The Estate’s Finest Companions: Meet the Labradors of Adare Manor

Long before Adare Manor became one of Ireland’s most celebrated luxury destinations, its estate was alive with the traditions of country life. Across its woodlands, parkland and open fields, gamekeepers and gundogs worked in partnership, their skill and companionship forming an integral part of life on a great Irish country estate.

Today, this heritage continues through a remarkable team of Irish Labrador Retrievers at Adare Manor. Intelligent, athletic and instinctively loyal, these exceptional dogs bring a centuries-old rural tradition to life, offering guests a fascinating insight into the world of working Labradors and the art of gundog training.

At the centre of this story is Willie Forde, whose association with Adare Manor spans more than four decades.

Willie’s connection to the estate began long before the gundog demonstrations became a memorable experience for today’s guests. He first worked dogs on the estate’s traditional driven shoots, organised by the Dunraven family, and competed in the final Retriever Field Trial held at Adare Manor in 1980.

He later returned for the celebrated Adare Manor Game Fairs, which welcomed international teams from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales to showcase the finest gundog skills and working dog traditions.

Through these experiences, Willie has witnessed the evolution of the sport while remaining devoted to the qualities that matter most: intelligence, temperament, natural ability and, above all, the relationship between dog and handler.

For him, however, the real stars have always been the dogs themselves.

Each Labrador has its own personality, strengths and place within the team. From experienced field trial champions to promising young prospects, they represent both the legacy and the future of working gundogs.

A Field Trial winner and one of Willie’s most accomplished companions, Shadow is a seasoned working Labrador whose experience and ability make him a natural leader. Now a familiar presence at Adare Manor, he embodies the intelligence, discipline and reliability that define an exceptional gundog.

At just three years old, Flick is already making his mark. This striking fox-red Tamrose Labrador has qualified for Open Field Trials and is considered one of Ireland’s exciting young prospects.

Combining remarkable speed, natural drive and an impressive presence in the field, Flick has all the attributes of a talented working dog. His enthusiasm and athleticism offer a glimpse of what the next generation of gundogs can achieve.

Two-year-old Blue, a handsome black Labrador, brings a different set of qualities to the team. With a calm temperament and an instinctive understanding of direction, he has demonstrated exceptional promise from an early age.

Descended from a distinguished line of Tamrose Field Trial champions, Blue combines intelligence, natural ability and composure. His attentiveness and responsiveness are qualities essential to a top-class working Labrador.

Discover the art of gundog tradition at Adare Manor. Plan your stay and enjoy the opportunity to meet Shadow, Flick and Blue during a memorable gundog experience.

Behind every accomplished gundog is a considerable investment of time, patience and understanding. For Willie, successful training begins not with commands, but with trust.

His philosophy is refreshingly simple:

A dog should be trained in such a way that it never feels like training, but rather a natural part of everyday life.

For Willie, successful gundog training is built on consistency, encouragement and gentle guidance. From an early age, puppies are taught the foundations that allow them to grow into confident, well-balanced companions.

His approach focuses on developing a dog that understands when to work and when to relax, with an emphasis on:

• Building confidence: Encouraging natural ability and independence from an early age.
• Establishing good habits: Developing clear boundaries through consistency and positive guidance.
• Creating trust: Strengthening the bond and understanding between dog and handler.
• Knowing when to switch off: Ensuring each dog is as comfortable relaxing at home as it is working in the field.

As Willie often explains, the majority of a working dog’s life is spent simply being a dog.

It is this balance of intelligence, versatility and affectionate nature that makes the Labrador such an exceptional working companion and one of the world’s most beloved dog breeds.

The story continues with the anticipated arrival of two new puppies from the distinguished Astraglen and Nampara lines. These young recruits will begin their journey under Willie’s guidance, learning the foundations that will shape their development as future working companions.

Guests may even have the opportunity to meet the newest members of the team later this year, as they take their first steps towards becoming skilled and confident gundogs.

Their arrival represents another chapter in Adare Manor’s commitment to preserving the traditions and skills associated with life on a great country estate.

The gundog demonstration at Adare Manor offers guests a fascinating insight into the skill, intelligence and natural ability of the estate’s working Labradors.

Set against the beautiful estate grounds, the demonstration showcases:

• Retrieving: Watch the Labradors demonstrate their instinct and precision.
• Water Work: See their confidence and agility as they retrieve from the water.
• Teamwork: Discover the remarkable bond and communication between dog and handler.
• Handling: Observe their responsiveness, discipline and ability to follow Willie’s direction.

More than a display of skill, this is an opportunity to experience a living tradition that has shaped life at Adare Manor for generations.

These remarkable Labradors are more than accomplished working dogs; they are among the estate’s finest companions, carrying its heritage forward with every stride.

Beyond the gundog demonstration, Adare Manor offers a collection of traditional country pursuits that celebrate the heritage and natural beauty of the estate. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences, including:

• Falconry: Discover the ancient art of falconry and experience the remarkable skill of these magnificent birds of prey.
• Archery: Put your precision and focus to the test with this timeless country pursuit.
• Clay Pigeon Shooting: Experience the thrill of this classic country sport, testing your aim and accuracy.
• Fishing: Embrace the tranquillity of the estate’s natural surroundings while enjoying the pleasures of fishing.
• Horse Riding: Discover the beauty of the surrounding countryside on horseback, with horse riding experiences available a short drive from Adare Manor.

From time-honoured country traditions to outdoor adventures, each experience offers a unique way to discover the estate and its beautiful surroundings.