Warning as deadly plant turns up on Irish beaches

It's known as the Hemlock Water Dropwort or 'Dead Man's fingers'.

The Hemlock Water Dropwort or 'Dead Man's fingers' has been spotted on a beach in County Meath.

The poisonous plant was spotted by locals, washed up on Bettystown and Laytown beaches.

The deadly plant resembles wild parsnips and can often smell like carrots and usually wash in by the tide.

It can be fatal to humans and animals, causing death in just hours after attacking the nervous system and resulting in the body shutting down.

While it usually kills due to ingestion, it can be fatal if touched by a person with an open wound.

Additionally, the Hemlock Water Dropwort can also lead to convulsions and death by suffocation.

Meath County Council issued a warning to the public, saying: "The roots of this plant look a bit like parsnips, but they are highly toxic, so please steer clear.

"Don’t touch anything that looks like a parsnip‑shaped root washed up on the beach. Keep pets and little ones close. If you spot something unusual, let Meath County Council know.

"Even brushing against the plant can irritate skin and ingesting it can be severely dangerous for both people and animals."

They continued: "With recent high tides, winds, and swollen rivers, it’s likely these plants were uprooted from their usual habitats along the banks of our waterways and shoreline, so please stay alert on your coastal walks.

"Please continue to enjoy our beaches but stay safe and stay aware!"