Founded in the 13th century along the river Maigue, sits the idyllic village of Adare. Adare is known as Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare's fame centres on its string of preserved thatched cottages built by the 19th-century English landlord, the Earl of Dunraven, for workers constructing Adare Manor There are so many things to see and do in this beautiful village such as visiting ancient monasteries, golfing, shopping, and dining. Today, the pretty cottages house craft shops and fine restaurants while prestigious golf courses nearby cater to golf enthusiasts. The Irish name for Adare is Áth Dara – the Ford of the Oak.
The following is list of visitor attractions on offer in Adare:
- There are many restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets including The Blue Door, The Wild Geese, The Good Room, 1826, The Arches and the Dunraven Arms.
- The town's pubs offer a friendly atmosphere in which to have an enjoyable drink or meal also. At nearby Ballingarry, one of Ireland's premier Country House Hotels - The Mustard Seed offers superb dining in wonderful surroundings.
- The local abbeys, friary and Desmond Castle are steeped in a rich historical past that is a pleasure to be experienced during your stay, much of which is interpreted at the Adare Heritage Centre.