Green Fee Savers - Holidays in Ireland
Golf purists argue that Ireland’s magnificent and varied landscape was crafted specifically with golf in mind – it’s hard to disagree!The Emerald Isle is, in just about every single respect, a haven for golf and golfers and this is a fact that has been proven time and time again.
Home to a third – yes, that’s right, a third – of the world’s total links courses, it’s fair to say that Ireland is a pretty special place for golf and this was reinforced by the decision to take the Ryder Cup there for the first time in 2006. Only one other country outside of mainland Great Britain has ever hosted the competition when it’s Europe’s turn to stage the biennial clash and that was Spain n 1997. So, Ireland’s reputation as a top golf destination is patently clear.
It’s undisputable, too. The K Club, which was chosen as the venue for contest, is a terrific golfing tract and is one of many superb treats lying in wait in and around Dublin. Others include Portmarnock, Mount Juliet and St Margarets, to name but three of many.
Then, of course, there are the many famous links courses along the rugged north shore. Ballyliffin, Castlerock, Portstewart and Royal County Down will all get the juices flowing but it is Royal Portrush that is perhaps the pick of the bunch. The only course outside of mainland UK to have hosted The Open, Portrush took centre stage in 1951 when Max Faulkner lifted the Claret Jug and many believe that a return to the Open rota is long overdue for this spectacular links.Great courses abound everywhere in Ireland, however, and not just in close proximity to Dublin and Belfast.
Take the south-west, for example. There are golfing gems galore to explore in this particular region. Waterville is definitely one for you ‘must play’ list. It is a personal favourite of world No.1 Tiger Woods – that’s how good it is! Then there is Ballybunion, Dingle, Tralee, Old Head of Kinsale and so on.
Dunmore East, Rosslare, Seafield and St Helen’s Bay make up the pick of the bunch in the south-east whilst Counties Shannon, Galway and Sligo on the west coast have the likes of Galway Bay, Bearna and Roscommon to tempt you. As for Donegal, why not have a bash at Slieve Russell and Enniscrone whilst you’re there?
The Emerald Isle, appropriately enough, has golfing gems everywhere you care to look.
Registered Office: PSP House, 50 High Craighall Road