Adare: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on Adare in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Nicknamed Ireland's prettiest village, Adare is known for great hospitality, mellow thatched cottages, and a quiet atmosphere.
It's situated along the Maigue River in Limerick County, only a short drive from Limerick.
At first sight, it seems there are plenty of things to see and do in Adare.
This charming village is a popular stop on the way from Killarney to Limerick, so it's not surprising it is featured on many Ireland road trip itineraries.
We followed this route as well, so it was only logical to make a stop in Adare.
Can Adare live up to the hype, or is the 'prettiest village' just an empty phrase?
In this travel guide, we'll do our best to find out whether it's worth visiting or not.
So without further ado, here's everything you should know about Adare before you go.
What to See and Do
Despite its size, there are fun things to do and see in Adare for most types of travelers.
Except for sightseeing, activities range from shopping, fishing, golfing, and falconry to archery.
However, don't forget that this is still a small village, so if you're looking for more action, you will need to continue to Limerick, Galway, or Cork.
On the other hand, if you're in Limerick and looking for a small-town experience, Adare might be a great place to visit on a day trip.
After hearing so much about Adare, the first impression was not that great. We arrived in the village in what appeared to be a rush hour.
In Adare, there is technically only one main road. Therefore, the current traffic situation was pretty terrible, with trucks, buses, and cars passing through the village at the same time.
We had explored the Wild Atlantic Way in the previous days, and the villages along the coast, such as Portmagee or Cahersiveen, were almost empty.
Here the situation could be described as hectic at best. It's not a fair comparison, but we feel it's worth mentioning.
So what is there to see and do in Adare?
Adare Heritage Centre
For starters, Adare Heritage Centre is a great starting point for exploring the village.
Surprisingly, the parking at Adare Heritage Centre is free. As it's centrally located, we believe your first steps in the village will bring you right here.
Unlike some other towns with terrible parking situations we visited in Ireland, this is always a welcome change and makes everything easier.
Adare Heritage Centre is, among other things, a visitor center, so it's a great place to visit if you're looking for more information on this area.
Otherwise, this is basically a shopping mall for tourists.
Speaking of which, Adare is not only popular for medieval structures and thatched buildings but also for shopping, so you will find plenty of small shops inside.
In case you need to buy some souvenirs, this place might be a good start. Clearly, there are more stores in the village. There are also toilets.
Adare Village
Once you leave the Adare Heritage Centre, you can start exploring the village itself.
Adare is small, compact, and easily explored on foot.
If you turn left, you will have a chance to see Trinitarian Abbey and thatched cottages.
Just opposite the Heritage Centre is a small but cute Adare Town Park.
The western part of Main Street is dotted with colorful houses, small shops, pubs, restaurants, and bars.
Even if you walk at a slow pace along the village, it takes only a small amount of time to see Adare's top attractions.
Thatched Cottages
Adare is known for its cute thatched cottages lining Main Street.
These traditional houses were built in the 1830s by the Caroline Countess of Dunraven for servants and workers of The Dunraven Estate.
Today, their purpose is mostly commercial, as they are used as boutique stores, restaurants, crafts shops, and accommodations.
As they are situated on the main road, you will see them even if you are just passing through.
Although exploring the thatched cottages is one of the best things to do in Adare, it doesn't take long to see them all.
In fact, there are only a few of them, so don't expect too much.
By the way, Adare is not the only place to see thatched cottages on your Ireland road trip.
Trinitarian Abbey
If you're looking for the best free things to do in Adare, Trinitarian Abbey should not fly under your radar.
It was built in 1230, and it's the only church of the Trinitarian order in Ireland.
This order was founded in the 12th century in France, and its main purpose was to rescue hostages taken during the Crusades in the Holy Land.
Some of the monasteries in Northern Europe were used as hospitals and some recruited monks who then collected the ransom money.
Today, it's a Catholic parish church known as Holy Trinity Abbey, and you can visit it for free.
Augustinian Priory
Situated on the banks of the Maigue River and known as the Black Abbey, this church was founded in 1316 by the Earl of Kildare.
Many of the main features, especially the 15th-century cloister, are still well-preserved, so it's a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Ireland's medieval churches.
Here you will also find a trailhead for short but lovely river talk, which we will talk about in a minute.
Adare Village Park
A quiet oasis in the middle of Adare, this well-kept village park has a gazebo, plenty of greenery, nice flowers, and shade in summer.
There are benches to sit on, to enjoy a quiet moment and rest your legs.
It's quite small, but just across the Adare Heritage Centre, so it's definitely worth seeing.
Don't expect much, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
River Bank Walk
If you want to escape all that noise and traffic, check out River Bank Walk, an easy 2-kilometer circular route that goes along the River Maigue.
The trail starts at the Adare Heritage Centre, and you have two options.
From here, you need to walk either to the old railway bridge in the northwest of Adare (via L1423) or Augustinian Abbey to reach the river.
It makes sense to do the loop clockwise to have slightly better views in front of you.
On the way back, you will see Desmond Castle, Augustinian Abbey, thatched cottages, and Trinitarian Abbey.
While it might seem that only one-third of the trail leads along the river itself, this is a great way to explore some of Adares' top attractions.
Adare Manor
This five-star luxury resort situated near Adare is known for its beautiful setting, impeccable service, and Irish hospitality.
Without any doubt, Adare Manor is the best hotel in the village, if you can afford it.
