A scheme proposing the renovation and expansion of one of Ireland’s best-known golf resorts, Adare Manor in Limerick, has been granted planning consent by the City and County Council. The scheme, which was developed by ReardonSmith Architects and ReardonSmith Landscape in collaboration with local architect, Michael Healy, and interior design practice, Richmond International, represents the first major works on the estate for over 25 years. The works will encompass a new guestroom wing, banqueting and a world class spa as well as the restoration of the heritage parts, the transformation of the golf clubhouse and significant enhancements to the 840 acres of gardens and parkland.
Working in close partnership, the architectural and landscape teams of ReardonSmith created a sensitive and environmentally responsive plan in which buildings and landscape work together to achieve an exceptional guest experience. Existing and new buildings will, in effect, become a sequence of interconnecting spaces beginning with a new entrance courtyard and ballroom that opens onto formal gardens which, in turn, segue into the parklands. The extension has been designed as a harmonious addition to the 19th Century neo-gothic manor house, integrating with the heritage context and framing the vistas beyond. The five-storey wing will provide some 40 additional luxury guestrooms, new public areas and a new main kitchen.
Other features of the scheme include a new swimming pool and conference spaces as well as expanded restaurant and bar provision. Internal layouts of the existing buildings are to be partially re-configured and re-designed to achieve greatly enhanced levels of comfort and sense of luxury while the heritage spaces, such as the minstrels’ gallery which was inspired by Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, will be painstakingly restored. External stonework and windows will also be renovated and the golf course will be upgraded to become one of the finest parkland courses in Europe with work overseen by golf course architect, Tom Fazio.
The plan for the estate grounds focuses on the conservation and restoration of the historic trees and gardens, the improvement of habitats and the encouragement of biodiversity. New formal and informal leisure amenities will be integrated within the landscape to maximise guest interaction with the natural surroundings, including newly landscaped walking and cycling trails, and views will be enhanced from vantage points both indoors and outside.
“The redevelopment of Adare Manor into one of the finest golf resorts in Europe is a very special responsibility for the design team and we are delighted to have received planning consent,” says Conrad Smith, Managing Director of ReardonSmith Architects. “We are looking forward to realising our schemes in the months to come, creating an experience which will embrace the entire estate and attract visitors and guests from around the world.”
