Hotel Name: Adare Manor

Number of Rooms: 104 rooms and 8 suites

Location: Adare, County Limerick

Ireland is no stranger to the private estate-turned-hotel property. It seems as though every castle hotel or manor house has been the former home of some esoteric earl or obscure viscount. And while Adare Manor certainly finds itself wedged in this category, it stands apart from the rest after the completion of a two-year, 130 million euro renovation -- the most expensive in Ireland’s history. After a grand reopening in 2018, Adare Manor stands poised as one of Ireland’s best hotels. From its hulking neo-gothic exterior, across its meticulously manicured grounds, to its exquisitely designed rooms, no detail has been overlooked. And with a Tom Fazio designed golf course, an array of outdoor activities, and five distinct dining experiences, no matter how many days you spend at Adare, there will always be a reason to return.

What We Loved: Everything about Adare Manor is stately, elegant, and impressive, and its white glove service is executed with pitch-perfect grace. If you can arrange a Horse and Hounds welcome at the front gates, you will be ruined for all other hotel arrivals for the rest of your life.

What We Didn’t Love: Some travelers may find the atmosphere at Adare a bit more formal (read: stuffier) than other estate hotels. Choose Ashford Castle for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Right For: Foodies. Adare Manor is home to the Oak Room, Limerick’s first Michelin star restaurant. Afternoon tea service is another highlight. Warm scones, clotted cream, homemade lemon curd, all served up with a steaming pot of Adare’s signature tea blend, 1832. If you spend the entirety of your stay eating, we’d hardly blame you.

Wrong For: Travelers looking for a storybook castle experience may be disappointed by Adare’s guest rooms, which skew more sophisticated country club than full-bodied fairytale.

Best Time to Visit: June-October

TLF Tip: There is so much to do on property, but don’t miss the chance to venture off campus. The village of Adare, for which the hotel is named, is a thatched-roof charmer.