Location

Lairakeen House occupies a private rural setting on the banks of the River Shannon on the border of Galway and Offaly.

Banagher (4.5 km) is a beautiful riverside Irish town, renowned for its great fishing spots and boating adventures on the River Shannon. The town is well served with everyday amenities including shops and several pubs, most notably JJ Hough's Singing Pub, which was awarded Pub of the Year in 2025. Banagher has also recently benefited from investment in its popular open freshwater swimming pool, located directly on the River Shannon. The larger town of Birr (16 km) provides a comprehensive range of amenities and cultural attractions, including Birr Castle, Birr Rugby Club, and St. Brendan's GAA grounds.

Galway City Centre is about 80 kilometres west of Lairakeen House. Galway City is extremely popular amongst tourists due to its rich art culture, music and lifestyle with a broad variety of national attractions, festivals, food and crafts available. Home to the University of Galway, the city is bustling with activity and hosts students from all over the world.

Dublin City Centre is about 145 kilometres to the east of the house and offers a full range of amenities, services and culture expected of a capital city.

The estate is surrounded by an excellent transportation system, including the M6 motorway which connects Galway to Dublin. Dublin's International Airport is 151 kilometres distant while Shannon International Airport is situated 115 kilometres away. Local link bus services are available in Banagher, while rail services are also available from Ballinasloe and Athlone.

Lairakeen House occupies a picturesque riverfront location on the banks of the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. The river flows through Lough Ree before passing through Banagher and following on to Lough Derg. Once a major commercial waterway, the Shannon's rich history of busy harbours and trading towns is still evident today. Anglers flock to the waters thanks to the resident stock of trout, pike and salmon. A marina in Banagher allows for boat access to the river while smaller boats can be launched from the boat house at Lairakeen House.

The countryside surrounding the estate offers a rich and diverse of high-quality sporting and recreational facilities. For equestrian enthusiasts Galway, Kilbeggan and Limerick Racecourses are a convenient drive away. The nearby Lough Derg is known as Ireland's Pleasure Lake and is perfect for water sports including sailing, windsurfing and yachting.

There are local primary and secondary schools in Banagher, with a further choice of schools in Birr and Athlone.

Description

Lairakeen House is a privately positioned residential estate set along the banks of the River Shannon, extending to about 54 acres.

At its heart stands an elegant five-bay period residence, dating back to circa 1870, which has been meticulously restored in recent years. As part of the renovation, a new roof was installed, along with updated electrical systems (including a three-story walk-in elevator), modernized plumbing, and a comprehensive security system, seamlessly blending the home's timeless character with contemporary reliability and comfort.

The house offers beautifully proportioned, well-balanced accommodation that harmoniously combines period features with contemporary living standards. Included within the main residence is a double studio, currently fitted as a full sound recording studio and office, which could easily be converted into a cinema room.

A collection of traditional stone outbuildings complements the property, including excellent equestrian facilities. The mature landscaped grounds surrounding the house are thoughtfully planted and impeccably maintained, offering both privacy and a picturesque rural setting. Among the notable features are several Champion Irish Oak trees, which add significant character and heritage to the estate.

The estate includes about 46 acres of quality grassland, divided into well-sized paddocks enclosed by a combination of stud railing, mature hedging, and secure wire fencing, ideally suited for equestrian or agricultural use.

The estate infrastructure has been maintained to a high standard, and the property has been expertly managed under the direction of the current owners.

Lairakeen House offers a rare opportunity to acquire a distinguished period home in a peaceful and scenic riverside location, with extensive accommodation and a range of high-quality amenities