Historic Sites in Adare

"Irish prehistory is always gripping, so you should be sure not to miss this archaeological site 20 kilometres south of Limerick. In hilly countryside, Lough Gur is a horseshoe lake with all sorts of megalithic remains on its banks. This pocket of land has been occupied by humans for more than 5,000 years, and has ring forts on the higher ground, traces of Stone Age houses, the Grange stone circle and three crannogs (Neolithic artificial islands)."

"Adare Desmond Castle in Limerick is a pinnacle example of medieval architecture, with a strong fortified and stronghold history. The castle is situated on the north bank of the River Maigue, which proved an important and strategic location for the castle’s role in history, as it was able to control river traffic and keep a watchful eye. Much of the original castle still remains today, for example, the large square keep stands as the defensive centre of the castle, which is enveloped by a walled ward, that has a large moat running around the outside."

"A glance at the Ireland of old is on offer at this riverside, long-ruined castle. Adare Desmond is essentially a shell of the old structure, but there’s enough left to justify tours, and the buildings and their surrounds make for a fantastic slightly off-the-beaten-track exploration. There’s a sacred fairy ring just around the corner, and very little development visible from the sight, giving this a real sense of the Ireland of its 13th century construction."

"Just outside the town of Adare (which we recommend in its own right, see below) Adare Desmond Castle is a 13th-century riverside fortress, now in ruins, sat right next to an ancient ring fort. Regular tours during the summer give an insight into the spot’s revolutionary history while an exhibition gives a sense of life at the castle through the Middle Ages."

"Lough Gur Stone Circle is one of Ireland’s archaeological and historical gems. The beautiful and enchanted lake lies 21 km south east of Limerick city. From the level surrounding countryside it unfolds in beauty its placid waters and rugged hills – a fairyland of stone circles, ancient habitation sites, megalith tombs, crannogs and castles."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."

"The original Knappogue Castle was constructed in the year 1467 by Sean Mac Conmara, who was the son of Sioda Mac Conmara; it is a large medieval tower house, that originally served the purpose of a watchtower during the midst of much military conflict. During the 19th century, like many castles in Europe and Ireland, Knappogue Castle was restored into the style of the Gothic and Medieval era, after being acquired by Theobald Fitzwalter Butler, 14th Baron Dunboyne, in the year 1855; they spent a large amount of time renovating and restoring the castle, whilst also adding several additions to it, such as the drawing-room, the long room, and a west wing. Where: County Clare, IrelandWhen: 1467Style: MedievalOpen for visit: Yes, for more information check here."

"No visit to the Busy Bee Garden Centre would be complete without trying their Tea Rooms. It has quickly become a popular place along the Ennis Road to enjoy some fine coffees and homemade treats. Whether you’re enjoying their wholesome brown breads or freshly baked scones, you are sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated after a visit to their tea Read more…"

"Opened in July 2020 Café Lógr is situated at the beginning of the Blackabbey Road just across from the Adare Village Hall. Owned and operated by husband and wife team, David & Petra Hayes. Café Lógr is a light and bright space serving artisan speciality coffee, organic wines and simply prepared modern dishes using top quality local and seasonal produce in a friendly and relaxed environment."

"Bakehouse 22 is located in the heart of the Old Limerick Quarter, 22 St Nicholas Street, surrounded by some of Limerick’s breath-taking urban art murals. Well worth the stroll over the Shannon, Bakehouse 22 offers great coffee and a friendly service. Unfortunately, the seated café area is closed due to restrictions, however they continue to serve their customers with a smile."

"Free to enter, the Limerick City Museum is a diverting cabinet of curiosities, with interesting things from many different fields. You can inspect archaeological finds from the Stone Age and Iron Age, or the scabbard owned by the revolutionary Lord Edward FitzGerald that he used while resisting arrest when he was killed in 1798. There are 60,000 items in the museum’s collection, including blunderbuss guns from the 17th and 18th centuries, 200-year-old Limerick silver, clothes like a gentleman’s suit from 1706 and a piece of the Adare meteorite of 1813, the largest ever to hit the British Isles (as they were at the time)."

"Boasting one of the largest collections of any Irish museum, the Limerick City Museum is a treasure-trove for anyone wanting to get to know the city’s story. Going strong since 1916, the museum has amassed an incredible 60,000 objects, including archaeological artefacts, Limerick silver, Limerick lace, examples of local printing, military artefacts and much more. The aim is simple: to tell the story of Limerick and its people."

"Irish prehistory is always gripping, so you should be sure not to miss this archaeological site 20 kilometres south of Limerick. In hilly countryside, Lough Gur is a horseshoe lake with all sorts of megalithic remains on its banks. This pocket of land has been occupied by humans for more than 5,000 years, and has ring forts on the higher ground, traces of Stone Age houses, the Grange stone circle and three crannogs (Neolithic artificial islands)."