A woman and a young boy have fallen to their deaths off the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare.
A rescue operation was launched when they were spotted in the sea at the tourist spot. Their bodies were recovered and airlifted to Galway's University College Hospital. They are believed to be from Galway and to have travelled to the Co Clare cliffs on a bus trip.
Doolin Coastguard and the rescue helicopter from Shannon scrambled to the scene.
"The helicopter and boat arrived roughly at the same time, and the helicopter directed the coastguard boat to the causalities," said John Falvey, from Valencia coastguard.
"These were taken on board the coastguard boat, which brought them to Doolin, and from there they were taken to the University College Hospital, Galway.
"I don't think anybody observed them falling so we are not sure exactly where they fell, but at that location the cliffs are quite high, I'd say 600 feet."
In November, a 35-year-old Polish woman sightseeing on the cliffs with a friend died when she was swept into the sea by high winds. Mr Falvey said visitors and walkers frequently walk too close to the edge of the cliffs.