A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on the body of a woman discovered at a house in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday.
She has been named locally as Jamey Carney, who was in her 40s.
Ms Carney was found at her home on the Muckross Road yesterday afternoon by a family member, who raised the alarm.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí believe she died as a result of force being used.
It is understood Ms Carney was of American descent and lived in the town for a number of years.
She was pronounced dead at the scene
She worked locally and was very involved in the local community.
A post-mortem examination is due to take place at University Hospital Kerry and gardaí said the result of this will determine the course of the investigation.
A family liaison officer has been appointed to assist her family.
Gardaí are appealing for witness, or anyone who was in the Muckross Road area of Killarney yesterday afternoon, and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.