Maybe it’s your first time in Ireland, maybe you’ve lived here your whole life. Either way, if you’re coming in and looking for something to do, here are a few ideas. 

First of all, the town of Adare is very cute. If you’re coming in on Friday morning and looking to burn some time, take a walk around the village. It isn’t very big, but there are some great spots you can hit. If you’re looking for something more scenic, the Adare Town Park is very nice and relaxing. Maybe grab a coffee and go for a stroll by yourself or with your loved ones!

If you’re working up an appetite, Aunty Lena’s is a favorite of ours to stop into. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it never disappoints. In fact, our families will be there in the back room on Friday before welcome drinks, so you just may run into us. Trying to decide whether you should make a Friday night reservation? Just know, we’ll have a low-key barbecue at the welcome drinks with hot dogs and hamburgers, but if that’s not your thing, you may want to eat before.

I haven’t been there, but Desmond Castle is also a recommended spot. Who doesn’t love a 13th-century castle?! There’s also Bunratty Castle, which is a more famous 15th-century castle and a ~25 minute drive away from Adare.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider heading up to Galway or the Cliffs of Moher, or down to Tralee or Dingle for pubs and live music. You can head down to Cork and visit the Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone (which grants you the “gift of gab,” har har). Or, do a nice scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry.

If you’re staying at Adare Manor, there is a bunch more to do. But first, let me break a few hearts. Bracing for impact… unfortunately, in preparation of the Ryder Cup, they have to burn the golf courses, which means there will be no golfing at Adare Manor.There is, confusingly, a golf course right next to Adare Manor called Adare Manor Golf Club, which you can book. But just to clarify: this isn’t the golf club at Adare Manor. Confusing, I know.

Despite the fact I’m not a golfer, the no golfing at Adare Manor has given me quite a pit. But my golfer friends have assured me there are plenty of other incredible courses in the area. Here are just a few famous spots: Lahinch Golf Club (~50 minute drive from Adare), Ballybunion Golf Club (~55 minute drive from Adare), Doonbeg Golf Club (This one is owned by President Trump, which may be a nonstarter for some and a bonus for others. Or maybe, you just don’t care. Either way, it’s a ~50 minute drive from Adare), Tralee Golf Club (~60 minute drive from Adare), and of course, the Adare Manor Golf Club, which is right next door to Adare Manor. If you’re interested in setting something up with other golfers, feel free to reach out and we can connect you.

Back to the activities at Adare Manor—they are aplenty! Firstly, just walking the grounds is an absolute treat. It’s beautiful and vast. And if a walk isn’t what you’re up for, try a horse drawn carriage. Along the way, you’ll see Harry Lowes Chocolate, which is a dream come true, and the fitness center, which includes a gym, a padel court (rent it in advance!), a golf simulator and more. (The last time I was there, they even had merchandise from a lululemon x Adare Manor collaboration.) 

If you want something a bit more organized, you can set up clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing, Irish gundogs, falconry, and more. Hell, you can even rent out the cinema or set up a picnic. 

You can also go to the spa, which my mom and I did, and it was absolutely fabulous. Or enjoy some afternoon tea. If you’re looking for dinner, The Oak Room has a tasting experience that blew our socks off when we visited. Or, check out The Carriage Room. Looking for a night cap? Look no further than The Tack Room. I believe it typically closes around midnight.

So, yes. No golf. But plenty more to do!

If you’re staying in Adare Village:

Walk the Village: Stroll charming Adare or relax in scenic Adare Town Park with a coffee.
Dine at Aunty Lena’s: Great for any meal; couple’s families there Friday before welcome drinks (casual BBQ with hot dogs/hamburgers—eat prior if preferred).
Visit Castles: Desmond Castle (13th-century, in Adare) or Bunratty Castle (15th-century, ~25 min drive).
Adventure Further: Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Tralee, Dingle (pubs/music), Blarney Castle (~1.5 hr to Cork), or Ring of Kerry drive (~1 hr 15 min to start).

If you’re staying at Adare Manor:

Explore Grounds: Walk or take a horse-drawn carriage through stunning estate, visit Harry Lowes Chocolate.
Activities: Book clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing, falconry, Irish gundogs, cinema rental, or picnic.
Fitness Center: Gym, padel court (reserve early), golf simulator, lululemon x Adare Manor merch.
Spa & Dining: Relax at the fabulous spa, enjoy afternoon tea, dine at The Oak Room (tasting menu) or The Carriage Room, or grab a nightcap at The Tack Room (~midnight close).
Golf Alternative: No golf at Adare Manor (Ryder Cup prep), but book Adare Manor Golf Club (nearby) or try Lahinch (~50 min), Ballybunion (~55 min), Doonbeg (~50 min), or Tralee (~60 min). Contact couple to connect with golfers.