Adare Manor refurbishment begins with predictions of 2026 Ryder Cup "done deal"

The word “done deal” has been used in Limerick circles to describe a potential future bid by JP McManus’ Adare Manor resort to host the 2026 Ryder Cup.

Whatever the truth of that claim, the five-star property just outside Limerick City is clearly going to be something special when it reopens after an 18-month refurbishment in 2017 and prepares to host the 2018 JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am.

Pádraig Harrington has given his expert view on some of the changes that are to be carried out to the Robert Trent Jones Snr designed golf course and American architect Tom Fazio, who transformed Waterville Golf Links, is to make the great parkland course and even more impressive test.

As for this week's closure of the resort, which the Limerick Leader says “could transform it into the ‘Augusta of Europe’, planning permission was granted this by Limerick City and County Council for redevelopment plans estimated to cost up to €50m.

“This is a new beginning in Adare Manor’s grand history," said general manager Anita Higgins. "We are taking an intermission before starting a glorious new chapter in 2017. Great care and attention has been taken in drawing up the proposed plans which will ensure the renovations honour the building’s architectural heritage and maintain the hotel’s signature style and world renowned status.”

A large tranche of the hotel’s possessions - some 1,000 lots including the bed President Bill Clinton slept in during his stay - will be up for sale in a public auction in the Manor next Thursday and Friday, January 28 and 29, from 10am.

Aidan Foley, of Irish Country Home, who previously handled the sale of items in Mayo’s Ashford Castle before it closed for refurbishments, said this “will be an iconic sale, representing exceptional value”.

Former US President Bill Clinton stayed at the resort while Tiger Woods and entertainment celebrities Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Grant, Mel Gibson and Aidan Quinn were also guests.

The new plans include a new bedroom wing of 40 rooms and a ballroom with capacity for around 350 patrons. 

The extra bedrooms are being added to cater for huge demand coming from North America specifically, which forms about 75% of its customer base.