EARLY next week Dun Naoise, an early 18th century house in Durrow, Co Laois, is being sold, and on Thursday morning the property's contents will be auctioned by Michael Sheppard. Home for more than 60 years to local doctor and historian William Bannon, Dun Naoise holds many books and these make up 200 of the day's 700 lots.

Among the items of furniture, a particularly outstanding piece is a large 19th century gilt console table and mirror (over 8ft wide), which came originally from the adjacent Castle Durrow. It is expected to fetch £6,000-£9,000. Among the other lots is a 10 foot long 19th century breakfront bookcase, which should make £5,000-£8,000.