Location: Adare
Top Things to do in Adare
9 Free Things to do in Adare That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Draiocht Art & Shop Gallery, Adare
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Located in the heart of Adare village and close to all Adares hotels and tourist attractions. Contemporary and Genuine Irish Art and Crafts for sale sourced directly from the local makers. Opportunities to meet the artists frequently present themselves. Art classes with professional artists/tutors may be arranged on request by exceptionally friendly staff.
Reviewed By U6469WImikem - Lancaster, United States
Really a great gallery in a small town on our way to southern Ireland. The gentleman that seemed to own the shop was very nice, and so nice to talk to. We really had fun chatting and learning about the town and surrounding areas. He gave us a few great ideas for lunch and he was spot on! The shop had a lot of really nice art pieces, as well as other local items for sale. We ended up buying multiple things as it was such a nice environment to shop in. Lastly, the shop owner really hooked us up and taught us all about the sales tax exemption for non EU citizens – THANK YOU SIR! We will hunt this shop out on our next trip to Ireland.
2. Celtic Park and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By S8592HGsueg - Pensacola, United States
Lovely place to escape the tourists in Adare. We went to see the thathed roof buildings. Our only disappointment was that they were all commercial buildings. Adare is a lovely village and well worth a visit.
3. Adare pubs
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).
5. Adare's Old Creamery Gift Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
“For gifts and things that are out of this world...come a little out of your way”This wonderful store offers a unique shopping experience in relaxed and friendly surroundings with parking to the door.Adare’s Old Creamery is so often described by our customers as “a real Aladdin’s Cave”.When you visit our store you will understand why! It is a treasure trove of gifts for every occasion.
6. Lucy Erridge Crafts, Fashion & Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Historical Cottage in Adare stocking Luxury Irish Design and cashmere, alpaca and kid mohair knitwear collections designed by Lucy Erridge. Local artists are also showcased within the cottage and the cottage garden is one of the most photographed in Ireland!
7. 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.
8. Adare Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By bsa819 - Lynnfield, United States
Worth a walk through - the arbor, water features and ancient trees are beautiful! Note the sign showing an over $4000 euro fine for failing to scoop your dog poop!
9. Adare Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 573 reviews
Snuggled in a wooded setting among the rich quiet farmlands of the Golden Vale by the River Maigue, Adare is a model village dating from the time of the Norman conquest. It has been home to the Earls of Dunraven (Quin Family) for over three centuries and is located on the Limerick to Tralee road, the N21, a great pit stop for those on the way to the Ring of Kerry. The Adare Heritage Centre, located in the middle of this charming town with its many thatched houses, allows you to step back in time through an informative historical exhibition, also incorporating a tourist office, gift, craft and heraldry outlets, and a restaurant. During Summer months - June-September - The Desmond Castle tour exclusively runs from the Heritage Centre 7 days a week, with a new tour every hour.
Reviewed By IvyIreland
Stop here as a first call, and for your ‚urgent‘ call, and more! The toilets were even open during most of 2020, what a relief, and so was the café with outdoors seating. In more normal days, this welcome centre also spots a tourist information, an interesting local Norman History exhibition and a couple of shops, ice cream, and seating facilities. A friend of mine once lost her handbag here in the height of the tourist season (yes, it does get very busy during the season) and we could not believe that Adare Heritage had it looked after and returned to her hours later. Now, that wouldn’t happen in many touristy places... Many folks warn you of Adare because of the many tourists, however, there is still a lot of heart and where would you find this infrastructure so well looked after. Travel to a big Irish town and you would hardly find a welcome and facilities like here in Adare!
