Eating Out
Fanningstown Castle is within a stone’s throw from some of the region’s finest award winning restaurants, all of which celebrate West Limerick’s high-quality local produce on their menus. From classic Irish cuisine to international fusion food, relaxed pub or café lunches to formal restaurant fine dining, there are a host of delicious options just minutes away. Our recommendations are below. Bon appétit!
Local Attractions
There’s so much to see and do in Adare and the wider area. Some of our favourite local attractions are listed below.
To discover even more of what the region has to offer, why not read/download the Explore West Limerick guide.
Golf
There are two 18-hole parkland championship golf courses situated in the village of Adare.
The oldest is The Adare Manor Golf Club which was established in 1902. Situated by the river Maigue, the ruins of Desmond Castle, the Franciscan Friary and the Wesley Stone provide a unique and picturesque backdrop. Mature trees feature prominently making the narrow, well-maintained fairways essential targets to achieve par or better.
The Golf Course at Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort was opened in 1995, as part of the facilities of the exclusive Adare Manor Hotel. This is one of Ireland’s premier championship golf courses which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. It is set on 230 acres of lush countryside with the River Maigue flowing through it. A picturesque 14-acre lake anchors the front nine hole. If you only have time for one round of golf during your stay in Ireland, this is the course for you.
Fishing
The Adare and wider West Limerick region is popular among game and coarse fishing enthusiasts. The River Maigue which flows through Adare is one of Ireland’s most notable trout fishing spots and the Rivers Deel and Feale as well as the Shannon Estuary offer excellent fishing opportunities.
Walking
Adare and the West Limerick area are a walker’s dream. The River Maigue runs through Adare and has a beautiful river bank walk which runs from one end of the village to the other – enough to stretch one’s legs but it won’t leave you breathless! Pop in for a tea or coffee afterwards in one of the local cafés.
Also nearby is the Croom river walk which again follows the bank of the River Maigue. It’s a nice leisurely walk with lovely café along the way, perfect for taking the weight off your feet.
Guided Tours
There is nothing like a little bit of local knowledge to help you to get to know a place. And, if you plan to do some local exploring during your stay at Fanningstown Castle, why not engage the services of a local guide?
Classic Car Hire
For the ultimate adventure, why not take to the open road in a classic car or on the back of a retro-style motorcycle? Fanningstown Castle is perfectly located for road-trips along the Clare to Kerry section of the Wild Atlantic Way as well as the Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara and rolling Co. Limerick countryside.
Gaelic Games
No visitor to Ireland should leave without having the oldest games in the world – Hurling, Gaelic Football and Camogie, all of which are something of a national and local obsession.
Rugby
The home ground of Munster Rugby – Thomond Park – is located just a short drive from Fanningstown Castle.
Munster Rugby was founded in 1879 and represents all domestic and professional rugby in the province of Munster and are part of the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Horse Racing
Horse racing fans are in luck as Fanningstown Castle is just a stone’s throw away from Limerick Racecourse.
Set on 250 acres, Limerick Racecourse combines a rich history of horseracing with top-class modern facilities. Whether you are a seasoned race-goer, or just curious, there are race meetings throughout the year to suit everyone’s taste, some of which are complete with live music and entertainment.
Horse Riding
Close to Fanningstown Castle lies Clonshire Equestrian Centre. Set on 120 acres of rolling west Limerick parkland, it is the perfect spot for taking in the countryside on the back of a horse.
Clonshire Equestrian Centre caters for adults and children, beginners and experienced riders. They also offer five-day riding holidays which can be combined with your stay at Fanningstown Castle.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking enthusiasts have a treat in store at the Ballyhoura Trail Centre which is the largest trail network of its kind in Ireland providing a host of option for off-road cycling in the mountains.
The trail system was designed by a world-leading mountain biker to provide an exciting network of climbs, descents, rocky sections, twists and turns across five distinct loops, one leading onto the next. Each loop is colour-coded and waymarked in one direction – all you have to do is follow the arrows!
