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dream home

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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