Gardaí say they are investigating all circumstances surrounding the discovery of two bodies at a house in Co Kilkenny.
It is believed the man and woman may have died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
They have been named locally as Michael Hurley (83) and his partner Mary Holohan (77).
The bodies were found in the Johnswell area.
The alarm was raised by family members at approximately 7.00pm on Wednesday.
Gardaí attended the scene and they were both pronounced dead a short time later.
It is understood they may have been in the house a number of days.
The scene here at Kilderry, Johnswell Rd, Kilkenny where the bodies of an elderly couple have been found: pic.twitter.com/WUkDWuBQT6
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) November 22, 2018
Both bodies are at the scene, which was preserved overnight by Gardaí.
Members of the Garda Technical Bureau are examining the house.
The office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified of the deaths.
Gardaí say the outcome of a post-mortem will determine the course of their investigation.
But it is understood that carbon monoxide poisoning may be the cause.
Additional reporting: Jack Quann and Shane Beatty
