An investigation has been launched into the shooting of one of the country's rarest birds of prey in County Kerry.

The hen harrier is a protected species under the Wildlife Act and it is an offence to kill them.

The bird that was shot dead had been satellite-tagged as part of a tracking project.

Her movements were followed online by thousands of people over the last three years.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is liaising with gardaí to try and find the culprit.