Adare Manor feels more like a castle than many of the castles that we passed on our road trip across Ireland. It is a 19th century manor house that was purchased in 1984 by an Irish-American businessman, Tom Kane, and turned into a five star hotel and golf resort.
It’s on the more distant end of the affordability range, but the grounds are vast, swathed in green lawns, ancient trees, and a stream that rumbles to the tune of a marathoner. It is more than worth the visit, if just to walk around the grounds.
This tree is called a Cedar of Lebanon. It is the oldest one of its kind in Ireland and Great Britain, and is thought to have been planted in 1645. The bridge behind it gives golfers access to the manor's 18-hole championship golf course.
The resort boasts a golf course, spa, and formal dining options. Beyond that, the grounds feel like they hold a myriad of old secrets nestled away in hidden corners or among building ruins.
The Rundown:
What: Adare Manor, Ireland
Where: 20 minutes southwest of Limerick
What to Do: Walk around the beautifully kept grounds and soak it all in
How Long: Give yourself about an hour
What Else to Know: Stop by the little village of Adare just down the road to see the original thatched roof houses
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