Marine biologist and director of Dingle’s OceanWorld Aquarium, Kevin Flannery, told the Irish Times it is “very unusual” for a walrus to be spotted in this part of the world, although there have been potential sightings from surfers and fishermen in Ireland in the past.

"Temperatures in Britain will soar to nearly 21C later this week despite parts of the country having seen lows of -7C since the Easter bank holiday heat wave."

Scientists say water temperatures are as much as 3 to 4C above the average for this time of year in some areas.