Just outside Adare, this low, grey-tiled building is set in immaculately maintained gardens and presents a neat and welcoming appearance on arrival.
It has grown dramatically since the Fitzgerald family opened it in 1983 and - although Mary herself remains a driving force, both at the hotel and in the wider hospitality industry - several of Mary and the late Dick Fitzgerald's children are now bringing second generation energy to the business, including Elaina who is President of the Irish Hotels Federation.
Systematic upgrading and redevelopment has transformed the whole hotel over the years - including the exciting development of an extensive kitchen garden beside the hotel. Known as Mary's Organic Garden, it was created in memory of her late husband, who was from a Kerry farming family, and is certified by the Irish Organic Association. It now supplies the long serving Head Chef, Donal O’Sullivan, and his kitchen team with a great range of seasonal produce.
The convivial Dick Fitzgerald is also remembered in Dicks Bar, and Timmy Macs Bistro offers informal dining all week - especially attractive for summer gatherings, it has a barbecue garden area with a thatched cottage feature. During the pandemic, an imaginative outside dining and bar area, The Treehouse, was developed to provide safe and comfortable covered and open air dining and relaxation for all age groups - and dogs are welcome too.
Fitzgeralds is a very family-friendly destination and children love having planty of space and interesting things going on in the gardens and grounds - including the Woodlands Fairy Trail, a mini pet farm, a walking trail and a playing field (young guests are reminded to bring hurleys and footballs). Children are also encouraged to visit the organic garden and meet the friendly gardener Caoimhin (who will no doubt introduce some of the seasonal ingredients that will make their way onto the day's menu), while indoor activities include a family toddler pool and 20m pool in the Health & Leisure Club.
Family days out are also very well covered in the area, with Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, King John’s Castle and the Great Southern Trail cycling and walking route just a few of the many things to do - you would need to stay for a month to do half of them, so a return visit may well be needed.
Fitzgerald's House Hotel has always been a popular venue for weddings and is particularly well suited to large gatherings, with spacious public areas throughout, including a banqueting suite overlooking gardens and countryside. Bedrooms, which are regularly upgraded, offer spacious, very comfortable accommodation including four suites and 38 family rooms.
Resort style facilities at the excellent Woodlands Health & Leisure Club include a 20 metre pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a1500 sq ft gym, with fitness classes offered. At the Revas Spa, numerous therapies and treatments are offered and balneotherapy seaweed baths are a speciality.
