An investigation is under way into the deaths of a man and a woman in north Co Clare.
Emergency services were called to a house in Killinaboy at around 2.30pm yesterday afternoon, after a friend of the family raised the alarm.
The body of a man was found outside the bungalow.
Gardaí subsequently discovered the body of a woman in the house.
Gardaí are describing both deaths as "unexplained".
It is understood that there was no evidence of a struggle in the house.
At this stage, it is believed nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation.
The property and its environs have been sealed off pending an examination by garda technical experts.
Detectives involved in the investigation held a case conference and the office of the State Pathologist has been notified.
An incident room has been set up at Ennis Garda Station.
It was expected that the bodies would remain at the scene overnight before post mortem examinations are carried out.
Those findings, along with toxicology tests, will determine the course of the inquiry in the coming days.
The house were the couple lived is located down a narrow rural road, a short distance from Killinaboy, around 20km from Ennis.
A cordon has been put in place on the approach to their home.
News of the deaths has been received with shock by locals in the north Clare area who were familiar with the couple.
Both worked locally and were well known around the wider locality.
It is understood they had two adult children, who were not in the house at the time of the deaths.
A family liaison officer has been appointed to the family of the deceased, gardaí said.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to the case and an incident room has been set up at Ennis Garda Station.
Gardaí in Co Clare are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Ennis Garda Station on 065-684-8100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any garda station.
