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Adare Irish Gothic Castle

County Limerick, Ireland

This castle, dating from the 12th Century, is located in the fertile valley of the River Maigue, part of the barony of Coshma (Coshmagh) which means “Foot of the Plain” or “Bank of the Maigue”. The area of the barony coincides with the territory of the Celtic people, the Ui Cairbre Aobhdha.  It is a beautiful, dignified castle located on rich farmland, about five minutes from the picturesque village of Adare. This is a tranquil retreat surrounded by the beautiful, rolling Irish countryside.

One of the few remaining medieval houses in Limerick, the castle is a late medieval stone tower house, once five stories high, with a turret staircase, ogee windows and battlements. This is the former residence of Dominic Fanning, a patriot in the time of the Cromwell troubles.

A man named Sean Meade received the castle from the state for his help during the 1920's troubles.  The current owner's father married Sean's daughter and the castle has remained in the family.  While it has been a home for many, many years, it required a major undertaking to restore and renovate it to the current level of luxury - and, as the owners say, it's a work in progress.
 

After driving along the castle's private avenue, guests see the romantic structure and knows that a treat is in store.  The front door opens into a welcoming hallway with ornate wood wainscoting and deep red walls.  The doorways and windows have a lyrical arch that emphasizes the 36-inch thick walls.
 

To the right of the hall is the well-appointed drawing room.  It has antiques, comfortable seating, a beautiful Victorian fireplace, a lovely rug and draperies in rich, warm colors.  It's an elegant room which is also very cozy.
 

Beyond the drawing room is the library/ music/TV room.  Painted a rich sage green, it has great colors and interesting appointments.  There is a piano and a large bay window. A roaring fire in the tiled Victorian fireplace creates the perfect room for sitting quietly with a book, a game of chess or a good video, or you could just lie on the sofa and hope no one finds you for a while.
  

The dining room is to the left of the entry hall.  A perfect shade of red, it seats 10 comfortably at the fine mahogany dining table.  With its antique dresser, beautiful rug and tiled Victorian fireplace, it is a warm and intimate room.
 
 
The large, bright modern kitchen is a clever combination of old and new.  It is fully fitted and equipped with all the modern conveniences.  This friendly room is beautifully finished with the original terra cotta flooring and an antique dresser. The long pine table can seat ten comfortably.  From this room there is a door leading to a large patio featuring comfortable outdoor furniture and a barbecue.  Evenings in this part of Ireland stay mild into October and this is the perfect place from which to enjoy them.

There is a bathroom with a shower cubicle on this floor.

Off the front hallway, the stone spiral staircase leads to the bedrooms on the floors above.  There are five spacious bedrooms.
 
Normoyle, the largest bedroom, is decorated in warm reds. The king bed has a fabric canopy.  The bed can be converted to twins.  There is a large mirrored armoire, and a dressing table with a mirror.  The bay windows overlook a mature weeping willow tree.

The Meade Room has a double bed with red Toile bedcovers, cream curtains and a decorative fireplace.  The lighting, textures and colours in this room create a rich atmosphere.  The large  window provides lovely views of the mature garden. 
 
Fanning Room has an antique iron double bed, a beautiful armoire, antique dressing table and cream-colored wallpaper.

Sir Roche Room, situated  on the third floor, is quaint without being cute.  It has iron beds, green Toile curtains and rust colored walls.
 

O’Sullivan’s Room, accessed via a second spiral stairway from the library, has a king bed that can be converted to twin beds.  The roomis rich in peach tones, and a quiet haven with gorgeous views.

There is a bathroom on the second floor with a tub and a shower.  A second bathroom was recently added on this floor.
 

The castle gardens are not huge but they are very pretty.  Extensive landscaping is planned for next year.  The property is less than three miles to Adare, the thatched village that is noted as one of Ireland's prettiest villages.  There are excellent restaurants in Adare, authentic pubs, and very nice shopping.

There are at least six golf courses within an hour of Adare (Adare, Adare Manor, Charleville, Limerick, Limerick County and Ballybunion Links).  Fishing and horse riding are nearby as are wonderful countryside walks.

Children are warmly welcomed here.  A child's cot, high chair and stair guard are available in the castle.  Baby-sitting can be arranged.  Cooking is available with advance notice.  Additional cleaning is available.

This is a non-smoking property.

Adare is 3 miles.  Shannon Airport is 20 miles.  Limerick City is 11 miles.  Galway City is 75 miles.  Dublin is 130 miles.