Urgent Warning Issued Over Weever Fish Stings on Irish Beaches as Victims Describe ‘Agonising’ Pain

Beachgoers across Ireland are being warned to watch their step after a surge in painful encounters with the venomous weever fish. The National Poisons Information Centre has issued an alert following dozens of reports of people being stung at sandy beaches around the coast.
The weever fish, though tiny, can deliver an excruciating sting through sharp venomous spines on its dorsal fin. Commonly found in shallow, sandy waters around low tide, the fish bury themselves just beneath the surface, making them almost invisible to unsuspecting swimmers and paddlers.
“Standing on one results in immediate, intense burning pain,” warned the NPIC. The pain is often at its worst during the first two hours, followed by swelling, numbness, and ongoing discomfort that can last for up to two weeks. In some cases, the spine may break off in the foot, causing prolonged irritation.
Personal accounts shared following the warning highlight just how severe the pain can be. One person recounted stepping on a weever fish in Wexford: “The pain was awful. I’d never heard of them before, but my neighbour knew exactly what to do.” Another described their experience on Achill Island, saying: “It’s not fun! Thankfully the lifeguards reacted quickly.”
For some, the memory is unforgettable. “I thought I was dying. The pain was immense. I will never go into the sea again without swim shoes,” one victim shared.
While most stings are not life-threatening, there have been rare cases of anaphylactic shock, especially in those with allergies. Authorities are urging beach visitors to wear swim shoes or sandals in shallow water and avoid swimming an hour before and after low tide—when weever fish are most likely to be lurking.
Water Safety Ireland also advises the public to stop swimming during this tidal window to reduce risk. Prevention, they stress, is the best protection against the fish’s powerful sting.