THE auction of Renville House in Oranmore, Co Galway, one of the most anticipated auctions to take place west of the Shannon this year did not disappoint last Thursday when the 135-acre property was knocked down for €3.2 million, some €1.2 million above the guide price.

Before a crowd of about 30 people in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway, the 19th century Georgian property, home of the Lydon family since 1960 was placed under the hammer. Paddy Jordan of Jordan Auctioneers, Newbride, Co Kildare, opened the bidding at €1.5 million. Bidding was initially cautious, but with the help of four active purchasers, it reached €2.7 million.