Two people have been rescued after they got trapped by rising tide earlier.

Galway RNLI Lifeboat was called out after the pair got trapped on Hare Island Wednesday afternoon.

The man and woman had walked out to the island from Ballyloughane Beach.

But the tide had come in quicker than they expected and cut them off.

They had a mobile phone and were able to ring for help.

The Irish Coastguard sought the assistance of Galway Lifeboat, who launched at about 1.30pm.

The volunteer crew - Helmsman Kieran Oliver, Ros Forde, Ian O'Gorman and Greg Cullen - arrived within 10 minutes and transported the man and woman safely to Galway Docks.

They did not require medical attention.

Galway Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Swan says the fine weather draws people out walking onto the bay and causeways.

"We'd urge members of the public to be mindful of the tides as they come in faster than people realise", he said.