Adare
Áth Dara
Often called 'Ireland's prettiest village.' Its main street is lined with thatched-roof cottages, medieval friaries, and the Desmond Castle.
Adare sits on the River Maigue, about 16 kilometers southwest of Limerick. The 19th-century thatched cottages along the main street now house mostly cafés, craft shops, and restaurants. It is a classic image from Irish postcards. The village also has the remains of three medieval friaries (Trinitarian, Augustinian, and Franciscan). The 13th-century Desmond Castle can be visited with a guided tour in summer, and the village park is good for a walk. Next to the village is Adare Manor, a neo-Gothic mansion hotel and host of the Ryder Cup golf course. You can view it from the outside. The visitor centre has small exhibits and can arrange castle tours. Adare is about 30 minutes by bus. Allow half a day, and combine it with the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.
Opening hours
Village open all day; Desmond Castle guided tours roughly Jun–Sep
Nearby sights
- Curraghchase Forest Park
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Thomond Park
- Frank McCourt Museum
- People's Park & Limerick City Gallery of Art
- Treaty Stone & Thomond Bridge
- The Hunt Museum
- The Milk Market