Adare Manor, recently voted No. 1 Resort in Europe and No. 5 in the World at the Conde Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards and the Global Winner of the Hotel of the Year 2018 in the highly competitive Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards is delighted to announce the launch of a new book Adare Manor: The Renaissance of an Irish Country House by Turtle Bunbury.
Through the words of Turtle Bunbury and wonderful imagery of the property, including many tenderly kept safe over the years, the book details the wonderful story of Adare Manor. From the early inspiration of the Dunravens in 1832 to build the manor house, which was modelled on the great houses and cathedrals of Europe, through to the extensive restoration, refurbishment and expansion programme by the current owners, the McManus family in 2016, this book brings readers on the journey taken to preserve and protect the historical nature of this magnificent building, safeguarding the resort for future generations. The McManus family and team at Adare Manor wanted to honour the building’s architectural heritage as a Neo-Gothic masterpiece and embody the hotel’s signature style, whilst incorporating the latest in contemporary luxury and technological innovations and comfort for guests. The team worked with world-renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and some of Ireland’s top international golfers to redesign the golf course and ensure it would sit alongside the most respected courses in the world. Since reopening, the new-look golf course has been propelled to global recognition by a host of well-wishers, and earlier this year, Adare Manor was chosen as the venue for the 2026 Ryder Cup. This was a wonderful tribute to the many great Irish golf ambassadors and success stories Ireland has had in golf over the years.
In the book, Bunbury featured how there has always been something excellent and uplifting about Adare Manor. The 2nd Earl of Dunraven, who oversaw the building of so much of the original Manor House, maintained that his spirits never failed to ‘immediately recover’ whenever he returned home. At the height of the British Empire, preeminent royals, governors and military icons returned to Adare Manor time and time again to enjoy the beautiful landscape and the splendid Victorian mansion at its heart. During the original construction phase, the 4th Earl of Dunraven proudly observed, “every bit of carving in stone and wood is the work of native village talent [and] every stone quarried, and every tree cut for the building, was native produced”.
During the refurbishment of the resort, Adare Manor received great support from the entire community of Adare, Limerick and the wider south west region. The team was fortunate to work with great designers, contractors, builders and skilled specialists to meticulously restore Adare Manor to the very finest it could be, to showcase the very best of Ireland in a way that continues to benefit the region and attract visitors from across Ireland and the world into this community. Adare Manor has always been an integral part of the local community and south west region, we hope that readers of this book undertake the wonderful journey of the life of Adare Manor so far from the wonder that inspired the Dunravens in 1832 to the team at Adare Manor today.
Speaking today, Colm Hannon, Chief Executive, Adare Manor, said: “Adare Manor has always been an integral part of the local community and south west region, and we wanted to capture and share the rich history and story of this beautiful place. From the Dunravens who had the inspiration to create a neo-Gothic masterpiece modelled on the great houses and cathedrals of Europe over 180 years ago, to the McManus family today who believed this gorgeous setting had tremendous potential to become a world-class destination. They wanted to create a resort with all-year-round appeal for both Irish and overseas visitors that would also help to promote and develop the region.
“Turtle Bunbury, editor of this fine book and his team have spent two years researching, listening and learning all about the life of Adare Manor, to ensure the book represents the wonderful history of this magnificent property. We are delighted with the final publication.
“I would like to say a special thank you to the custodians throughout the years, from the Dunravens, to the Kanes, to the McManus family. Through their combined appreciation of the heritage and architecture, Adare Manor now stands among the top resorts in the world. This special book captures their contribution, and the contribution of everyone who has supported them through the years, safeguarding Adare Manor for generations to enjoy and visit, who will create the next chapter in Adare Manor’s history”.
The publication was officially launched at a special reception at Adare Manor attended by members of the Dunraven and McManus families, plus representatives of the local community.
Adare Manor: The Renaissance of an Irish Country House is available now exclusively from Adare Manor and online at www.adaremanor.com.
