Volunteers from Clifden RNLI have rescued a bull, who fell from a steep cliff on Saturday evening.

The RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at around 5.00pm to assist a local farmer, whose bull had slipped down a steep cliff and become stuck on the shoreline below.

The area was inaccessible by road and difficult to access on foot.

The farmer, along with three members of the public and a local vet, were on scene.

The lifeboat was helmed by Alan Pryce and with crew members Thomas Davis, Daniel Whelan and Ian Shanahan.

They attended the scene approximately a half mile from the station.

Image: RNLI

The weather conditions at the time were favourable, with a light westerly force 1-2 breeze.

Crew member Davis was put ashore to assist the farmer and vet.

A plan was put in place, where a bridle or halter was attached to the animal and passed to the lifeboat.

The lifeboat then gently made way and used the tension on the line to guide the animal off the dangerous rocks into the water.

The crew then guided the bull as it swam to a nearby beach where it made its way up the shore to safety.

Speaking following the rescue, Clifden RNLI's Alan Pryce said: "We were happy to assist the local farmer and vet to help the bull out of the hazardous position it was in.

"We are very aware of the dangers posed by large animals that are distressed and were glad to be able to assist the farmer while also providing a safety presence to him and the individuals working with him to bring the bull to safety, on what was a dangerous and dark shore."