A MAN has been airlifted to hospital from the top of Blarney Castle in Co. Cork after he collapsed from a suspected heart attack.
The dramatic incident began at 10am when the man, who is understood to be a tourist, complained of feeling unwell.
He then suddenly collapsed at the top of the iconic tourist attraction.
Local fire services, ambulance and community first responders rushed to the scene to help.
A decision was made to airlift the man to hospital due to the complicated lay-out of the castle with its circular stone stairwells.
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter was tasked with the mission and successfully airlifted the tourist from the top of the castle to Cork University Hospital (CUH).
His condition is not yet known but it is suspected that he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
The man's nationality also remains unclear but Blarney Castle is particularly popular amongst North American visitors.