Adare Manor Hotel And Golf Resort

July 26, 2009

Being really honest, I am a bit biased when it comes to this Golf Course, as I have deep rooted, fond memories of being here ever since I learned to play the game. You see, Adare Golf Club (situated on the grounds of the prestigious Adare Manor Hotel And Golf Resort) is much more than a place to go for a casual round of Golf; it is in fact a place of living history. The 18 hole championship golf course was designed by an Englishman Robert Trent Jones Snr. (Jones’ courses are noted for their artistic landscaping, innovative use of bunkers, liberal use of water hazards, and deft placement of greens and hazards that encourage a high level of strategy. He believed that golf should be a no risk; no reward sport and his designs encouraged daring play. This course is considered to be one of his finest creations) and was home of the Irish Open Golf Championship in 2008 & 2009.

Ever since my teenage years, when I used to caddy for my father when he played tournaments, I have been fascinated by this course for so many reasons that I hardly know where to begin. But the most vivid memory, even after all these years, is the fact that no matter what the weather was like, I always felt at one with nature whenever I walked the plush green paths of this magnificent course.

Adare, which has earned the coveted title of “The Prettiest Village In Ireland”, is located in the South West approx. 20 minutes from Limerick city and 40 minutes from Shannon Airport making it easily accessible. Shannon is an international hub airport so reaching it from anywhere in the world is an effortless task. Car Rental from the airport is covered by multiple well-known agencies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt etc.) whose staff will undoubtedly treat you to a loving spoonful of genuine Irish hospitality.

The Desmond Castle (1200 ad) is a magnificent backdrop to the 1st and 15th greens, while the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (1464 ad) dominate the centre of the course.

This beautiful parkland course is sprinkled with lush mature trees and aquatic features created by the intricate interweaving of the magical river Maigue through this beautiful, well-maintained Avalon-like Golf course. No matter how challenging a shot may be one finds that the astounding beauty of this landscape seems to induce a calm feeling over any golfer who strolls her fairways. The atmosphere conjures up images of days long gone and the feeling of being surrounded by something powerfully ancient.

Having said that; the courses facilities are among the best and most modern available anywhere. The club restaurant provides a top class menu although pre-booking is highly advisable. For such a “once in a lifetime experience” facility, the green fee prices are ridiculously reasonable and if you don’t feel like lugging your clubs around, there are high quality sets available to hire at the clubhouse.

After enjoying your round of Golf you will be pleased to learn that the pampering has only just begun. The five star Adare Manor Hotel which is only a three minute walk from the last green has every facility imaginable including several gourmet restaurants, The Treatment Rooms (for relaxing the body and soul) and lively entertainment in the hotels elegant bars. The rooms are naturally exquisite which is exactly what one should expect from a hotel of this caliber.

I cannot recommend this resort highly enough but in order to truly experience the magic of this location one must actually partake of its magnificence. It is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

For more information on Adare you can check out the village’s website.

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