Just a short drive from Limerick, the village of Adare offers a storybook charm with its thatched cottages, medieval ruins, and the grand Adare Manor. Built in the 1820s by the Earl of Dunraven for estate workers, the cottages now house cafes, shops, and homes, creating a quintessentially English feel in the heart of Ireland.
Adare was once a hub for tobacco farming, with the Adare Cigarette Company employing around 70 people who lived in the cottages alongside estate workers. Today, the village centre is filled with gift shops, boutiques, craft stores, and eateries, including 1826 Adare, a family-run restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide.
The main attraction is Adare Manor, a five-star hotel and golf resort housed in a 19th-century Gothic-style building with 365 windows and 52 chimneys. Nearby, the ruins of Desmond Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century, offer guided tours and have been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor.
One visitor described the castle tour as 'fascinating and interesting', while another noted the ruins are 'truly impressive' for their unique history. With its blend of heritage and hospitality, Adare continues to captivate visitors seeking a glimpse into 19th-century Ireland.
