ADARE MANOR, COUNTY LIMERICK, IRELAND
PERFECT FOR:
- Romantic Breaks: Stunning and romantic setting in County Limerick; luxurious 5 star hotel; fine dining; romantic activities available - such as hot air ballooning.
- Family Vacations: Lots of indoor and outdoor activities; family-friendly accommodation - either in the hotel or in a private townhouse on the estate; easily accessible from international airports.
- Golfing Groups: A wide selection of world-class golf courses within easy reach; excellent dining and drinking options; a range of post-golf activities.
THE ADARE MANOR CASTLE HOTEL OFFERS
THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURIOUS TEMPTATION
Ireland has only a handful of all-inclusive golf resorts and while most exercise standards that transcend the superlative, the Adare Manor Castle Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort goes the extra mile for those who can resist anything but temptation.
Location
Set in 840 acres of parklands and gardens and with the River Maigue bursting with trout as an imperative distraction for anglers, Adare Manor is in County Limerick in the south west of Ireland, 35 minutes from Shannon Airport and a short drive from Galway city. The picturesque village of Adare is a stroll away.
Click here to see a local map.
The Golf
Adare Manor is convenient for golf’s Golden Triangle, the courses of Ballybunion, Killarney, Waterville, Lahinch and the Old Head of Kinsale.
First, though, any golfer worthy of the name must tackle the gem that is central to the resort. As with the building itself, the architecture is blue blooded in its pedigree.
The course was the last major creation of Robert Trent Jones Senior, the renowned US architect, and it opened to critical acclaim in 1995.
Laid out on either side of the River Maigue, which thus comes frequently into play, it sprawls over 230 acres. Hot shots feeling their oats might care to tackle it from the tiger tees (7,453 yards, par-72) but for ordinary mortals there are options aplenty, with four sets of tees bringing a challenge to recall on cold winter nights.
The course is characterised by its winding, rock-walled streams, Jones' signature cloverleaf bunkers and undulating greens. Water abounds in the form of the river and a 14 acre lake that influences the outward loop and it all runs through wooded country that defies description. The final four holes are the equal of any and the home hole, a par-five with an approach shot over the river, is memorable by any standard. Which nicely sums up Adare Manor, one of the jewels of Ireland.
Non-Golfing Activities
If you’re a golfer, a gourmet, an equestrian, an angler, a clay pigeon buff, a cyclist, an archer or simply a nature-loving, romantic hedonist seeking the ultimate escape with your best beloved then you’ll find your perfect bolt hole at Adare Manor. During the summer months, a range of additional activities are available such as: wine and whiskey tasting, cookery demonstrations, historical tours and heritage walks around the grounds.
A spa and a pool are part of the health and fitness centre and for more gentle exercise there are designated walks around the estate.
For the adventurous, from March onwards the resort offers hot air balloon flights one weekend per month. The schedule has two flights three hours before sunset on Friday and Saturday evenings, and two flights on Saturday and Sunday mornings at dawn. Each hot air balloon can accommodate between two and 14 passengers
Activities For Children
There is a range of activities for children, such as horse riding, cycling, and the indoor swimming pool, which is open from 8:00am - 10:00pm daily. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The resort offers baby sitting facilities.
Where To Stay
Adare's hotel is The Manor House, which has been described as “a miracle of stonework and a jewel of architecture,” with everything on a grand scale. It has a unique minstrels’ gallery, inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles; it has 52 chimneys, 75 fireplaces, 365 leaded glass windows and, an oddity, a turreted entrance tower at one corner. The craftsmanship is absolute at every turn.
Dating to 1832, the manor was the home of the Earls of Dunraven until 1982 when it was sold and transposed into the luxurious hotel it is today. Always a graceful building, it has been sympathetically expanded with every facility and service required of a world-class five star hotel.
The 62 Manor House bedrooms have every facility you’d expect and similarly luxurious accommodation, ideal for families and golfing groups, is available in town houses and villas a few minutes' walk away.
Dining Options
Dinner in the Manor's Oakroom restaurant is a culinary rite of passage, focusing on the finest in haute cuisine complemented by vintage wine from the extensive cellar. A pre-dinner drink in the elegant and welcoming Drawing Room or in the adjoining cocktail bar is recommended and the post-dinner tradition of a pint or aperitif in the Tack Room Pub offers an agreeable finale to the evening.
Alternatively, the popular Carriagehouse Restaurant in the clubhouse is only a three minute walk away. It offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere where one can enjoy a hearty meal followed by a night cap or two in the clubhouse bar.
When To Go
Golfers, a hardy tribe, could enjoy their sport year-round at Adare but those with other outside interests might find the climate off-putting and opt to restrict their visits to more amenable times. Summer and autumn are lovely seasons to visit the west coast of Ireland and all outdoor pursuits are best enjoyed then, not least because daylight saving means golf is playable until well after 9pm. On the other hand, winter is an ideal time to pursue the indoor pastimes on offer at Adare and for romantic hedonists it may be the best of all times, with log fires and gourmet dining both daily events.
TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAY
Getting There
Shannon, about 40 minutes away by road, is the nearest international airport. Dublin is some three hours away, depending upon traffic and weather.
The resort has a helipad and helicopter charter is available locally - click here for details.
Getting Around
Golfing groups planning to see the region's famed west coast links will require a car, either rental or a chauffeured limousine, both of which are available locally.
Packing Tips & Dress Code
The Oakroom restaurant is the epitome of sophistication and gentlemen should wear jacket and tie. Other than this, smart causal dress is acceptable elsewhere on the resort.
Currency
The Euro. For current rates of exchange, click here.
Time Zone
The time zone is GMT or BST, depending upon the season.
Dialing Code
The country code for Ireland, and then the local code for Limerick, is +353.61 (then add the local extension).
HOW TO BOOK YOUR VACATION
Request a Quotation or Use Our Recommended Golf Tour Operator
PGT can negotiate discounted rates and bonuses for our readers. Simply contact us giving details of preferred dates and your requirements and we will contact the resort on your behalf.
Alternatively you could
Book Through A Tour Operator
If you require a total holiday package including flights, transfers, accommodation and golf reservations PGT will recommend the tour operator who serves the resort or destination of your choice and negotiate any possible discount available.
Travel Money
To order Euros from Travelex at the guaranteed best price availabe in the UK - at 0% commission, and with free airport pickup click here.
Travel Insurance
Insurance isn't fun but it is both important and a sensible investment when travelling overseas (particularly when transporting expensive golf equipment). We recommend American Express .