The walkers were trapped by rhododendrons above Bay Lough. Photo: John M CC-BY-SA-2.0

A pair of walkers had to be rescued from an Irish hillside after being trapped by dense rhododendrons.

Volunteer rescuers took five hours to free the couple, in their 50s, from steep ground overlooking Bay Lough in the Knockmealdown Mountains.

The walkers, described as experienced and well equipped, were unable to continue their progress when they attempted to make their way through the thick shrubs.

The South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association was called out to aid the trapped pair, and spotters from the team guided colleagues by radio to the two marooned hillwalkers.

A team spokesperson said: “To avoid a risky and arduous trek back up the slopes of Knockshanahullion, Cahir River Rescue responded to help complete the last leg of the journey, transporting the two along with mountain rescue personnel across Bay Lough to safety.”

Team leader Ray Bradfield said the terrain they found themselves in is no longer navigable due to the proliferation of rhododendron in the area.

He said: “A combined response from An Garda Siochana, Cahir River Search and Rescue, and mountain rescue was required due to the challenging nature of the terrain in this incident and all services played their part in ensuring a successful outcome.”