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Ireland Castle Stay

Adare Manor Review

Welcome, castle and chateau enthusiasts, to Adare Manor – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, nestled in the heart of Ireland’s County Limerick. As a castle travel expert, I can say without hesitation that Adare Manor is one of the most breathtaking and luxurious castle hotels in the world.

In this review, I will take you on a journey through the history of Adare Manor, its exquisite architecture and design, and its unrivaled guest experience.

History of Adare Manor: The history of Adare Manor is steeped in a rich tapestry of stories and legends. The original structure was built in the early 18th century as a manor house for the Earl of Dunraven. It was later transformed into a neo-Gothic masterpiece by the current owner, the Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl. The manor’s majestic stone façade, adorned with ornate Gothic detailing, is a true testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the time.

During World War II, the manor was requisitioned by the Irish government as a military hospital. After the war, it was used as a boarding school before falling into a state of disrepair in the 20th century. In 1987, the manor was purchased by a consortium of Irish investors, who invested millions in its restoration, transforming it into the luxury hotel that we know and love today.

Architecture and Design: As you approach the entrance to Adare Manor, you are greeted by a grand stone gatehouse, which leads you through to the main house. The interior of Adare Manor is just as impressive as the exterior. The Great Hall, with its soaring stone ceiling, stained glass windows, and grand fireplace, is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The hall is adorned with suits of armor, antique furnishings, and an impressive collection of artwork.

The guest rooms at Adare Manor are equally as impressive, with each one individually designed to reflect the unique history and architecture of the manor. The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, and large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Each room is decorated with antique furnishings, rich fabrics, and exquisite artwork, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Guest Experience: Adare Manor is not just a hotel, but an experience. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by warm and welcoming staff who go above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable. The attention to detail is second to none, with everything from the décor to the dining experience being carefully crafted to ensure guests feel pampered and indulged.

Dining at Adare Manor is a true gastronomic delight, with a range of dining options to suit all tastes. The Oak Room restaurant, with its intricate wood-paneled walls and ornate ceiling, is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. The menu features classic Irish dishes, such as roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish cream, as well as contemporary cuisine that draws on the flavors of the local countryside.

For a more relaxed dining experience, the Carriage House restaurant offers a range of delicious comfort food, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored stable block and is the perfect spot to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner.

One of the highlights of a stay at Adare Manor is the opportunity to indulge in a range of activities and experiences. The manor is set within 840 acres of pristine parkland, which offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, such as golf, falconry, archery, and fishing. The manor’s state-of-the-art spa is the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a range of treatments, from massages and facials to hydrotherapy and aromatherapy.

Adare Manor is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, offering guests an unparalleled experience of luxury, history, and beauty. From its rich history and exquisite architecture to its exceptional dining and guest experience, Adare Manor is truly a castle hotel that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing guests with an unforgettable stay.

For those who are interested in the history and architecture of Adare Manor, the manor offers guided tours, which provide a fascinating insight into the manor’s rich past and the craftsmanship that went into creating it. The tours take guests through the grand entrance hall, the drawing room, the library, and the grand staircase, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and worked at the manor over the centuries.

For those who are interested in outdoor activities, Adare Manor’s 840 acres of parkland offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The parkland is home to a championship golf course, designed by the legendary golfer Tom Fazio, which offers a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all levels. For those who are interested in relaxation and rejuvenation, Adare Manor’s spa is the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a range of treatments, from massages and facials to hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. The spa is housed in a beautifully restored wing of the manor and offers a peaceful and calming atmosphere, where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In terms of dining, Adare Manor offers a range of options to suit all tastes and preferences. From the fine dining experience of the Oak Room restaurant to the more casual fare of the Carriage House restaurant, guests are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings. The manor also offers a range of bars and lounges, where guests can enjoy a drink or a snack in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

In conclusion, Adare Manor is a true gem among castle hotels, offering guests an unparalleled experience of luxury, history, and beauty. From its grand architecture and rich history to its exceptional dining and guest experience, Adare Manor is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves castles, chateaus, and grand hotels. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, outdoor activities, or relaxation and rejuvenation, Adare Manor offers something for everyone.

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Ashford Castle Review

9.5 Saving Castles Rating 

Ashford Castle is one of the most grand and successful hotels in Europe, boasting a peerless Lough Corrib setting with centuries-old charm. With extensive renovations to make it modern enough for today’s traveler, you can experience luxury like never before here at this exquisite destination.

Ashford Castle has long been known as one of Ireland’s best hotels due to its historic charms blended with necessary modern amenities that ensure guests are comfortable during their stay – but now there is more than meets the eye when considering what makes Ashford such an exemplary place! Extensively renovated in recent years from top to bottom (with plans still underway), staying at Ireland’s foremost castle hotel will not only give travelers access to all sorts of amazing experiences set.

Location:

On the shore of Lough Corrib and with a scattering of forested islands providing an ethereal backdrop for leisurely strolls, Ashford Castle is immersed in remarkable beauty – when the weather holds. Nearby lies rural Cong village setting (as everyone will tell you) as being one portrayed by The Quiet Man film which was filmed nearby back in 1952). Visitors are also on doorstep to picturesque Connemara region where there’s plenty more scenic wonders awaiting discovery from all walks of life!

Character:

As the recession left Ashford Castle in a state of disrepair, it was bought by Red Carnation Hotels and painstakingly restored. The castle showcases Irish craftsmanship with its gleaming Connemara marble bar counter or glittering chandeliers made from Waterford crystal. A range of antiques are showcased that showcase Ireland’s history like artworks and jewelry collections.

Service:

The Castle Hotel is an undeniably beautiful setting for a stay. However, it also has many thoughtful features that make guests feel welcome and cared-for like the dedicated staff who are proud to be at this hotel with what seems to be Ireland’s best facilities on offer. With rooms in every budget classification from five star luxury suites with all of life’s amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs or stately four poster beds down to more modest but still refined accommodations there will surely be something perfect for everyone here. There’s even a cinema, billiard room and children game area right inside the castle walls so you can enjoy your time away ‘home’ while being immersed in Irish culture!

Rooms:

The hotel’s 82 bedrooms and suites vary wildly in style. Some are beautifully detailed while others may be too boldly colored or frenetically decorated for some guests who prefer a soothing space to relax before sleeping, but all of them offer beautiful fragrant toiletries from Irish brand Voya with power sockets by the bed and USB ports on each nightstand so you can charge your phone anytime without having to unplug anything first!

Food & Drinks:

The food more than made up for the lack of décor. The a la carte dishes were elegant and plentiful, while the buffet was abundant with freshly baked ham as well as rock scones only available in Ireland. Traditional afternoon tea offered lake views amidst a tranquil atmosphere that is hard to find on such an excitable continent; meanwhile light lunches are served all day long – like French-inflected Irish fare delicately balanced enough not to overwhelm any palette or stomach (and believe me I’ve tried).

Combining elegantly crafted à la carte dishes alongside generous buffets full of delicious freshly baked ham and other distinctly Irish components, Ashford’s hotel breakfast has been among my favorite meals across Europe so far!

Value:

The experience at this hotel is worth the price. They offer a free Wi-Fi to guests and their amenities are spectacular, especially considering it was only €335 (£260) per night including breakfast!

Book online for best rate guarantee!

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Sharing our videos or recommending our channels to a friend is also very much appreciated! 🙂

 

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