Written by NiceGinna on 23 Jun, 2011
Not far from Shannon Airport is this idyllic town, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, that makes a great "welcome to Ireland" spot to spend the first night or more to explore County Limerick. The name is from Ath Dara, meaning "ford of the oak"…Read More
Not far from Shannon Airport is this idyllic town, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, that makes a great "welcome to Ireland" spot to spend the first night or more to explore County Limerick. The name is from Ath Dara, meaning "ford of the oak" and was a place to cross the River Maigue. The main street has many thatched cottages, housing shops and restaurants. There are also castle ruins, monasteries, ancient churches.Adare's history dates back to 1200 AD. A bit out of town is Desmond Castle castle which was built around this time and was held by the Earls of Kildare until 1536 when it was forfeited to the Earls of Desmond. Across the river is the Franciscan Friary, founded in 1464 by Thomas, the 7th Earl of Kildare, for the "Franciscan Friars of the Strict Observance". It is now a ruin.In the center of town is the Trinitarian Priory, founded in the early 13th century. King Henry VIII had the building destroyed and then it was repaired in the 19th century and now functions as the Roman Catholic Church for the village. It's a warm and welcoming church, with yellow stone walls and a high wooden raftered ceiling.There is also a pleasant river walk along the River Maigue.Close