Travel bucket list idea:
This longtime host of Irish Championships was completely reworked by Tom Fazio, who transformed a very good course into an outstanding one.
It’s not just the sub air system, which removes moisture from the greens, or the 200,000 tonnes of additional sand, or even the run-offs – which are faster than most greens. From the beautifully designed locker rooms to the fine dining experiences, every aspect of Adare is about maximum wattage.
Generous off the tees, this is very much a second-shot course, with green complexes to rival the world’s top courses. The 18th, a par five that finishes in the shadow of the stunning manor house hotel, is an exceptional final hole.
Adare Manor is on the edge of Adare Town, about eight miles south of Limerick City. Book a tee time well in advance and be sure to allow plenty of time either side of the round to really soak up the five-star experience. There’s a café at the 9th that’s great for snacks, but a meal in one of the restaurants is highly recommended.
Stay at the Adare Manor, a stunning Victorian Gothic mansion that’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Ireland.
Ideally, you want to play in summer and early autumn, when the weather is more likely to be dry. Tee times are carefully curated so you won’t ever feel crowded.
Round-ups that include this experience
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Spectacular landscapes, impeccable fairways and greens, brilliantly-designed holes and plenty of golfing folklore – we asked golf expert and journalist Fionn Davenport to recommend his top 30 golf courses from around the world.
