Gowran Park
Gowran Park
A golf course which combines tree-lined parkland holes with racecourse holes . Yes , this is the only course in Ireland that asks you to play into a horse racing track … and out of it . And the course is all the more entertaining for it . You start and finish inside the rails , playing over undulating , exposed terrain , buttered with gorse . Then it ’ s into the woods for a parkland feast where you ’ ll do well to avoid the trees ( just wait till the straight par four 15th ) and several water features ( the par four 4th , par five 8th and 12th are particularly vexing ). The ‘ clubhouse ’ sits on the third floor of the racing stands , with views for miles .
Portarlington
As gentle and peaceful a parkland as you could hope to find , Portarlington sits a couple of miles outside town alongside the River Barrow . The course weaves through mature trees and demands strong driving and an impressive ability to draw or fade the ball on six holes . It tests you plenty without ever losing the joy of playing here . Index 1 is a prime example : it is a par four of over 400 metres , sliding through a tight corridor of Beech and Oak , but two more wonderful shots you will not hit … and you might well encounter red squirrels en route to the hole . Behind the green lies the river which makes a dramatic appearance late in the round . This is a well maintained , lovely country course , which punches way above its weight . In holes 7 , 8 , 14 and 15 , Portarlington has some of the best holes you ’ ll play .
Greenore
Greenore sits on the Cooley Peninsula , curving around Carlingford Lough , where an old train line mirrors the shape of the beach below . Several front nine tee boxes sit up here , promising tempting shots to the fairways and greens below . This is mostly a flat , open course with some links-like undulations close to the sea and matchstick-like pines soaring above holes closer to the clubhouse . It is a fun mix in an attractive setting where water features threaten often . So , too , does the wind . Expect a big day with the driver and with so much space you ’ ll want to open your shoulders .
Woodenbridge
Routed through a spectacularly wooded valley , Woodenbridge is almost overwhelmed by the peaceful beauty all around it . Two rivers weave through the course , adding to that beauty but also adding to the challenges , and you have to cross one of these rivers to reach the clubhouse . It ’ s the sort of start that fills you with anticipation . This is as sweet and relaxing a golf setting as you could ask for . It is also a short , mostly straight course ( par 71 , 6,341 yards , back tees ) so you ’ ll feel ambitious stepping onto the 1st tee . But … the greens here can easily make a fool of you .
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