Every time I go to Ireland, I keep coming back to Adare. My parents were very close friends with Lord and Lady Waterford, and I grew up visiting their family home, Curraghmore, near Waterford most years. Lady Caroline Waterford was Caroline Dunraven before she married. The Dunraven family built and owned Adare Manor for generations, until they sold it to become the spectacular hotel it is today. We use to visit Caroline’s brother, Thady, the 7th Earl of Dunraven, and grab afternoon tea at Adare.
Over the years, I’ve watched as Adare Manor continues to improve and expand, while still maintaining the feeling of being a family home.
The service: this is really where they go above and beyond. From the friendly doormen who know the whole history of the place, to the front desk agents and concierge who will tell you which pub has Irish music that night, this hotel pulls off being five star without feeling stuffy.
The food: burgers at the carriage house, tapas in the Tack Room, tea in the Gallery, a Michelin-starred meal in the Oak Room, everything I eat there is scrumptious.
The grounds: they have an epic fairy garden onsite where I could explore for hours.
The facilities: the Ryder Cup is going to be here next for good reason - their golf course is gorgeous. The Padel Club is an incredible day spa with a private yoga room, fitness facility, jacuzzi facing the trees, steam room, sauna, and Padel courts.
Family friendly: a lot of five star hotels aren’t welcoming to little kids, but Adare goes out of their way to include them. They have family lodge style accommodations that are 2 and 3 bedrooms, and tons of family friendly activities. I took Malia two years ago and she loved the falconry and receiving a special fairy key.
Adare Manor holds my heart for so many reasons.
If you’d like to check it out, reach to me at AnneMarie@AlpenglowTravel.com
