Intro to Parteen a Lax

This is a beautiful single storey period house on the banks of the River Shannon. It has strong links to the O'Brien chieftains, being built by the son of the Young Ireland Leader, William Smith O'Brien, himself a direct descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland and passed on down through his direct family line since. 
Apart from the significant history associated with this house, it is a unique architectural gem, built by the eccentric Donough O'Brien and has inspired famous artists from the O'Brien family, such as Dermot O'Brien whose art dominates the National Gallery, Cicely O'Brien and Geraldine O'Brien who painted from her studio in the house.
The House is sandwiched between the tail race from the Ardnacrusher Power Station and the River Shannon, and is protected from sight of Limerick City Centre - less than 1 mile away - by Saint Thomas's Island. It is possible to walk to the point where the two water courses meet and picnic. Fishing is also available on the River Shannon, where Salmon, Trout and Pike are popular catches.
St Patrick's is a de-consecrated Church of Ireland church that served the Parteen community until the 1950s. It was sold to the O'Briens in the 1990s and, after being used as a large shed for 50 years, is under renovation.
The gardens and grounds are currently being renovated. The house was neglected for a while and work is underway to restore the estate to its former splendour.