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🌿 PARTEEN‑A‑LAX – THE MAIN HOUSE
A Historic Riverside Estate on the Banks of the River Shannon
Welcome to Parteen‑A‑Lax, a beautiful single‑storey period house set on the banks of the River Shannon, less than one mile from Limerick City yet completely hidden from view by the natural screen of Thomas’s Island. This unique estate blends deep Irish heritage, artistic legacy, and tranquil riverside living, offering guests a rare opportunity to stay in a home that has been part of the O’Brien family line for generations.
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🏡 A HOUSE STEEPED IN HISTORY
Parteen‑A‑Lax was built by the son of William Smith O’Brien, the Young Ireland leader and direct descendant of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland. The house has remained in the O’Brien family ever since, and its character reflects centuries of stories, creativity, and eccentric charm.
Designed by Donough O’Brien, the house is an architectural gem that has inspired several well‑known artists from the O’Brien family, including Dermot O’Brien, whose work hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland, as well as Cicely O’Brien and Geraldine O’Brien, who painted from her studio within the house.
The estate sits between the Ardnacrusha tail race and the River Shannon, creating a dramatic and peaceful setting where guests can enjoy riverside walks, wildlife, and fishing for salmon, trout, and pike.
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🌿 THE PROPERTY
The main house is a HISTORIC HOMESHARE, full of character, quirks, and original features. It is currently undergoing sympathetic restoration, and guests are invited to enjoy the estate as it evolves back to its former splendour.
For whole‑house bookings, THE FAMILY AND DOGS VACATE THE PROPERTY, giving guests full private use of the house and gardens.
Please note:
THE COTTAGE (75 metres away) IS NOT INCLUDED in the main house rental.
It may be booked separately if guests require more privacy, exclusive use of the entire estate, or additional bedrooms.
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🛏️ SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS – MAIN HOUSE
The main house offers 7 sleeping spaces across bedrooms and flexible rooms, comfortably accommodating large groups.
BLUE BEDROOM
• Super king‑size bed
• Pull‑out sofa bed (sleeps 2 adults)
• Shares the main bathroom
PURPLE ROOM
• Double bed
• Shares the main bathroom
GREEN ROOM
• Double four‑poster bed
• Shares the main bathroom
FISH ROOM
• Super king‑size bed or two single beds
• Shares the main bathroom
PINK ROOM
• Double four‑poster bed
• Ensuite shower and toilet
RED ROOM
• Three single beds or one super king + one single
• Double four‑poster bed
• Ensuite shower and toilet
DRAWING ROOM
• Fold‑out double sofa bed
• Long sofa (small adult or child)
• Additional three‑seat sofa
• Shares the main bathroom
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🌿 GARDEN ANNEX – INCLUDED FOR GROUPS OVER 14
If your group exceeds 14 guests, the Garden Annex is included automatically as a courtesy.
BEDROOM
• Double bed
• Ensuite shower and toilet
SITTING ROOM
• Sofa (standard setup)
• Sofa can be replaced with a bunk bed for two children
• Table and chairs
• Television
FEATURES
• Private entrance
• Kitchenette (microwave, fridge, sink, air fryer, tea & coffee facilities)
• Fast broadband WiFi
• Garden terrace with table, chairs, and awning
• Views across the gardens and River Shannon
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🕰️ CHECK‑IN INFORMATION
• Check‑in is from 3pm
• With prior arrangement, small groups may arrive earlier to begin preparations in the common areas and kitchens only
• Bedrooms cannot be accessed until the cleaning team has finished preparing them
The booker must be present for check‑in. The host will show the booker around, explain how the house works, and confirm that everything is in satisfactory condition before the booking proceeds.
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🚫 GUEST NUMBERS, EVENTS & SECURITY
To protect the estate and ensure a peaceful stay for all:
• No extra guests beyond the number on your booking without permission
• If planning a party or event, or wishing to use the church, please let us know — there is no extra cost, but approval is required
• Non‑resident visitors are not permitted without prior agreement
• In cases where a booking resembles an unauthorised party, we may request:
– Names of all guests before check‑in
– A security deposit
– Security monitoring of arrivals during the stay
• Breaches may result in immediate cancellation without refund
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⛪ THE CHURCH AT PARTEEN‑A‑LAX
St Patrick’s, the former Church of Ireland parish church, served the Parteen community until the 1950s. Purchased by the O’Brien family in the 1990s, it is now under renovation and available as a function space for up to 75 guests.
Perfect for intimate gatherings, workshops, celebrations, or creative events.
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🌳 GARDENS & GROUNDS
The estate’s gardens are currently undergoing restoration, and guests are welcome to explore the grounds, enjoy the riverside setting, and experience the evolving beauty of this historic property.
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🐾 PET‑FRIENDLY & NON‑SMOKING
The main house is pet‑friendly and non‑smoking.
Cots and spare beds can be added to unlisted rooms on request.
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🌼 A UNIQUE IRISH EXPERIENCE
Parteen‑A‑Lax is not a hotel — it is a living piece of Irish history, a riverside retreat, and a creative sanctuary. Guests who appreciate heritage, character, and the charm of an evolving estate will find it a truly memorable place to stay.