Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Hit all the right notes with this grand €2.65m mansion on the banks of the Shannon

Lairakeen House was formerly owned by folk legend Roger Whittaker.

a0b05c9720e0e5ade3667237adfafa70 (1) Daft.ie Daft.ie

SPANNING A MASSIVE 8,913 sq ft and sitting on the banks of the River Shannon, it’s clear that Lairakeen House is no ordinary property.

Located in Eyrecourt, Co Galway, the mansion was built circa 1870 as the centrepiece of a large estate. Some pieces in the seven-bedroom home go back even further than that, like the 16th century mahogany and ebony panelling in the drawing room and library.

YjJiMzc2NGEyN2ZhOTVjNmY2ZDc1NTJhMmI1MjViOWLc_loBNWyKsojMLVbNsS0LaHR0cDovL3MzLWV1LXdlc3QtMS5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL21lZGlhbWFzdGVyLXMzZXUvOS9mLzlmY2E3ZWU0NDYwOGZhN2UyYzA1Njk4NzExMDgzYTE5LmpwZ3x8fDcwMGx8fHx8fHx8 Daft.ie Daft.ie

While the property is currently privately owned, it was once the home of folk singer and songwriter Roger Whittaker, who’s known for songs like Wind Beneath My Wings, Durham Town and The Last Farewell.

Lairakeen sits on 40 acres of grounds and beautiful gardens, with a slew of elm, beech and sycamore trees throughout, as well as a pond.

MWEyZjNiNDI0OGIyYjk0NDc0ZTNiNmEwODcyYjI2YTmWkyiawHsj30CgOqTfKaiaaHR0cDovL3MzLWV1LXdlc3QtMS5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL21lZGlhbWFzdGVyLXMzZXUvZi8zL2YzNDFjOTdhODBlMGJhYWEwOWM3OWEyNDhjYjNkMWFiLmpwZ3x8fHx8fDEwNDV4NjAwfHx8fA== Daft.ie Daft.ie

A number of pathways lead to the riverbank, 400 yards of which is included in the sale of the estate. For the keen gardener, there’s an Edwardian vine house with fig, apricot and peach trees. A spacious courtyard is perfectly suited to dining al fresco.

Inside the property itself, rebuilding and restoration works were carried out in 2002 after a fire destroyed a large portion of the house in 1931.

ef65d29770781fb9374dbf72cb5b189f Daft Daft

The works allowed the property to maintain much of its original charm and character, while also benefiting from modern additions, including high specification wiring, plumbing and heating systems. For added convenience, a lift has been installed to provide access to all floors. 

NGE5ZmExNjE4MmRjMTRlZDMwMjI4MjFlNmU5ZTBhNzkUrWu7EzM87WAqMYRHkI7GaHR0cDovL3MzLWV1LXdlc3QtMS5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL21lZGlhbWFzdGVyLXMzZXUvZi9hL2ZhZDMzYWQ2YjgzMzYxYzVlNjRjMzJmN2QzY2VmYWE3LmpwZ3x8fDcwMGx8fHx8fHx8 Daft.ie Daft.ie

All of the main living areas in the home boast views of the mature grounds and the River Shannon, with a sweeping oak staircase and spacious hallway making a lasting first impression for visitors. Picture windows throughout the property fill the home with natural light, while grand fireplaces add a feeling of cosiness. 

NzZiNDZkZGI3Y2I4ZjFlNDMxNGE2ZjVhYzA5OWIyNTOTQffZl3Gz7rD_uCpNeHrqaHR0cDovL3MzLWV1LXdlc3QtMS5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL21lZGlhbWFzdGVyLXMzZXUvZC9jL2RjNDk4MmJkNWIwZjc3NzJkODQzZjEyY2MwNGM4ZWFmLmpwZ3x8fDcwMGx8fHx8fHx8 Daft.ie Daft.ie

The keen home cook is sure to be impressed by the country style kitchen, which features an Aga and ample storage space. There are six bathrooms throughout the property, with one boasting a large inset bath tucked away under an arch, while several of the seven bedrooms feature bay windows.

If that’s not enough room, there’s also a guest cottage and studio apartment on the grounds, which were both updated during the renovations. 

MTUyNmExYWMwMTZlOGIyZWQ0MDljNjBlYjA1NzlmODnD9t-aHByhEMLFH5Z3TVQbaHR0cDovL3MzLWV1LXdlc3QtMS5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL21lZGlhbWFzdGVyLXMzZXUvYy9jL2NjNWMzZTE2Y2E0ZWUzZThlYWQ2Yzk4Y2Y4ZDJjYTk3LmpwZ3x8fDcwMGx8fHx8fHx8 Daft.ie Daft.ie

Despite its surroundings giving the impression that Lairakeen House is far removed from society, the town of Banagher in Co Offaly is just a five-minute drive away.

Here, there’s a primary and secondary school, as well as sports clubs, shops and other amenities. Jetsetters will have three airports to choose from, with Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport and Galway Airport all within two hours’ drive. 

Lairakeen House, Eyrecourt, Co Galway is on the market for €2,650,000 through Sotheby’s via Daft.ie.

Author
Amy Mulvaney
View 5 comments
Close
5 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel