Hotel review: What it's like to stay at Limerick's Adare Manor — a perfect 10

Arresting in its symmetry and scale, the manor house is located to take advantage of restful views and the acres of nature that cosset it.

10/10

Style & design

Built as a family home for the Dunravens almost 200 years ago, Adare Manor began life as a magnificent homage to craftsmanship, comfort and style. 

Current owner, JP McManus has faithfully built on those foundations, restoring, enhancing and expanding the landmark property. 

From the polished parquet to the 50 carved chimney stacks reaching for the skies, through the soaring lobby, sumptuous staterooms, spectacular Oak Room restaurant and dramatic Gallery, the refit is exquisite and the sense of luxury and history palpable.

10/10

Service

There’s a warm, sincere welcome at Adare Manor that permeates every corner of the hotel. 

Check-in is relaxed, polished and fun, themes that becomes evident at every turn. There are no weak links in the service, from housekeeping to the charming team at the Michelin-starred Oak Room, from the spa therapists to the breakfast staff. 

The relaxed confidence is refreshing and everyone’s attention to detail superb.

10/10

Rooms

Bright, spacious and extremely comfortable, Adare Manor’s luxurious guestrooms have been created for relaxation and escapism. 

Individually designed, they feature elegant 19th century style furniture, original art, marble bathrooms, great lighting and views. 

The housekeeping is immaculate with crisp monogrammed bed linen, plump pillows, fresh flowers and Acqua di Parma toiletries. 

Glossy coffee table books celebrating the manor’s history and refurbishment make lovely browsing companions.

The attention to detail ensures a lavish and cosy experience,

10/10

In-room perks

A plate of petit-fours welcomes us to our stateroom where a fully stocked mini bar includes premium Irish snacks like shortbread, Attyflin juices, Keogh’s crisps, and a house-branded chocolate bar and beers.

Hot drinks can be enjoyed with fresh milk, delicious Tea Forte infusers, a Nespresso machine, kettle and bone china cups. Kudos for the thoughtful miniature ThisWorks sleep spray at turn-down (though you’ll have no trouble sleeping in these comfy beds!)

10/10

On the menu

Adare Manor is a true gourmet destination. The Oak Room, once the Dunravens' family dining room, is a cosy confection of wood panels, ornate stucco and chandeliers, with a vaulted glass-enclosed terrace that offers sublime views to the formal gardens.

Chef Mike Tweedie holds a Michelin star here since 2019 and his considered, refined cooking is joyful and delicious. 

Pared-back and confident, a tasting menu rich with provenance includes Ballyneety beetroot salad, potato bread with wild garlic Abernethy butter, Doonbeg crab with caviar, and Higgins beef with asparagus. (The vegetarian tasting menu is also a triumph). 

A thrilling wine list, charming service with Chapter One vibes and a swoon-worthy cheese trolley all suit the setting. 

Breakfast, served in the manor’s opulent Gallery is one of the most impressive buffets in the country. 

Stand-outs include freshly pressed ruby grapefruit juice and superb pastries. 

Lunch in the light-flooded Carriage Room is a lively affair with a great menu and generous portions.

10/10

Activities & amenities

Delivering everything you’d expect from a leading five-star estate, Adare Manor’s facilities are world class. 

An intimate spa with just 5 treatment rooms offers an infra-red sauna, peaceful pool with views and an impressive relaxation room.

The Lunar 28 Brightening facial using 111SKIN products, exclusive in Ireland, rates as the best facial I’ve had anywhere in the world. (My skin and tone were so improved afterwards that I went to dinner bare-faced, without a scrap of make-up.)

The Padel Club, built in the woods close to the Manor House has a slick 17-metre infinity pool, bubbling vitality pool, comfy loungers and a thermal suite. 

2 indoor padel courts, sports simulation room, gym and exercise room are state of the art.

A whole suite of classic country pursuits, including falconry, archery and walking trails are available. 

A brand new boutique stocks thoughtful Irish design and though not a golfer, this is the home of the 2027 Ryder Cup, which tells us all we need to know about the quality of this prestigious championship course.

10/10

Need-to-know

Room to improve? In a word, no! 

Access for guests with disabilities? Fully accessible with ground-floor guest rooms and lifts throughout the historic parts of the building.

Family-friendly? Yes, but save it for a grown-up escape, celebration or romance. 

Dogs welcome? No.

Car charging points? 15, including 3 for Tesla.

The bill? Double rooms from €595. Breakfast included.

Our overall verdict: 10/10

• Adare Manor
• Adare. Co Limerick
• adaremanor.com
• Jillian Bolger was a guest of Adare Manor

This article was first published on May 5, 2024