nola1

My husband and I (late 30s/mid 40s)will be travelling to Ireland at the end of May for about 10 days. We are planning on taking a train out of Dublin, renting a car at the Kerry airport and exploring the southwest eventually returning the car in Cork and taking a train back to Dublin. We are trying to figure ot if it is worth it to use one of our days/nights to go to Adare Village (becasue we heard it is one of the prettiest villages) and stay a night at the Adare Manor hotel (to get the feel of a castle/manor while in Ireland). To do this would take us a little bit out of the way. If given the choice would you spend the time in Adare or spend more time exploring the coast (Dingle, Kenmare, ROK, Ring of Baera, Kinsale, etc.)? Thanks for your help...

nrsmith77

Just returned from Ireland about two weeks ago and had the opportunity to visit Adare. While it was a very nice LITTLE village, I found that an overnight stay was not necessarily needed. Please keep in mind we did NOT stay at the Manor though. I suppose if that is your castle experience, then by all means go for it. Given your other destinations I would highly suggest spending an extra day in Dingle (the best!!!) or Kinsale (great too!).

mandmlv

I agree. Adare is a lovely (very small) village but if I had to choose, I would spend an extra day on the Dingle penn. I spent a day cycling there in my early 20s (30 years ago) and still remember it fondly. I have not been back to Dingle but from the photos I have seen, it is still a lovely place. Either way, you should have a great day!

JOHNOD

Skip Adare and spend that time around Dingle and the Ring of Beara. I would not call Adare a village, it is a small, busy city. It does have a heritage center worth about an hour. The pretty part that everyone loves is a string of thatch hut buildings on the main road that are shops for tour bus stops. If you want to visit small villages wander out on the peninsulas, Dingle, Beara, Sheepshead and the Mizen, lots of history and scenery that is unbelievable. Have fun

SuzChicago

Went to Adare and Adare Manor 15 years ago on our honeymoon. Nothing really special about the town and Adare Manor did a switch in substituting a cheaper room for the higher paid room we had booked. They tried to pretend this was not the case but I had printed off room photo from website and they had to cop to the con and reduce our room rate! Snotty about it too!!

bonbon5

I agree with the others. Several years ago I was all excited about what was touted as the prettiest village in Ireland. What a let down! And we had a car and drove all around thinking we just had to find the right area of town. We saw a few thatched roof houses with flowers but it's basically hype. If it's on your way to stop, fine. But it's much more impressive elsewhere, especially on the coast. Certainly don't go out of your way and if you do stop, plan on only a short time, like an hour at most.

nola1

Thanks for all of the great info. We are going to bypass Adare and head for the coast. Can't wait to get there!

Tony2phones

Adare is a nice enough Town(not ever in the western world a City)with a UK Cotswold theme. Some good pubs a couple of restaurants and a semi posh hotel. I stay over in the Woodlands Hotel sometimes to split the journey if I need to be on the South coast early, the place is though geared to high tourist prices and in my opinion overrated.

If you want to splash the cash on a bit of class then stay in Hayfield Manor in Cork

http://www.hayfieldmanor.ie/

GreenDragon

You'll have a lovely time! I'll be in Ireland at the same time, we'll wave as we pass the area

wojazz3

Worth a stop if you are driving through. Not worth a trip.

Bill

joregan

I agree with the comments that Adare is lovely but not a city. Worth a stopover but if staying in Hayfield in Cork, you need to visit Blarney village and its castle. there is a great traditional Irish bar with live music called Muskerry Arms bar. worth a visit.
http://www.muskerryarms.com