XXXX Monkstown
Roscrea
Sitting close to the M7 , Roscrea is an old parkland ( 1892 ) with towering trees and a rugged landscape that throws some interesting shapes in your path . New holes were added in 1991 , but even these fit into the rhythm of what already exists . It is not long and everything is on show ( greens are usually visible ) so your driver should be flashing all day . The par five 5th , streaking between forest and a line of Beech trees , is known as ‘ Burma Road ’ and is the hole of the round . Nice clubhouse and one of the best bars you ’ ll find .
Monkstown
A fine , mature parkland awaits at Monkstown , just south-east of Cork city and sitting in peaceful surroundings . Trees define holes from the start and as a short course you ’ ll find those trees prove over-protective time and again . Careful judgement is required off the tee and the best hole on the course – the par four 10th – calls for two razor sharp shots , first through a tricky dogleg in the trees and then to a perched green sitting above water . But this is a gentle , embracing affair and its length makes it fun and accessible for everyone . There ’ s a modern and plush clubhouse , too .
Clonmel
Set in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains , high above the town , Clonmel is a hillside parkland that embraces its natural charms … just as so many Eddie Hackett courses do . Woods are everywhere and border much of the course , revealing a mountainscape at one end and views over the River Suir valley at the other . In between are some bumpy fairways , slippery greens and strong changes in elevation . The par three 14th is an exceptional par three , hitting into the heart of a mountain from a high tee , while the 13th is Index 1 , with a sharply sloping right-to-left fairway . Expect plenty of entertaining shot-making .
Castletroy
This is a quality suburban parkland on the outskirts of Limerick city . It may not have acres of space , but it uses smart design and routing to provide an invigorating test of golf . And , at 6,000 metres , it is longer than you might expect . The 2006 renovations have proved a big success with new bunkering , water features and sparkling new greens elevating the course ’ s reputation and challenges considerably . Today ’ s course slides comfortably back and forth between the trees , with some high tee box settings offering terrific tee shots – particularly on the back nine .
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