On the bank of the River Maigue, Desmond's Castle is a reminder of Adare's importance in the early history of Ireland. These days, however, the village of Adare in County Limerick prides itself as being "Ireland's Prettiest Village". In the residential area, one side of the main street is lined with a connected row of thatched cottages, all having flower-filled front gardens. Further on in the commercial area, a vibrant range of solid colors has been freshly applied to the walls of a variety of pubs, shops and restaurants ----- clear evidence of great civic pride and cooperation.