The first daffodils signal the start of auction season around the country, and one of the biggest will take place in Galway tomorrow when O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers place 24 lots under the hammer at their first auction of 2014.

A mix of commercial and residential properties and land are up for grabs. Closely watched will be the sale of the Central Tavern bar and restaurant at Loughgeorge, Claregalway. Travellers on the N17 Galway to Tuam/Sligo Road will be familiar with this distinctive, lilac-hued Tudor-esque roadside property that has seen better days. The reserve has been set at €285,000 for the 785sq m (8,458sq ft) premises. With a seven-day license it could be a sentimental punt for an ex-pat dreaming of a return with a business thrown in?

The auction will also feature two large private houses in the Taylors Hill area of Galway city. Both four bed detached homes are in good condition and will be auctioned with AMVs of €550,000 each.

The auction takes place at 3pm tomorrow in The Harbour Hotel, The Docks, Galway.