Irish police are investigating the deaths of three children – two boys and girl – in a house in Newcastle, Co Dublin.
A woman in her 40s has been taken to hospital following the discovery in the village of Newcastle, which is south west of Dublin city.
Irish police have described the deaths as “unexplained”and Gardai have launched an investigation.
It is understood officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
The children were found in a house in Parson’s Court – a small housing development in Newcastle village.
Councillor for the area Emer Higgins described the events as an “unimaginable tragedy”.
“My thoughts are with everybody impacted,” said the Fine Gael representative.
“This is a really tight-knit community, it’s a small area, it’s a quiet area and it’s just unthinkable that something like this could be happening on our doorstep.
“It’s so tragic. It’s unbelievable that three young people’s lives could be cut short like that, in what seems to be a particularly tragic case.”
A Garda incident room has been set up in Clondalkin Garda Station and gardai have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.