The main features are intimate service, stunning rooms, lush green 840 acres of parkland, a Michelin star restaurant, a great spa, and a superb golf course.
By the way, Ireland is known for spectacular golf courses, such as Waterville, Powerscourt, and Old Head of Kinsale.
This place offers a great golfing experience as well, though it's not cheap.
If you're looking for luxury and budget is not an issue, this place offers everything you need and much more.
Clearly, we didn't stay here, as we wanted to keep our Ireland budget at bay, but it's good to know that you have this option.
Desmond Castle Adare
Built for defense, Desmond Castle Adare is located on the edge of Adare village.
It was built in the 13th century, and due to its strategic location, it became quite important at the time.
Today, you can visit the castle on a public guided tour that you can book at Adare Heritage Centre.
Yes, unlike places such as the Rock of Cashel or Kilkenny Castle, you must go with a guide.
Unfortunately, we didn't have time to enjoy this tour, but it's often regarded as one of the best things to do in Adare, at least for history lovers.
In case you want to explore the castle, a tourist shuttle is included in the price.
You can also book the Desmond Castle Adare online through the Adare Heritage website. Tickets cost €10 per adult.
How Much Time Do I Need
All things considered, Adare is still a fairly small village. How long you should spend in Adare depends on your preferences and itinerary.
If this is a quick stop before continuing on your way, allow yourself about 1-2 hours for Adare.
Obviously, some travelers decide to spend a night in the village.
This is a great option if you prefer slow travel or don't want to stay in busy Limerick overnight.
When to Go
Summer is often considered the best time to visit Adare.
However, arriving here at any time of the year is perfectly fine, as Adare is an all-year-round destination.
The main disadvantage of this period is that it's the main season, most places are busy, and accommodation prices are high.
Winter's in County Limerick are wet and cold, but you will save on accommodation and won't meet crowds of tourists.
Whenever possible, we prefer to travel in the shoulder season (spring and autumn in this area).
Before you go, make sure to figure out when to visit Ireland first, as each season brings a different experience.
What to Pack
Bring a supportive pair of shoes, comfortable and lightweight daypack, and either walking pants or jeans.
Depending on the weather, we would also keep a rain jacket handy.
Here you will find our Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
Adare is a small village in County Limerick, less than 20 kilometers from Limerick.
There are several ways to get there, but driving is the most convenient and popular option.
The main reason is that having your own transport allows you to make stops and detours along the way.
Here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Car
As mentioned above, the easiest way to get to Adare is by car. The village sits on N21, which connects Limerick with Tralee and Killarney.
The drive from Limerick takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the current traffic conditions.
From Shannon Airport, expect to spend about 45 minutes behind the wheel.
Cork is only 90 kilometers south of Adare via N20. Killarney is about an hour and a half drive southwest of Adare via N21 and N23.
It takes almost three hours to get from Dublin to Adare via M7.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is a fairly large and free parking area at the Adare Heritage Centre.
Additionally, you can leave your car at a parking lot just off N21 (Newcastle West exit), directly across the road from Scoil Naomh Iosaf.
Bus
Due to its location, getting to Adare by public transport is quite easy as well.
Buses 13 and 14 (Expressway) traveling between Limerick's Colbert Station and County Kerry stop at Adare, just in front of the Adare Heritage Center.
A local 321 bus (Bus Eireann) should also go from Limerick to Adare.
Furthermore, Dublin Coach, which connects Dublin with County Kerry, stops several times a day in Adare.
Train
The train goes to Limerick Colbert Station from pretty much every major town in Ireland.
From there, you would need to catch a bus or take a taxi to Adare.
Where to Stay
Obviously, Adare is a tourist village and a great place to spend a night before heading out to the next destination.
As there are not that many accommodations in Adare, you need to book early in the peak season.
For many, Adare is just a quick stop on their way to either Limerick or Killarney. Compared to Adare, these towns offer a good selection of hotels.
Limerick is one of the largest cities in Ireland, while Killarney is a gateway to the Ring of Kerry.
So here are our tips on the best hotels in Adare and nearby towns.
Adare | The Dunraven - Established in the 18th century, this stylish hotel situated in the heart of Adare is one of the best hotels in the village.
Limerick | Absolute Hotel Limerick - Overlooking the Abbey River, this hotel is among the best places to stay while in Limerick. It has a central location, spacious and modern rooms, excellent breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and secure underground parking.
Killarney | Dromhall Hotel - With clean and comfortable rooms, lovely decor, and a location within walking distance from the town center, Dromhall is always a great choice when in Killarney. The hotel also features complimentary on-site parking and bike rental.
Staying Safe
Similar to many other small Irish villages, Adare is a safe place to visit.
As usual, use your common sense, and you should be fine. When arriving by car, don't leave your valuables inside your vehicle.
For more tips on this topic, read our guide on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Adare Worth Visiting?
If you're driving from Beara Peninsula or the Ring of Kerry to Limerick, Adare is definitely worth seeing.
The village is cute, easily explored on foot, and despite its small size, there are plenty of things to see and do.
Whether Adare is the most pretty village in Ireland is a decision we leave up to you.
While Adare's charm is undisputable, there are plenty of villages, such as Dingle or Kinsale, that can be easily described with similar words.
In addition, we believe the village's popularity is amplified due to its fantastic location on the main road from Limerick to Kerry. Don't get us wrong.
Adare is a great place to visit if it's on your route. It's just not worth a massive detour.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
