Adare Heritage Centre
Adare Heritage Centre
4
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Snuggled in a wooded setting among the rich quiet farmlands of the Golden Vale by the River Maigue, Adare is a model village dating from the time of the Norman conquest. It has been home to the Earls of Dunraven (Quin Family) for over three centuries and is located on the Limerick to Tralee road, the N21, a great pit stop for those on the way to the Ring of Kerry. The Adare Heritage Centre, located in the middle of this charming town with its many thatched houses, allows you to step back in time through an informative historical exhibition, also incorporating a tourist office, gift, craft and heraldry outlets, and a restaurant. During Summer months - June-September - The Desmond Castle tour exclusively runs from the Heritage Centre 7 days a week.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
585 reviews
Excellent
277
Very good
197
Average
82
Poor
15
Terrible
14
Jaume
Barcelona, Spain1,689 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This is a complex where they offer good information about Adare and also Limerick county, it is also the base for the guided tours to the castle, there are some shops, and also a restaurant, the Dovecote. The restaurant is a convenient place to eat. They offer homemade food at a reasonable prices.
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Humpgra
15 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Excellent source of information to plan your visit. Guided Tour of the Castle is worth it specially if you get as lucky as us to get Mary as our personal guide. She is enthusiastic, very knowledgeable, and even lets you close the door of the Castle! if you are the last tour of the day.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silverfox711
Stillorgan, Ireland375 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
While staying at the Dunraven Arms in Adare, we decided to stroll through the beautiful park & stopped for brunch at the heritage Centre. Due to Covid restrictions, the main entrance was 'exit' only & the actual entrance wasn't clearly signposted. However after a little confusion, with others, I might add, we managed to get in. We were greeted & Covid checked by a very pleasant young lady & we went directly to our table. Our food was taken to our table, eventhough, in normal times, it is self service. The food was hot & very well presented. However, our biggest treat came with the beautiful home made scones served with a selection of preserves. We would happily recommend this place as a perfect stop when visiting Adare.
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hansi
Gold Canyon, AZ1,370 contributions
Oct 2019
We were very surprised to find so many neat shops inside. Yes, it is the Heritage Century but it’s not the least bit stuffy. Wonderful Irish Pewter is available in at least one class act shop.
Verpassen Sie nicht diesen stop. Es ist kein eigentliches Museum sondern mehr Info Center. Etliche Geschäfte, Herrliche Zinn Objekte in wenigstem einem der Läden und recht zivile Preise. Dazu noch, ordentliche, saubere Toiletten.
Verpassen Sie nicht diesen stop. Es ist kein eigentliches Museum sondern mehr Info Center. Etliche Geschäfte, Herrliche Zinn Objekte in wenigstem einem der Läden und recht zivile Preise. Dazu noch, ordentliche, saubere Toiletten.
Written 24 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life2Travel
Charlotte, NC1,973 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We were just in Adare for the afternoon and started our time at the Heritage Center. There is a large parking lot and a helpful information desk with maps and suggestions of how to plan your time. There was also a large gift shop , restrooms and cafe.
Written 15 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivy Ireland
5 contributions
Oct 2020
Stop here as a first call, and for your ‚urgent‘ call, and more!
The toilets were even open during most of 2020, what a relief, and so was the café with outdoors seating.
In more normal days, this welcome centre also spots a tourist information, an interesting local Norman History exhibition and a couple of shops, ice cream, and seating facilities.
A friend of mine once lost her handbag here in the height of the tourist season (yes, it does get very busy during the season) and we could not believe that Adare Heritage had it looked after and returned to her hours later. Now, that wouldn’t happen in many touristy places... Many folks warn you of Adare because of the many tourists, however, there is still a lot of heart and where would you find this infrastructure so well looked after. Travel to a big Irish town and you would hardly find a welcome and facilities like here in Adare!
The toilets were even open during most of 2020, what a relief, and so was the café with outdoors seating.
In more normal days, this welcome centre also spots a tourist information, an interesting local Norman History exhibition and a couple of shops, ice cream, and seating facilities.
A friend of mine once lost her handbag here in the height of the tourist season (yes, it does get very busy during the season) and we could not believe that Adare Heritage had it looked after and returned to her hours later. Now, that wouldn’t happen in many touristy places... Many folks warn you of Adare because of the many tourists, however, there is still a lot of heart and where would you find this infrastructure so well looked after. Travel to a big Irish town and you would hardly find a welcome and facilities like here in Adare!
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim W
Sindelfingen, Germany8,898 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
My wife and I loved our visit to Adare. It is a must see town. The cultural center is where you buy tickets to Desmond Castle. You can also learn a bit about Adare's history and shop in several specialty stores. We did both. The guy who sold us a tickets to Desmond Castle was also our tour guide. Coming here is definitely worthwhile.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia6,024 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
After walking around town for awhile we visited the heritage centre.
There was a lot to see and learn in there about the town, it is very interesting and well done. In the same building are a few nice shops and place to eat and drink. Also toilet facilities which are great to find when you’re touring around.
There was a lot to see and learn in there about the town, it is very interesting and well done. In the same building are a few nice shops and place to eat and drink. Also toilet facilities which are great to find when you’re touring around.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kieran D
3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Very helpful reception and information desk. Good range of booklets and guides. Good directions for local walks. Plenty of free parking out back too. Nice restaurant good menu and a good gift shop too.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kwagmeister
Newburgh, IN1,646 contributions
Aug 2022
Cute center with parking in back for visitors to the village. The shops are nice and several in our group enjoyed the ice cream. Restrooms also available. Walk out the front and you’re in the heart of the village. Perfect!
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is the ticket to Desmond Castle and old Franciscan Frairy? Do I need to buy in advance?
Written 5 August 2016
Hi 734irmas,
Tickets for the Desmond Castle Tour are charged at €8 for adults, €6 for student/concession, & €18 for family.
The tour is fully guided, leaving from the Heritage Centre by minibus and takes approx. 1 hour.
This year, for the first time, you may also enjoy a falconry experience as part of your tour.
The Franciscan Friary may be seen from the Desmond Castle, but is not a part of the Castle Tour, and is actually on the grounds of the Adare Manor Golf Club.
It is best to stop into the clubhouse there and seek advice about accessing the ruins but a visit is definitely worth it.
[there is no charge or ticket for the Friary]
It has been said to us that the information given on the Castle Tour enriches a visit to the Friary as there is no information on site, and if you do come on the Desmond Tour please feel free to ask about the Friary.
The Desmond Castle Tours run 7 days a week until the end of September.
Tickets can be purchased at reception (in the Heritage Centre) or may also be pre-booked online.
Please have a look on our website
or give a call to +353 61 396666
and we hope to see you!
Thanks
Written 16 August 2016
Hi bayleighmoon, the Castle Tour costs €8 for an adult, with senior/students and family rates available also.
The tour takes 1 hour, and you are brought to and from the castle by minibus, departing from the Centre.
The tours run from June until the end of September.
If you have any other queries please send us an email or have a look at our website & facebook.
Thank you and hope to see you for a tour!
Written 24 February 2016
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