Inside Adare Manor: A First-Hand Experience of Irish Luxury
I’m one of the lucky few privileged to stay at this property, twice! Once for the most incredible wedding of close friends, and once more as a regular guest, though nothing about staying here is regular.
The moment the heavy iron gates of Adare Manor swung open, I felt, totally, like a fraud, and as I pulled up along the gatekeeper, I was definitely waiting to be told I wasn’t booked in and I must be dreaming, and I was privately wishing I’d had the car washed that morning. But alas, the smiling face and warm welcome took that away immediately, and I drove on through 840 acres of breathtaking parkland that could have featured in any movie filmed in Ireland in the past 50 decades. It was my first glimpse of the 19th-century masterpiece, and I had butterflies in my tummy, hoping I’d packed the right clothes for such a stay.
On a short tour after check-in (which didn’t even feel like a real check-in; it was more like being greeted by a friend), I was struck by the sheer scale of the historic preservation.
For my stay, I had a Deluxe Room in the historic heart of the manor house. Rates for standard entry-level Classic rooms generally begin around €810 per night, scaling up significantly past €1,500 for sprawling Staterooms and bespoke suites depending on the season. And boy, oh boy, every cent showed in the details. The room was an absolute picture of old-world glamour blended with invisible modern amenities. Thick velvet curtains framed panoramic views of the River Maigue, while a massive, plush king-size bed featured 300-thread-count monogrammed linens and goose-down duvets. A single tap on the bedside tablet adjusted the ambient lighting and climate control. And while I’m a sucker for good old-fashioned buttons and switches, these worked for me without having to press a million times to turn on a light.
The marble en-suite bathroom was a highlight, featuring a deep soaking tub, a massive rainfall shower, and a generous supply of Acqua di Parma toiletries, which, to this day, is still one of my favourite luxury brands, and I can tell you, it took all of my might to stop myself from loading up the suitcase with what I normally refer to as ‘parting gifts’. Calm down, I told myself; have a bit of class, I told myself. But yet, there’s rarely a day when I come across the brand that I don’t think ‘would they have noticed?’ Damn the Catholic guilt inbuilt in me!
Beyond the bedroom walls, the estate serves as a premier playground for traditional Irish country pursuits. I spent my afternoons exploring the full, extraordinary lineup of outdoor activities on the grounds. A walk through the perfectly manicured walled gardens led me to Adare Country Pursuits, where I would have liked to experience a private falconry session, but I just didn’t have the time. Just a short stroll away I watched a group on an Irish Gundog Experience, working alongside expert trainers and beautiful, Labradors I almost melted with envy.
I passed by their dedicated ranges of archery, which I was told had both static and Ireland’s only moving targets, before watching some American tourists take on some clay pigeon shooting - which, by the look of things, they were not doing very well at, yet enjoying the moment to the fullest, and the laughter of their efforts filled the air.
For sports enthusiasts, the estate features premium indoor and outdoor padel tennis courts— as well as an introduction to hurling, which I almost tried out - but given my school skill memories in Camogie (the female version of Hurling) I opted out, but it gave me a renewed sense of pride in the speed and tradition of Ireland's ancient game.
The River Maigue provides an absolute angler’s paradise for private trout and salmon fishing tours. It wasn’t for me though, and as it started to drizzle rain (which of course only added to the magic of the grounds) I decided to board a horse-drawn carriage that clip-clopped along the riverbanks and through the woodland trails. All I was missing was a hot chocolate, and I almost would have believed I was in heaven!
Of course, the jewel in the outdoor crown is the world-class, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, which is proudly preparing to host the Ryder Cup in 2027. Even as I passed the undulating greens winding past the river, the sheer scale and immaculate conditioning of the fairways were spectacular, even to my untrained eyes.
Gastronomy at Adare Manor is not merely an amenity; it is the cornerstone of the experience. And I can attest to that.
I spent lunch at The Carriage House, a brilliantly restored Art Deco space a short stroll from the main building. Here, the vibe is relaxed but stylish, with steaks and fresh local seafood served on a beautiful glazed terrace.
After lunch, seeking relaxation after a day outdoors, I made my way to The Spa at Adare Manor, the only 111SKIN spa boutique clinic in Ireland. But I just wanted a dip in the indoor relaxation pool and a warm bed to read a few chapters of my book. Bliss.
The crescendo of the stay, however, was a candlelit evening at The Oak Room, the resort's prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant. Set in the Earls of Dunraven's original oak-panelled dining room, Head Chef Michael Tweedie has curated an extraordinary seasonal tasting menu. Each dish tells a meticulous story of Irish terroir. From sweet Dooncastle oysters to sustainably caught turbot finished with a decadent touch of caviar, the flavour was incomparable. Paired with a wine from their extensive cellar, the service was choreography at its finest—attentive and expert, yet delivered with that signature, unpretentious Irish charm we all love.
The night concluded down in the cosy warmth of The Tack Room. Sinking into a leather armchair beside a crackling fire, with a Baileys in hand, it was just the perfect nightcap.
Mornings begin in The Gallery, a breathtaking 132-foot-long room inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, with kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings. Breakfast here is widely regarded as one of Ireland's finest. It is an elegant, multi-course ritual that starts with an artisanal buffet featuring freshly pressed juices, house-baked pastries, and local honey, then moves to an à la carte menu showcasing local Irish provenance. Ordering perfectly poached eggs with locally sourced Limerick ham alongside a pot of loose-leaf tea, with soft light filtering through the stained glass, was an unforgettable way to start my day. And of course, what luxury breakfast is complete without a Bloody Mary or a glass of bubbles! I went with the former, and it was spectacular!
Adare Manor transcends the typical five-star hotel experience. It is a rare hotel where historical grandeur meets contemporary luxury so seamlessly that you don't just stay here—you live out a beautifully curated dream, if only for a few short hours. It’s a full-marks hotel that hits every note perfectly, and I dream of the next time I can stay.
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