However, the 3rd Earl of Dunraven wrote the following words of high praise towards the Irish stonemason, James Connolly, who made significant architectural contributions: "the greater portion of the building, and that the boldest in conception and most picturesque in effect, was designed by an amateur, not a single drawing having been furnished by an architect; and a still larger portion was erected without the employment of either builder or clerk of the works; everything was carried on for twenty-one years solely under the superintendence of that remarkable man..."[4] The first mention of a manor on the land is following the Norman invasion of Ireland.

In a letter dated 24 March 1547, the boy king Edward VI granted the Earls of Desmond "the manors and dominions of Croom and Adare, in the county of Limerick, to hold for life.

For the next century, the lands passed from 10 families: St. Leger, Zouch, Gold, Rigges, Wallop, Norreis (Norris), Jephson, Evans, Ormesby (Ormsby), and then Quin.

[5] The deed of conveyance, dated 23 February 1721, transferred the following land to Thady's eldest son, Valentine Quin: The estate of Adare extended northwards nearly to the Shannon, and comprehended a considerable portion of the parishes of Kildimo and Chapelrussell, and the north-western section of Adare situate in the barony of Coshma, with a portion of Drehidtarsna, and parts of Kilkeedy and Croom, lying in the barony of Pubblebrien.

Valentine Richard Quin, MP for Kilmallock (1799–1800), was created a Baronet of Great Britain in 1781 and was raised to the peerage in 1800 as Baron Adare.

Around 1785, the first Earl of Dunraven made significant alterations to Adare Manor, raising more walls and changing the entrance from the south front to the northwest side.

The new Earl, who was suffering from gout and confined indoors, rebuilt his home, turning it from a classic Georgian mansion into a large Tudor Revival manor.

[2] The client dispensed with their services, however, around 1838, and Lord Dunraven continued with the design of the house himself with help from English architect Lewis Nockalls Cottingham.

The initial phase of construction was completed under master mason, James Connolly, together with the second Earl of Dunraven and his wife, who incorporated their favourite buildings into the design.

The three-storey southern range and the tower with pyramidal roof, completed by the third Earl of Dunraven between 1850 and 1862, were built to the designs of Philip Charles Hardwick.

Ultimately after a protracted sales process this resulted in Adare Manor being bought by Limerick businessman J. P. McManus for an estimated €30 million in 2015.

[33] Adare Manor and its grounds were used for the 1977 comedy film The Last Remake of Beau Geste, starring Marty Feldman, Ann-Margret and Michael York.