Golf Holidays in Ireland
Specialist & Activity Golf Holidays in Ireland
Hidden Gems- Golf in Ireland's Southwest
The Southwest of Ireland is blessed with some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, from valleys nestled among gentle hills rising to rugged mountains, to quiet lakes and clear rivers leading to the wild Atlantic coastline. With its temperate gulf stream climate that allows year round play, it is home to some of the world's most unique and magical golf courses. For this holiday package we have carefully selected five of the regions true Hidden Gems, virtually unknown to the outside world. Let us be your guide to courses beside elegant manor homes on rolling, well-groomed lawns and in the shadow of the ruins of centuries-old castles, each more amazing than the last.
Begin your journey in the coastal town of Clonakilty. Spectacularly positioned between land and sea, Clonakilty remains beyond the grasp of advancing commercialism and retains a colourful local flavour. By day you'll play two of the areas most scenic courses at the Skibbereen & West Carbery Golf Club and the Bandon Golf Club. In the evening, get to know the real Ireland as you relax and enjoy the lively nightlife in this historic fishing towns numerous traditional pubs and restaurants. Shifting your base of operations to Bantry midweek will allow you to easily access the courses at the Bantry Bay, Kenmare, and Beaufort Golf Clubs, each offering a unique set of features to test your skills. You are sure to be won over by both towns' incomparable hospitality.
Duration, golf itinerary and courses can be tailor made depending on your requirements.
Monday - Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club
This scenic course set in the heart of West Cork
provides stunning views of Skibbereen town to the east, the wooded hills
around Ireland's only salt-water lake, Lough Hyne, to the south, and the
harbour at Baltimore to the west. The front nine has a parkland style
layout and the back nine has the rugged aspect more typical of the area.
Both 9's are integrated into a very pleasant 18-hole course with a mixture
of long and relatively benign holes and shorter, tighter and more challenging
holes. According to some members, the true test is to get through Amen
Corner at holes 10 to 13 with your score intact.
Tuesday - Bandon Golf Club
This beautiful, well-established parkland course was the first in West Cork to expand to 18 holes. Meandering around the ruins of the stately old Castlebernard, the course boasts the greatest number of wildlife species of any in Ireland. Its most difficult hole is the 4th, one of three newer holes on the castle grounds. At Par 4, its well-placed water feature can easily catch a drive or intimidate a second shot.
Wednesday - Bantry Bay Golf Club
Towering above the head of Bantry Bay, this course offers some of the most breathtaking views in Ireland's Southwest. Fourteen of this championship course's 18 holes look directly out over the rugged Atlantic coastline, providing panoramic views across the sea and islands to the Beara Mountains, Sheep's Head and the Mizen Peninsula. This picturesque course offers great variety, from a Par 3 of a mere 126 metres to a Par 5 of 487 meters to a two-tier green.
Thursday - Beaufort Golf Club
Set amongst 200 year old trees, 12th century castle ruins, fairy lies and lush, rolling hills, Beaufort Golf Course offers magnificent views of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The course features generous tee boxes and large, contoured greens, with the putting surface at the par 4, 16th measuring 55 yards from front to back. All four of the par 3's at Beaufort are excellent holes with the 187 yard 8th hole arguably the course's finest.
Friday - Kenmare Golf Club
Founded in 1903, this fantastic course is easily one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. The early holes stretch along the picturesque Roughty river estuary and the remaining holes provide panoramic views of Kenmare Bay and the Roughty valley. It is fair to say that the course is the jewel in the crown of the late great Eddie Hackett, one of the game's premier golf course architects. This venerable old course is a truly fair test of golf for players of all skill levels.
Saturday - Free Day
After a full and rewarding week, take a day to relax in your idyllic surroundings or enjoy a wide range of locally available activities such as horseback riding, hiking, garden visits, or sub aqua diving. These can be organised through your hotel or local representative.
Clonakilty - Emmett Hotel
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights You will enjoy an uncompromising level of service at the old world, traditional Emmet Hotel Clonakilty, located in the heart of this historic town and overlooking Emmet Square and Gardens.
BantryWest Lodge Hotel
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights Overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay, the Westlodge Hotel offers spacious ensuite rooms, a warm and welcoming staff, and superb leisure facilities including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
Price for 2010
€780 (based on 2 sharing).
There is a €280 single room supplement.
Price includes.
- 7 nights ensuite accommodation bed & breakfast basis
- All green fees
- Pre-booked tee times
- Maps and detailed route information
- Service of an Essence of Ireland representative
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