Location: Adare
Top Things to do in Adare
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Things to do in Adare, Province of Munster: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Adare (/æˈdeɪr/; Irish: Áth Dara, meaning "ford of [the] oak") is a small town in County Limerick, Ireland, located south-west of the city of Limerick. Renowned as one of Ireland's prettiest towns, Adare is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. The district population in 2011 was 2,650.
Restaurants in Adare
1. Desmond Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
The Desmond Castle is located on the edge of the village of Adare, just off the N21 on the main Limerick to Kerry road. The castle was erected with an ancient ring-fort around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years. It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the rebellion in 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond who gave the castle its present name. Tours of the 13th century Norman Castle operate daily from June to the end of September. Groups may be accommodated outside of these months on request.
Reviewed By R9684UUvictoriaf
Lovely tour with tour guide Sandra! Lots of history to be learned and beautiful scenery of the castle ruins to be seen!
2. Old Franciscan Friary
3. Holy Trinity Abbey Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By AussiesBallarat - Ballarat, Australia
Near the Visitor Centre, this stunning church is easy to find in the village of Adare, and well worth a visit. The stone work is complemented by magnificent stained-glass windows. We wished it had have been a Sunday so that we could attend a service - it would be magical.
4. Old Augustinian Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Skibumlady - Charlotte, United States
We made a quick stop at this historic church along the way from Limerick to Killarney. Spent about an hour here, self-guided tour (no pamphlets or attendants present). ABBEY: Formerly known as the "Black Abbey", church was an Augustinian Friary built in 1316. It is now St. Nicholas' Church and St. Nicholas' National School. We were able to see all of the site except the school which was in session. Some original buildings remain, including is a portion of the current church; the cloisters, walkways that formed the center of the monastic buildings; and the refectory, or hall where the monks ate. Walked through ancient walkways where the Franciscan monks used to work. Saw where they cooked (large brick ovens, no longer used). Monastery continued for about 200 years after founding. Then, in the 1530's, Henry VIII of England destroyed monasteries in both England, Ireland, and Wales, and the Augustinian Abbey was dissolved. Monks were driven out sometime between 1567 and 1585. The church then sat in ruins for more than 200 years. Congregation worshiped in other places during this time. Restoration of the Abbey took place through the early 1800's. CHURCH: The congregation of St. Nicholas Church is celebrated its 700th anniversary in 2015. Note the very large image on wall - Ten Commandments, creeds, prayers, etc. Wooden ceiling and stitched kneeling pads with each pew (wide variety of designs with Biblical themes). Large baptismal font, memorials on walls, and stained glass (intricate and colorful).
