Described by agents DNG Martin O’Connor as a Georgian residence of rare beauty and outstanding characteristics, ‘Clareville House’ is located less than a kilometre from Oughterard on the main Galway/Clifden Road and a 30-minute commute from Galway City.

Located on c. 1.25 acres of magnificent gardens and facing the Owenriff River, which adjoins the gardens with salmon and trout fishing rights, the property is a small classical home dating from the late 18th century and was the house of MP Richard Martin, more famously known as ‘Humanity Dick’, one of the founding members of the RSPCA.

The Martin family’s main residence was Ballynahinch Castle but the family also used Clareville House, which was nicknamed Dick Martin’s Gate Lodge as it was probably the last house on the 30-mile ride between Oughterard and Ballynahinch.

Clareville House was built on the site of the old manor of Clare, the patent for which had been granted to an ancestor, ‘Nimble Dick’ Martin, by William of Orange in spite of the fact that the same ‘Nimble Dick’ had fought on the side of James II at Aughrim, thus explaining the nickname.

Another interesting connection with Clareville House is the fact that George Bernard Shaw’s mother was born there. It is established that the great playwright spent many memorable holidays with his relations in Clareville.

The property is a two storey south facing Georgian residence accessed through a central hallway featuring a wide front door with fanlight window over head. The spacious hall leads to the large living and dining rooms which lie either side. Straight ahead is the inner hall which features a wonderful curved stairs, there is a spacious guest WC and cloaks area underneath the stairs.

The family room is to the left which features a solid fuel stove and to the right of the inner hall is the kitchen with its feature Aga stove and country style kitchen. Doors lead off to the utility room and garden shed. Back to the inner hall the curved stairs leads to the first floor where there is a wide landing area that leads to four bedrooms, three of which overlook the front towards the river. The main bedroom is en-suite and there is a family bathroom.

“The house, which over the years has seen extensive renovation, can only be described as unique withits period features, magnificent landscaped gardens, the scenic river with its fishing rights. It will find much demand from those who seek enjoyment in the beauty of an outstanding Georgian residence located close to the city of Galway and at the Gateway to Connemara,” according to agents DNG Martin O’Connor.

Asking price: €795,000. See www.myhome.ie/2515307 for more details. Viewings are strictly by appointment only through the sole selling agents DNG Martin O’Connor. Telephone 091-866708 or email oughterard@dng.ie.