1. Overview
The stunning estate is essentially the size of NYC’s Central Park.
2. The Enchanting Adare Manor
Step into Adare Manor in southern Ireland and you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a fairytale. Built in the 1800s, the former home of the Earl of Dunraven is now a luxury hotel and golf resort. It has become a crown jewel of Ireland’s hospitality — the regal retreat seamlessly blends its rich history with modern amenities.
Features of Adare Manor
- The 19th-century building includes a grand ballroom, a movie theater, a state-of-the-art spa, and several quirky accents, such as 365 stained-glass windows and 52 chimneys.
- Guests can enjoy afternoon tea at The Gallery and a falconry demonstration with Adare’s impressive cast of falcons.
- Adare Manor’s fine-dining restaurant, The Oak Room, holds the title of the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Limerick.
- A private whiskey tasting led by the resort’s whiskey ambassador also awaits guests.
3. My Experience at Adare Manor
Last spring, I journeyed to Ireland’s County Limerick — approximately a two-hour drive from Dublin — to witness what makes this hotel one of the best in the world. (Adare Manor recently made the GoTravelDaily 500 list, which highlights the best 500 hotels globally, according to readers.)
As I approached Adare Manor, I was immediately captivated by the immense scale of the building. The neo-Gothic architecture is striking, with dove-gray limestone stretching endlessly and gargoyles adorning the roof, gazing over the manicured grounds. Additionally, charming accents adorn the façade, featuring 365 stained-glass windows and 52 chimneys.
Inside the estate, bold architecture harmoniously meets warm, inviting lounge décor. Notable restorations have transformed the manor into a contemporary luxury haven while honoring its rich 19th-century history through unique furnishings and original artwork.
Each of the 104 individually designed guest rooms features plush sofas, custom tapestries, and pristine marble bathrooms. Moreover, if you are as fortunate as I was, your room may overlook the beautiful formal French gardens outside.
Additional highlights of the property’s restoration include a grand ballroom, a movie theater, and a cutting-edge spa, complete with an infinity pool, steam room, and sauna.
The on-site activities are diverse yet not overwhelming. One moment, I was indulging in elegant afternoon tea at The Gallery, sipping Champagne alongside a signature tea blend. The next, I participated in a falconry demonstration, where I encountered Adare’s magnificent falcons, eagles, and the cutest Scops owl aptly named “Tiny.”
Our instructor intensified the experience by fitting me with a brown leather gauntlet for a free-fly session. At her cue, a Harris hawk swooped from a nearby tree, landing majestically on my arm. This whirlwind of excitement unfolded within my first three hours at Adare. “Where am I?” I wondered in amazement.
Even walking the grounds is an adventure, as the expansive estate covers an impressive 842 acres—merely an acre short of the size of New York City’s Central Park. Guests can navigate the property using bikes provided by Adare or arrange for a horse-and-carriage tour.
The staff at Adare Manor matched the grandeur of the hotel itself. Each team member exuded a genuine passion for their craft and the property, creating a welcoming atmosphere that was both palpable and contagious.
One standout was Gerry O’Halloran, the enthusiastic manager of The Padel Club, who encouraged me to try a padel lesson—an intriguing mix of tennis and squash. His vibrant enthusiasm inspired me to attempt something entirely new. Despite rating my performance a modest two out of ten, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Willie Forde, the manager of Adare Country Pursuits, showcased an award-worthy demonstration with his lovable Irish labradors, Midnight and Shadow. Furthermore, Brendan O’Connor, the general manager, articulated the dedication and specialized knowledge that set Adare Manor apart from the rest. “Our goal is to excel in every aspect of what we do,” he shared.
4. Dining Experiences
The fine-dining restaurant, The Oak Room, is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Limerick. During my visit, chef Mike Tweedie crafted an exquisite seasonal menu featuring Irish ingredients, such as hand-dived scallops and beef sourced from Dublin-based Higgins Family Butchers, complemented by perfectly paired wines for each course.
A stone’s throw from the manor is the more relaxed Carriage House. For drinks, The Tack Room is an ideal spot tucked away in the basement, resembling a speakeasy-style bar. Here, guests and locals can indulge in an array of wines, bespoke cocktails, or select from an extensive whiskey library—some bottles so rare they are stored securely.
During my visit, I participated in a private whiskey tasting session led by Tommie Doyle, the resort’s whiskey ambassador. His fervor for the “water of life” was evident as he recounted personal anecdotes intertwined with significant historical insights, culminating in a tasting of four exceptional Irish whiskeys from The Tack Room’s collection.
“There is no wrong way to enjoy whiskey,” Doyle advised, dismissing the complexities often surrounding tastings. “Enjoy it however you like, and that is the right way.”
Nightly rates start at $830. To explore Adare Manor further, visit adaremanor.com.
