Local Attractions
Adare is the perfect holiday base for those who love to walk, explore and relax. With over twenty exciting visitor attraction locations, including ancient castles, museums, cathedrals, Ireland’s first hydro-electric power station, stunning views of the river Shannon and scenic walks, all within a short distance away, Adare is the ideal place to stay, the whole year round. Here in Adare we have historical sites and buildings of universal interest, as outlined in “History and Historic Sites” on this website.
Plan your Adare Local Attractions
Adare Castle Tours
The Adare Desmond Castle is located on the edge of the village of Adare, just off the N21 on the main Limerick to Kerry road. The castle was erected with an ancient ring-fort around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years.
Historical Exhibition
Step back in time and take a journey through the historical exhibition, a reconstruction of Adare's unique past from the arrival of the Norman's to the ancient abbeys of the Middle Ages. The Exhibition is located at Adare Heritage Centre.
Curraghchase Forest Park
Curraghchase Forest Park and caravan park is located approximately 4km from the village of Adare. This unspoiled and natural forest land is an ideal spot to relax in County Limerick's finest parkland.
King Johns Castle
Boasting stunning views of Limerick City, the River Shannon and over onto the Clare hills, this majestic 13th century Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in the city and a worthy destination stop when visiting the Treaty City
Bunratty Castle & Folk Village
Welcome to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. At evening time Medieval Banquets are held in the castle and are open to the public to enjoy. Just a 20 minute drive from Adare.
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
Discover the era of transatlantic passenger flights, the invention of Irish coffee, and the maritime history of the majestic River Shannon. Travel back to the 1930s and ’40s, when Foynes played a pivotal role in establishing commercial transatlantic passenger flights. Visit our Aviation Museum, our Maritime Museum and the Maureen O’Hara Exhibition. Foynes is a 35 minute drive from Adare.
Irish Dresden, Dromcolliher, Co. Limerick
Irish Dresden, formerly Müller Volkstedt, was established 1907 in Thuringia, in a region known as the green heart of Germany and moved with the Saar family in 1962 to Ireland and settled in the small town of Dromcolliher in the beautiful Golden Vale region. We invite you to visit our factory in Dromcolliher, which is just a 35 minute drive from Adare.
Askeaton
The historic town of Askeaton is situated approximately 15 kilometres from Adare, about 20 minutes by car. It is situated on the N69, the road between Limerick and Tralee, and is built on the banks of the River Deel, 3 km upstream from River Shannon estuary. Among the historic sites in the town there is a castle founded in 1199 and a Franciscan friary dating from 1389. Just a 20 minute drive from Adare.
De Valera Museum
The De Valera Museum and Bruree Heritage Centre is dedicated to Eamon de Valera [1882-1975], former president of Ireland and one of the country’s most famous statesmen. Bruree is a 30 minute drive from Adare.
Adare Courthouse Museum
Visit Adare Courthouse Museum located upstairs over Auntie Lenas Bar and learn all about this historic building and the legacy of the Dunraven Family in Adare. Charlie Chawke has beautifully refurbished and restored 'The Court' to preserve it for all future generations and for all visitors to Adare to enjoy
Irish Palatine Heritage Centre
In 1709 several hundred families of German origin settled in Ireland. Known as the Palatines they established roots mainly in Rathkeale. A greatly extended display of artefacts, photographs, graphics etc. Rathkeale is a 20 minute drive from Adare.
Limerick City
Limerick City is just a 20 minute drive from Adare and 20 a minute drive from Shannon Airport. The city is a must-visit location for visitors to Adare. It is the third most populous urban area in the state, and the fourth most populous city on the island of Ireland. Limerick is a city steeped in history.
Ardnacrusha Power Station
Looking for an exciting and informative experience? Why not visit Ireland's largest river hydroelectric scheme? Following the phenomenal interest in last year’s tours, Ardnacrusha Power Station will again open this summer. Just a 40 minute drive from Adare.
Lough Gur Heritage Centre
Lough Gur is an archaeological gem of international significance. The site includes the remains of stone circles and standing stones, ancient burial chambers and Cairns. The exhibition within provides an overview of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites and is a 40 minute drive from Adare.
Shannon Ferries
Bridging the best of Ireland's West. Shannon Ferries will take you and your vehicle on a memorable 20 minute journey across the Shannon from Tarbert in County Kerry to Killimer in County Clare. Located on the Shannon Estuary, Tarbert is a 40 minute drive from Adare.
LikeBikes
We want all our customers to enjoy cycling the beautiful Limerick/Kerry Greenways and the coastal town of Ballybunion along the Wild Atlantic Way, using our bikes that we are proud to hire.
St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral was founded in 1168 AD and stands majestically over the City of Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. It is one of the most important medieval buildings to survive intact in Ireland. Just 30 minute drive from Adare.
Desmond Castle Newcastlewest
The ruins of the Castle and the Banqueting Hall are located off the town square and are very well maintained. The banqueting hall of the Desmond Castle, seat of the Earl of Desmond, parts of which date from the 13th century, is the most notable historical feature of the town. Just a 20 minute drive from Adare.
Glin Castle
Glin Castle is the ancestral home of the FitzGerald family, Knights of Glin. The FitzGeralds first settled here in the 1200’s at nearby Shanid Castle following the Norman invasion of Ireland. In the early 14th century the Earl of Desmond, head of the Geraldines, made hereditary Knights of 3 illegitimate sons he had sired with the wives of various Irish chieftains, creating them the White Knight, the Green Knight of Kerry and the Black Knight of Glin.
International Rugby Experience Limerick
A world class, fully interactive experience celebrating the game of rugby and everything it stands for is situated in the heart of Limerick; this is a Must See in Ireland's rugby heartland!
Ringmoylan Pier, Pallaskenry
Pallaskenry is a village in County Limerick, 30 minute drive from Adare and it derives its name from Kenry Castle, nowadays known as Shanpallas Castle. It was one of the principal ancient castles of County Limerick. Ringmoylan Pier is situated on the Shannon Estuary, a few kilometres north of the village of Pallaskenry in Co. Limerick.
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