Home > Tour > Irish Towns > Adare, Co Limerick
A Quick Guide to Adare
Typically referred to as "the picture postcard village of Adare", this small town on the road from Limerick to Killarney is invariably crowded with visitors throughout the high season - the row of thatched cottages on the main street is probably one of the most photographed vistas in Ireland.
Intentionally pretty, and very much English rather than Irish looking in character, the town as it is today was essentially created between 1820 and 1840 by the Earl of Dunraven around his home at Adare Manor, now an exclusive luxury resort with a golf course where the Irish Open tournament is regularly held.
However Adare's history stratches back much further than this, to the settlements that developed around the Trinitarian Abbey, which was built in 1230 and which is now, much changed and little improved by a 19th century rebuild, a Catholic Church.
On the other hand the Augustinian Priory which was built just a century later in 1325 has changed little since, it is probably the best preserved chruch from that time in the country and still in use as the local Church of Ireland place of worhip.
There is a Heritage Centre in the village, but honestly our advice is to make Adare a quick stop - take some photos, visit the Priory and be on your way. There are too many kitschy tourist shops and overpriced restaurants catering to the tour bus trade for our taste.
Things to do and see
A selection of places and activities that are in Adare or that can be visited while using Adare as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.
The Hunt Museum
Remarkable collection of Irish and European art, ceramics, enamels and other artifacts collected by John and Gertrude Hunt
Festival and Events
Shannon International Music Festival Music: Classical | Date: July 9th - 13th
Tour Itineraries
Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Limerick:
Fishing Tour of Ireland
A three-center suggested fishing tour of Ireland, with great variety and lots of touring potential along the way for non-fishers.
Where to Stay around Adare
A selection of places to stay that we recommend in Adare and in Co. Limerick.
Avondoyle Country Home Ballyclough, Limerick (-)Dooneen Lodge Patrickswell, Limerick ()
Glin Castle Glin, Co Limerick ()
Jurys Inn Limerick Lr Mallow Street, Limerick ()
The Clarion Hotel Limerick City (-)
Echo Lodge Ballingarry, Co Limerick (-)
Quick Info about Adare
Irish Name: Αth Dara (Ford of the Oak) | County: Co Limerick | Touring Region: Shannon
Population: 2,012 |
GPS Coordinates: 52.5642, -8.7903
Bus Travel to Adare | Train Travel to Adare
Adare in the News
Who's Blogging about Adare?
Upcoming Gigs and Concerts in Adare
