Adare Manor, Co. Limerick

Consarc acted as Conservation Architects for the comprehensive refurbishment of Adare Manor, a 19th-century country house turned luxury hotel on the banks of the River Maigue in Co. Limerick. Originally the home of the Dunraven family, the manor became a hotel in 1983 and later underwent major upgrading and extension under new ownership. Consarc’s role included detailed surveys of the building’s historic fabric to identify repair works that would safeguard its long-term condition.

The restoration carefully preserved key features. Roofs were repaired using original Killaloe slate supplemented with second-hand materials, and gutters, lead downpipes, and intricately carved chimneys were replaced or replicated in matching limestone. The manor’s stonework, including finely carved elevations, was conserved with repairs to damaged bays and selective repointing. Hundreds of windows ranging from leaded lattice and cast iron to timber and aluminium were restored, retaining original glass and stained-glass elements. Internally, the project integrated a new lift, reconfigured public areas, repaired Pugin chimney pieces and gallery timberwork, upgraded M&E services discreetly, and added a new basement spa. Several smaller estate buildings were also stabilised and conserved. Throughout the project, work followed international conservation best practice, prioritising repair over replacement and preserving the manor’s authentic character.