Hybreasal was originally known as St. Patricks House and was run as a nursing home for older people by the Little Sisters of the Poor religious order since construction in 1883 until 1994.

It was purchased by Bovale developments and converted into residential housing in 1995 and renamed to Hybreasal. St. Patricks House is a fine example of cut stone granite building which was based on the design principles of the motherhouse near Paris.

Hy-Brazil or several other variants is a phantom island which features in many Irish myths. It was said to be cloaked in mist, except for one day each seven years, when it became visible but still could not be reached. The names Brazil and Hy-Brazil are thought to come from the Irish Uí Breasail (meaning "descendants (i.e., clan) of Breasal"), one of the ancient clans of northeastern Ireland.

The Little Sisters of the Poor were founded in France on a winter’s night in 1839, by Saint Jeanne Jugan, who opened her heart and her home to a poor blind old lady. Today they are an International Congregation, who have dedicated their lives to the service of the elderly, on 5 continents, in 31 countries.