Rare leatherback turtle washed up in Co Cork

A rare leatherback turtle has washed up dead along the shoreline in Ballycotton, Co Cork.

The reptile, which is said to be between 10 and 12 feet long, was spotted this morning.

Marine officials are investigating and tests will be carried out to determine the cause of its death.

Leatherbacks are the largest turtles in the world and normally spend their time in warm tropical waters.

The sometimes come close to Ireland to feed on jellyfish.

The turtles swim thousands of miles every year from their feeding grounds to beaches where they lay their eggs.