Tributes have poured in for Sinead McManus, an Irish blogger who was found dead in her hotel room in India on New Year's Eve.

The 49-year-old was originally from Oberstown, Tara, in Meath, and had been working in Goa for about ten years.

Sinead checked into The Lalit Hotel in Rajbagh Tarir with her friends from Delhi on December 29 but concerns were raised when she failed to turn up for dinner the next day.

After she missed breakfast, hotel staff attempted to call her in her room but when she failed to answer, the room was opened with a master key.

There, staff uncovered Sinead's body and a post-mortem has since revealed that she died from a heart attack.

Although she was cremated by relatives and loved ones according to her Hindu rites, a memorial service in Ireland is yet to take place.

In her death notice, the McManus family wrote: '[We] regretfully announce the death of their much loved sister Sinead who passed away peacefully in her beloved India on 31 December.'

'She was the light in our lives,' the statement continued. 'She embraced life as a free spirit. A shining star, she touched many hearts all over the world. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.'

She is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Bridgie, and survived by sisters Mary, Mags, Joan and Elaine and brothers John, Andrew and Joseph.