'Beyond Everything' Adare Manor //

Adare Manor, the romantic Victorian mansion in County Limerick, Ireland, isn’t a stranger to reinvention. It began life as Adare House. A century later,  the 2nd Earl of Dunraven and his wife, Lady Caroline, suggested that he transform their home into an estate in the Neo-Gothic style, garnished with lancet arches and heraldic tapestries. The construction took over thirty years, but the resulting castle was extraordinary enough to remain largely unaltered from the 3rd Earl to the 7th, who sold the family seat in the 1980s. 

Adare's most recent renovation was completed this spring after two years of construction.  The castle was already a luxury hotel when the Irish racehorse tycoon J. P. McManus bought it in 2015 for a reported 30million euro. However, McManus’s plans included a substantial addition to the existing castle, built in the same architectural style with local limestone, and a world-class golf course that will make a bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2026. 

When we arrive for our stay the atmosphere is busy and formal, and as we’re taken to our room, the halls are full of people like ourselves searching for some much needed relaxation. Our suite has a sitting room with bay windows and a marble fireplace. There are books of Irish poetry on the nightstands and a yawning tub in the bathroom. All of the windows look out on the river. Each room is individually designed and decorated with ornate cornices, vaulted ceilings and mahogany furniture modelled on 19th century Georgian antiques. You will find soft creams and golds exuding opulence and comfort, a Victorian slipper bath overlooking the manicured gardens and a rainfall shower big enough for two. Oh and Acqua di Parma toiletries generously dotted throughout…

The Gallery is an exquisite space that was once the Dunraven family’s favourite room with its ornate design, gothic inspired oak carvings and breathtaking original stained glass windows it is now being fully utilised as the ultimate dining space. Afternoon tea and breakfast are both served in this stunning room, opening up the space to non residents should you wish to indulge in the Manor’s copious amount of pastries which are all made in house and baked fresh everyday.
After eating for a couple of hours, we took a much needed bike ride around the spectacular grounds to explore the multi million pound mansions! Bikes are free of charge which is a lovely touch. 

Prices for this unforgettable Afternoon Tea experience start from €55 and Executive Pastry Chef Xavier Torne and his team have ensured every detail of this ultimate treat have been refined to the highest standards. 

The main restaurant at the castle is The Oak Room, which looks exactly as it sounds—an elegant clutch of tables surrounded by wood panelling, the upper walls covered with green Irish wool. Head chef Michael Tweedie ensures this is fine dining at its best, the menu an impressive reflection of the abundance of top quality produce. Contemporary and innovative even in the layout, there are flexible options of mixing and matching dishes from the five course menu which starts at €90 per person – and it is worth every single cent.

I think the pool (above), spa and changing areas are too small for a 104-bedroom hotel of this calibre. They are perfectly plush, but the La Mer spa has just five treatment rooms, the pool is no bigger than a plunge pool and the sauna has a single bench (when I swim, the water is on the chilly side, too). I understand the spatial constraints between the historic house and River Maigue, but given the spend lavished elsewhere, these facilities feel too hemmed-in for purpose. 

B&B ranges from €500 per night for a Classic King and €595 for a Deluxe to €1,450 for a Dunraven Stateroom and €2,250 for a Signature Suite.

Call (061) 605200 or see adaremanor.com.