Back on the market is Rathkenny House in Co Meath, a two-storey over basement Georgian house on 79 acres that last changed hands for £350,000 in the summer of 1997.

Keane Mahony Smith expects a price in excess of £900,000 for the property which will be auctioned next month.

The former country home of one-time Irish rugby international Barney Mullen has four reception rooms and 10 bedrooms.

It is six miles from Slane and 32 miles from Dublin.

Substantially refurbished in recent years, the house dates from the late 18th century and was probably remodelled around an earlier house. It has an exceptionally fine dining-room featuring a timber floor, pine panelled walls and an original carved marble fireplace. The drawing-room is equally large - around 24 ft by 17 ft. In addition there is a sitting-room and a study off the main hall.

The lower ground floor has a gun room, cellar and a large playroom where Mr Mullen entertained many friends after game shooting.

The 10 bedrooms are located on the first and second floors.

Outside there is a stone built courtyard with a coach house as well several farm buildings. There is also a walled garden.