The stunning Carrick-a-Rede swinging rope bridge that spans a gaping chasm between the coast and a small island used by fishermen.
The Old Links at Ballyliffin. we walk the fairways with only the uplifting sounds of skylarks for company. From Narin & Portnoo, we drive 55 km south-east to play one of Darren Clarke’ s favourite tracks – the long and testing Donegal Golf Club situated on the Murvagh Peninsula. After a quick nine holes, the 19th beckons, that sacred place with the bewitching spell of an Irish welcome. Out on the terrace with 360-degree views, we join other golfers enjoying their pints as the late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the links land, defining every undulation, bump and hollow.
Following a comfortable night and full Irish breakfast at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Sligo, it’ s time to sample our third course- County Sligo Golf Club( or Rosses Point as it is popularly known) located on the peninsula of the same name, 8km from Sligo. Established in 1894, the present links were redesigned by legendary golf architect Harry Colt in the 1920s, and continuous improvements have been made over the years to make the layout, in the words of BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss“ A tremendous test for the highest quality player and great fun for the modest competitor.”
Every Easter since 1923, Rosses Point has been home to the famous West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, and notable past winners include Padraig Harrington in 1994 and Rory Mcllroy in 2005 and 2006. In preparation for the championship, the course is matured earlier and faster than others in the region, and when we play it shortly after the event it’ s in marvellous condition, especially the snooker tablelike greens which are a joy to putt on. The signature hole is the par-4 17th, a long dog-leg left where the second shot must be hit up a hill to a difficult green that slopes severely from the back. A par here is as rare as an unfriendly Irishman.
FISHING, SHOOTING AND FALCONRY
“ Did you enjoy Rosses Point today lads,” says Duty Manager Dave Walsh, as we check in for two nights at Mount Falcon, an award-winning country hotel and 100 acre estate on the outskirts of Ballina, further south in County Mayo.“ I hear you will be playing Enniscrone tommorow. Now that’ s a different challenge all together with its roller-coaster fairways and hidden greens.”
Accommodation options at Mount Falcon range from the luxurious Wall Pool Suite( named after the most famous salmon pool on the Mount Falcon estate) boasting original features, to deluxe rooms and selfcontained lodges ideal for fishermen and golfers. Tiger Woods, Mark O’ Meara and Nick Faldo are just a few of the famous visitors to Mount Falcon over the last few years using it as a base for fishing and golf.“ Fishing is huge in this area, and we just happen to have Ireland’ s most prolific salmon river, the Moy, running through our property with an annual rod catch of approximately 9000 salmon,” says Mount Falcon’ s owner Alan Maloney. The fishery is split into two 6 rod beats with the prime fly water on the upper beat which includes the famous wall pool, while the lower beat is more suited to bait and spinning with slower deeper holding pools.
Guests can enjoy various fishing packages that include the Moy, plus other excellent rivers and lakes in the region. Mount Falcon’ s rod room carries an impressive range of fishing equipment, from fly rods to spinning rods and waders.“ At Mount Falcon you can fish in the morning and golf in the afternoon or vice-versa,” says Alan.“ Rainy conditions are ideal for fishing and sunny weather is great for golf, so whatever the weather you are a winner.”
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