A garda probe was launched on Sunday night after the bodies of an elderly man and woman were found in a house.
The town of Kenmare, Co Kerry was in shock as gardai investigated what happened to the pair, who were aged in their 80s.
Although they were both English, they had been living in Kenmare for many years.
It is believed that the alarm was raised shortly after 10am when a relative who called to the house in Dromnevane found a note on the door and contacted gardai.
They were pronounced dead at the scene and transferred to University Hospital Kerry where a post-mortem will be carried out.
Kenmare Councillor Patrick Connor-Scarteen said: “People in Kenmare are shocked at this very tragic news and our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.”
The outcome of the post-mortem will help gardai determine their course of investigation.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Kenmare are investigating the discovery of the bodies of a man and woman (80s) in a house in Kenmare this morning, Sunday 14th November 2021.
“They were both pronounced dead at the scene and have since been removed to the University Hospital Kerry for post-mortem examinations.
“The scene is preserved pending the outcome of a post-mortem examinations which will assist Gardaí in determining the course of their enquiries.
“The Office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified.”
Gardai under Supt Flor Murphy of Killarney Garda Station are expected to set up an incident room in Killarney and anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney gardai on 064-6671160.
