Plizio Visual Lab

Adare Friary

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

ruins

Weather…

Adare Friary, situated in the scenic village of Adare in County Limerick, is a remarkable testament to Augustinian monastic architecture in Ireland. Founded in 1316 by John FitzThomas FitzGerald, the 1st Earl of Kildare, it served for over two centuries as a spiritual center for the Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine. The friary is noted for its well-preserved late Gothic features, including elegant cloisters and finely crafted stone window tracery. Following the suppression of the monasteries under Henry VIII in 1539, the complex was dissolved and fell into partial ruin until it was restored in the early 19th century by the Earls of Dunraven. Today, the former friary church serves as St. Nicholas' Church for the Church of Ireland and is part of Adare’s heritage ensemble, often cited as Ireland's prettiest village. The blend of Norman heritage and Victorian restoration makes the friary a key site for understanding regional history.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Augustinian Friary · Desmond Castle · Methodist Church
Nearby: Rathkeale (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	5	6	8	11	14	15	15	13	10	8	6
Rain mm	104	81	77	68	76	83	92	96	82	101	119	112

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The ruins of Adare Friary are freely accessible and can be visited at any time. It is a roofless but open ruin that can be explored both from outside and inside.

🕒

Typical hours

As it is an unguarded ruin, there are no fixed opening hours. A visit during daylight is recommended as access can be tricky in the dark.

📷

Photography

Photography is unrestricted. The ruin has particularly good subjects for wide-angle shots to capture the Gothic windows and stonework.

⏱️

Time needed

Viewing the ruin typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Those taking time to examine the stone carving details can allow 40 minutes.

➕

Combine with

Adare itself is an easy on the eye village with thatched cottages and Adare Manor (now a luxury hotel). The Adare Heritage Trail passes several historic sites.

🧭

Getting there

Adare is in County Limerick, western Ireland, and reachable by car via the N21 from Limerick City. The ruin is in the village centre and easily accessible on foot.

💡

Insider tip

An insider tip is the nearby River Maigue which gives a quiet setting for a picnic after the visit. In peak season there are occasional guided tours of the ruin in Adare.

Geography

Coordinates

52.56390, -8.78440

Facts

Founded in the year 1316 by the 1st Earl of Kildare.
Served the Augustinian friars for a period of over 220 years.
Was officially dissolved by Henry VIII in the year 1539.
Restoration by the Dunraven family commenced in the year 1807.
Features rare medieval sedilia (stone seats for clergy) inside.
The former sacristy now serves as the Dunraven family burial chapel.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Adare<1 km · WExplore →

Rathkeale11 km · WExplore →

Bunratty Castle15 km · NExplore →

St. Mary's Cathedral15 km · NEExplore →

Cratloe16 km · NExplore →

Shannon Free Zone17 km · NWExplore →

Charleville25 km · SExplore →

Dromoland Castle28 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Adare Friary (5)

Augustinian Friary ⛪ monastery

14th-century Irish monastery, later used as a church and school.

Desmond Castle

Castle in Ireland, seat of the Earls of Desmond.

Methodist Church

Church in County Limerick, Ireland.

Franciscan Abbey⛪ monastery

Former Franciscan monastery in Adare, County Limerick.

Kilgobbin House

Country house in County Limerick, Ireland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Adare Friary located?

On the grounds of the Adare Manor golf course in Adare village.

Can you visit the ruins?

Yes, access is possible, often as part of local guided tours through Adare.

When was the friary founded?

It was founded in the 14th century (around 1315) by the Earls of Kildare.

What else is it called?

It is also known as 'The Black Abbey'.

What religious order used the friary?

It was inhabited by the Augustinian Friars.

Adare Friary: where is it located?

Adare Friary is located in Ireland.

Adare Friary: what is there to see?

Highlights include Augustinian Friary, Desmond Castle, Methodist Church.

Adare Friary: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Adare Friary: why is it worth visiting?

Adare Friary, situated in the scenic village of Adare in County Limerick, is a remarkable testament to Augustinian monastic architecture in Ireland.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe

More places in Ireland →