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 .”
13