ADARE VILLAGE and ADARE MANOR
Áth Dara (the ford of the oak)
Adare Village, County Limerick

Adare's history dates back to the time it was a fief under the rule of the Fitzgerald's, the Earls of Kildare, around the 13th century. The current 18th century manor house was built on the grounds of the original keep. The village grew up outside of the estate, as this was where the staff lived who worked in the manor and around the grounds.

The village's appearance can be credited to the Earl of Dunraven who undertook major renovations of the entire village between 1820 and 1830. Now, today, some say that Adare is Ireland's prettiest village, while others say that it's Ireland's prettiest English-style village, as Adare's over-manicured homes and gardens contradicts Ireland's more relaxed charm.

Walk around Adare and decide for yourself what charm the village exudes.

Richard, prominent architects of the time, that the ideas for Adare Manor were able to come to life. Construction because in 1832 and overseen by local mason James Connolly until his death in 1852, by which time, the Manor was nearly completed. Unfortunately, Lord Dunraven didn't see the Manor completed either, as he passed away in that same year. But, his eldest son, the Third Earl of Dunraven, did see to the completion in his father's stead. The home remained in the Dunraven family until 1982 when it was sold to an investment consortium.

Delicate and detailed restoration works began on the Manor in 1987 when it was acquired by the Kane family from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It took little more than a year , but when the Manor was finally completed in 1988 Adare Manor as a hotel was now a world class home away from home. As a 5-star luxury hotel, the manor boasts such guests as ex-US President and First Lady, Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Improvements to the estate didn't stop there. In 1989, the River wing was completed as was the indoor swimming pool and conference rooms. And the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Golf Course was opened in August 1995. And since that time, the 840 acre estate has seen the opening of the club house, pro shop, day spa, townhouse apartments, and more.

One doesn't have to be a guest to visit the Manor to see some of the original features. The grand foyer features the original wood panelled vaulted ceiling. Intricate plasterwork adorns the ceilings in most rooms, including the bar and guest library. Walls boast original hand painted wallpaper. While the house has been expanded, the main hall features 52 chimneys (one for every WEEK of the year), 75 fireplaces and 365 leaded glass windows (one for every DAY of the year).

One of the more intriguing features of Adare Manor is the lettered text carved into the front of the south parapet which reads --

"Except the Lord build the house, then labour is but lost that built it."

Also on the Manor property sit two intriguing ruins -- The Saint Nicholas Church and Chantry Chapel. Both date back to the 12th century. St. Nicholas is the only accessible ruin, as the Chapel sits in the middle of the golf course and casual foot traffic is not allowed.
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Adare Village
Adare's main street has many thatch cottages, the construction if which dates back to the early 19th century. The Earl of Dunraven had these homes built for his servants. Today the occupants of these homes range from residential homes to craft shops and restaurants, such as the award winning Blue Door and the Inn Between.

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Directly across the street is the town's park. The park has been updated in recent years and incorporates the restored Washing Pool, the original site where women once gathered to do laundry when the town was part of the estate. Take a stroll through the trees with your sweetheart, or sit beneath that gazebo roof and listen to the stream that passes through the park.

The Adare Heritage Center is next door to the Priory, back across the street, and houses craft and gift shops, a heritage shop, café and the public toilets.

On your left as you come to the end of Adare village is the Dunraven Arms Hotel and Restaurant. This was a one-time coach house. Named after the town's more recent owners, the Dunraven Arms host the local hunt, also called the ride to hounds.

The Augustine Priory
The Augustine Priory is also known as "Black Abbey" and is the villages Anglican Church. It's located on the edge of the village across from the back entrance to Adare Manor. The Priory was founded by the Fitzgerald's in 1315AD. The abbey is in excellent repair and boasts a central tower, hand carvings and cloister. Its pride is a lovely sedilia, a hand carved triple seat.

Desmond Castle
Near the Priory are the 13th century ruins of Desmond Castle Demesne, which are currently under partial restoration. The castle is situated on the banks of the River Maigue and best viewed from the bridge. Sightseeing around the castle is strictly by guided tour arranged at the Heritage Centre in the village. Entry includes the round trip on the shuttle bus to the castle.

~ Free attraction
~ Metered car parking available in the village
~ Easy access

http://www.adareheritagecentre.ie