THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO...
PORTSALON
Why it’s special: Despite recent upgrades, there is still a lovely classic links feel to this venue which sits along the shoreline of Lough Swilly – you’ll be putting out on two double greens – and the unforgettable par-4 dogleg second is one of the best holes in Ireland. Green fees: From €40 (ILGU & GUI members). 00353 7491 59459 www.portsalongolfclub.ie
CONNEMARA
Why it’s special: Eddie Hackett links masterpiece set within wild and wonderful scenery, a rugged landscape of lakes, rivers, and stone walls all framed by the soaring Twelve Bens mountain range. Green fees: From €60. 00353 95 23502
www.connemaragolflinks.com
HEADFORT (NEW)
Why it’s special: The first parkland course to make our list and this one is pretty special having been created by Christy O’connor Jnr and opened in 2000. With impressive facilities, friendly clubhouse and a second course (the Old), it’s a great day out. Green fees: From €45. 00353 4692 40146 www.headfortgolfclub.ie
CEANN SIBEAL
Why it’s special: One of Ireland’s most remote and untamed links sits in the curve of a hill that rises to the Three Sisters and is always in good condition, while the Dingle Peninsula is as beautiful a place as you will find on the Wild Atlantic Way. Green fees: From €30. 00353 6691 56255 www.dinglelinks.com
DOOKS
Why it’s special: The breathtaking location with the mystical links backdropped by mountains, bay and beaches while the towering dunes mean it’s not as exposed as many coastal courses. It’s also been around for the best part of 130 years. Green fees: From €50. 00353 6697 68205
www.dooks.com
ROSAPENNA (OLD TOM)
Why it’s special: Golf’s first superstar – Old Tom Morris – first realised the potential for a stunning links in 1891 and he achieved that goal with a little help from Messrs Vardon, Braid and Colt and, more recently, Pat Ruddy. Green fees: From €55 (online). 00353 7491 55000
www.rosapenna.ie
KILLARNEY (KILLEEN)
Why it’s special: An Irish Open course with muscle, lakeside flourishes, roaming deer and majestic views. Despite many modern flourishes, the Killeen celebrates its natural rhythm and location… the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks tower above you and despite being a strong challenge, Killeen provides a relaxing round. Green fees: From €55. 00353 64 663 1034 www.killarneygolfclub.ie
CONCRA WOOD
Why it’s special: Christy O’connor Snr and Jnr teamed up to create a wonderful modern parkland with holes routed over a surprisingly hilly site with Lake Muckno tantalisingly in play on a number of them. Green fees: From €50. 00353 4297 49485 www.concrawood.ie
NARIN & PORTNOO
Why it’s special: A chip off the old Ballybunion links block with several holes weaving between towering dunes at the heart of the course which will want you going back for more, especially at this price! Green fees: From €30. 00353 7495 45107 www.narinportnoogolfclub.ie
ARDGLASS
Why it’s special: It’s just along the coast from Royal County Down, but a completely different animal. Ardglass is an outstanding clifftop course, likened to Pebble Beach, with eight holes spectacularly running alongside the Irish Sea and providing some fantastic views of the Isle of Man. Green fees: From £55. 028 4484 1219
www.ardglassgolfclub.com
ROYAL PORTRUSH (VALLEY)
Why it’s special: It may be the second course at next year’s Open venue, tucked low among the bigger dunes, but there are astoundingly good holes here, which use the terrain to maximum advantage and the run of finishing holes now deliver the sort of drama you’d expect of such a top quality site. Green fees: From £42.50.
028 7082 2311 www.royalportrushgolfclub.com
MACREDDIN
Why it’s special: This is Ryder Cup hero Paul Mcginley’s first course project and he’s certainly shown the focus and attention to detail that characterises him. Flanked by mature pines and gorse bushes galore, it’s cleverly plotted within a scenic valley. Green fees: From €30. 00353 402 36999 www.macreddingolfclub.com
SLIEVE RUSSELL
Why it’s special: A quality parkland which tumbles over shapely terrain and around a couple of lakes. You’ll love the variety of the layout and terrain as well as a strong set of short holes – though no doubt about the star hole, the SI1 par-4 second, played around water to a high green. Green fees: From €37 (hotel residents). 00353 4995 26444 www.slieverussell.ie