Often considered one of the greatest nine-hole courses in the world, Cruit Island certainly deserves the title of “hidden gem”. This magical clifftop course overlooks the Atlantic from almost every hole and wind is a constant factor, as it should be on any true links course.

It first opened in 1986 and a new clubhouse was built two years later. It was one of the first club’s in Ireland to offer full membership to ladies and in 1994 it became the first in the country to elect a lady president. With seven par-4’s and two par-3’s, the 150-yard sixth is the course’s signature hole as it is played along the cliff edge.

The first two holes provide a stiff opening as they both measure over 400 yards in length. A few extra bunkers have been added in recent years but overall the challenge hasn’t much altered here. There are two Open golf tournaments here every year and have two famous local hosts – ex-Celtic and Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner and popular Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell.