Identify them. Understand them. Know what to do if you get stung.

Jellyfish are a natural part of Ireland's coastal waters — but when you're swimming, surfing, kayaking or exploring the shoreline, knowing what you're looking at can make a big difference.

Which jellyfish have you spotted? Is it dangerous? What should you do if you get stung?

We've created a simple, practical guide to help you identify some of the jellyfish you're most likely to encounter around Ireland and understand what to do if you or someone else is stung.

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What Jellyfish Can You Find Around Ireland?

Ireland's coastline is home to a fascinating variety of marine life, including several species of jellyfish.

Some are relatively harmless to humans, while others can deliver a painful sting.

Learning to recognise different species isn't just interesting — it can help you make informed decisions when you're spending time in or around the sea.

Our guide helps you look at key features such as:

• Colour and overall appearance

• Bell shape and size

• Tentacles and oral arms

• Where and when they are commonly encountered

• The relative severity of their sting

• What to do if contact occurs

Common Irish Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish

Often recognised by its translucent bell and distinctive circular markings, the moon jellyfish is one of the species you may encounter around Irish waters.

Compass Jellyfish

The compass jellyfish gets its name from the characteristic brown markings that radiate across its bell. Its sting can be painful, so care should be taken if you encounter one.

Lion's Mane Jellyfish

One of the largest jellyfish found in Irish waters, the lion's mane can have long, trailing tentacles and deliver a painful sting.

Blue Jellyfish

Blue jellyfish can sometimes be seen close to the Irish coastline, particularly during warmer periods.

Barrel Jellyfish

The large, distinctive barrel jellyfish can occasionally appear in Irish waters. Despite its impressive size, its sting is generally considered less severe than some other species.

The guide contains more information to help you recognise these and other jellyfish you may encounter.

What Should You Do If You Get Stung?

Jellyfish stings can be painful, but knowing what to do can help you respond calmly and appropriately.

If you are stung:

1. Get out of the water.

Move away from the jellyfish and make sure you are somewhere safe.

2. Follow current official first-aid guidance.

Jellyfish sting advice can vary depending on the species and circumstances. Our guide points you towards the current advice from the HSE, Ireland's national health service.

3. Don't panic.

Most jellyfish stings are painful rather than life-threatening, but serious reactions can occur.

4. Seek medical help when necessary.

If someone experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, dizziness, collapse or another serious reaction, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Important

This guide is intended as a practical educational resource and does not replace professional medical advice.

For the most up-to-date medical guidance on treating jellyfish stings, always follow the advice of the HSE and other appropriate medical professionals.

Download Your Free Irish Jellyfish Safety Guide

Whether you're heading to the beach for a swim, taking the kids rock-pooling, surfing the Irish coast or simply curious about the wildlife around you, our printable guide gives you something useful to keep on your phone or take with you.

Inside the free guide:

✓ Irish jellyfish identification tips
✓ Common species found around Ireland
✓ Visual identification information
✓ Jellyfish sting safety information
✓ First-aid guidance and links to official advice
✓ A simple reference you can save or print
✓ Practical information for enjoying Ireland's coastline safely

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The Ocean Is Full of Life

At For The Ocean, we believe that protecting the ocean starts with understanding it.

The more we know about the wildlife living around our coastline, the more connected we become to the places we swim, surf, explore and enjoy.

Jellyfish may not always be the marine animals we expect to get excited about — but they are part of a much bigger story.

Our coastline is a living ecosystem.

From jellyfish and plankton to seabirds, dolphins, whales and the habitats beneath the waves, every species plays a role.

Understanding nature is the first step towards protecting it.

More Than Just a Guide

For The Ocean exists to inspire and empower people to protect wildlife through storytelling, education and action.

We're creating resources that help people discover the natural world around them — and then do something positive for it.

When you sign up for your free jellyfish guide, you'll also be the first to hear about:

🌊 New ocean and wildlife guides
🐦 Conservation projects we're supporting
🏖️ Beach cleans and coastal events
📚 Educational resources
👕 New For The Ocean products
💙 Ways you can take action for the ocean

We won't fill your inbox.

We'll send you things we think are genuinely useful, interesting or worth knowing about.

Explore. Understand. Protect.

The ocean doesn't need us to be perfect.

It needs more people who care.

Get your free Irish Jellyfish Safety Guide and start discovering more about the incredible wildlife living around our coast.

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