Like Glanquin House, Lackareagh House is situated on the narrow, unnumbered local road connecting Killinaboy to Boston. Both houses are less than 1 km apart. Both houses date from the early 19th century (c. 1820–1840). They were built in a simple, late Georgian style characteristic of "strong farmer" houses or country estates of the lower nobility at the time.
Historically, both houses belonged to the Russell family estate. This was a Scottish family that settled in The Burren in the 19th century as landowners. It is very likely that they had the houses built simultaneously for different family members or as part of a planned management of their lands.
Although Glanquin House was chosen for the series Father Ted, Lackareagh House is often referred to by fans and guides as the "Reserve Father Ted House." During the preparations for the series in 1993, the location manager photographed both houses. Glanquin was ultimately chosen because its location in the open field provided a more "isolated" island feel.