork County Council today said: “Cork County Council is advising the public to avoid touching the Hemlock water-dropwort plant after it was found washed up on The Mall beach, Youghal.

“This plant is naturally occurring in Ireland but is known to be highly toxic, and its roots can resemble a parsnip. Direct contact may cause skin irritation, so we ask visitors to take care when walking along the shoreline.”Please remain vigilant on beaches in the East Cork area, and ensure that children and pets are kept away from any unfamiliar plants that may have washed ashore.”Anyone who believes they may have come into contact with the plant is encouraged to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Cork County Council will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate steps as needed.”

Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, involuntary muscle movements, and haemorrhaging of the brain and lungs.

Elsewhere in East Cork, at least 15 dead swans have been removed from a lakeside beauty spot after an outbreak of bird flu.