The highly toxic hemlock water dropwort, considered one of the most poisonous plants in Ireland and the UK, has been discovered washed up at a Wicklow beach. The roots of the plant look similar to parsnips or celery, and it is also known as “dead man’s fingers”. Last week the highly toxic plant was discovered on Dollymount Beach on Bull Island, Co Dublin, and at Bettystown beach in Co Meath. On Sunday, hemlock water dropwort was found washed up at the main Brittas Bay beach. Members of the public are advised to please keep dogs on a lead in areas where hemlock water dropwort is present, especially near damp ground or dune slacks.

Source: Irish Independent February 17, 2026 18:49 UTC