Irish glow

Adare Manor, Limerick

BY EMMA WINTERSCHLADEN

We arrived late at Adare Manor to the warm glow of Irish hospitality. Friendly concierges ushered us out of the cold and dark night. Inside, we were met by high ceilings, velvet sofas, fresh flowers and roaring fires in the hotel’s Grand Hall, designed by none other than Augustus Pugin (the brains behind the Palace of Westminster).

A handsome yet homely sign of what was to come.

Bought by local Limerick-born billionaire JP McManus, this 842-acre, five-star estate has, in its two years since reopening, been transformed into arguably Ireland’s top leisure, wellness and culinary destination. With a Ryder-Cup-worthy championship golf course, a La Mer-equipped spa and a recently acquired Michelin star to its name, it’s easy to see why Adare Manor has earned an international reputation so