A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to get to travel to Ireland with my mother. A good Irish friend of mine drove us around much of the country, showing us many famous historical sites and popular attractions. However, there is one special place in Ireland I have yet to see, and that is the village of Adare, the prettiest little village in Ireland. I am not sure when I will get to visit the Emerald Isle again, but when I do, Adare will be my destination.
The cottages
I really want to see Adare’s famous colorful thatched cottages with all the pretty flowers decorating the windows. I know from visiting before that Ireland loves to decorate its buildings with a variety of flowers, which thrive in the country’s mild climate. From what I have read, Adare is a small village and like most other Irish villages, I am sure it is easy to walk around in to check out all the sights. Memories of my past experience tell me that I could stroll along leisurely, smelling the scent of peat burning in the fireplaces of most homes. Irish locals about their business would nod kindly in passing or offer a greeting in their charming brogue.
Attractions
Adare offers some other attractions I really want to see as well such as the Wishing Pool, a small pool surrounded by old stone walls. The Wishing Pool was where women came to do their laundry in former centuries. I would also love to take a tour of the Norman castle, Desmond, which dates back to the 13th century and has many interesting historical tales to tell. From there I would love to explore the old stone walls and passageways of the beautiful 13th and 14th century structures of the Augustinian Priory, the Franciscan Friary and the Holy Trinitarian Abbey. Following that, I would love to check out the Celtic Park and Gardens, which features lovely gardens and a recreated Celtic village set amid an orginal earthern ringfort.
Craft Shops
I definitely want to spend some time browsing in the cute craft shops that are unique to Adare. There, you can find all sorts of Irish hancrafted items like woolens, pottery and jewelry in addition to paintings and other art works. As an antique lover, I would love to take a look at the antique shops and see exactly what kind of old treasures you would find in an Irish antique store. I am sure I would find things I have never seen here in the Unites States.
Dining and Sleeping
Of course, I would have to enjoy a few good meals while in Adare. The village boasts several pubs and restaurants. Like other Irish eateries, I am sure I would savor hearty Irish dishes like Irish stew, Colcannon or fresh seafood.
For hotel accommodation, I would check out the bed and breakfast establishments in Adare. The Irish people really take hospitality serious and they will treat you right with impeccable service, clean, comfortable rooms and a delicious home cooked breakfast. You can’t ask for anything better than that!
