An annalistic reference is made in the medieval Annals of Inisfallen at AI982.4 "The Tree of Mag Adar was broken by Leth Cuinn".

Owing to the strategic importance of the river crossing the Desmond castle was built overlooking the site near Ardshanbally (derived from Ard an tSeanbhaile - 'high ground of the old town'), and was first mentioned in 1226.

A castle or fortress is said to have first been built with an ancient ring-fort, by the O'Donovans, rulers of the region into the 12th century, and afterwards to have passed into the possession of the Kildare branch of the FitzGerald dynasty, who may be responsible for the majority of the remains of the present fortress (which occurred with Croom Castle, also on the Maigue).

Adare Manor is a mansion located on lands on the banks of the River Maigue and the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl.

The present building was built in the early 19th-century in a Tudor-revival style, while retaining part of an earlier structure.

[7] Adare is a tourist destination and the local heritage centre, which gives insight into the history of the village, also hosts a number of craft shops.

The main Limerick-Tralee road, the N21 passes through the village, causing persistent heavy congestions.

In late 2015 a corridor for the long-delayed bypass was chosen that realigns the N21 road north of the village as part of a new dual carriageway planned to link Foynes port to Limerick.

The disused "Limerick-Foynes" railway line passes 800 metres (half a mile) to the north-west of the village.

[citation needed] The local association football (soccer) team is Adare United AFC.