Destination Golf Ireland 2020 * | Page 101

Monkstown A fine, mature and peaceful parkland awaits at Monkstown, just south-east of Cork city. 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. The front nine deliver a steep and unexpected drop down to a green (the 3rd) before rising sharply back up (the 5th). There’s a modern and plush clubhouse, too, but keep an eye on your left as you play the 7th, for this is Monkstown Castle (1636) which was once the clubhouse. www.monkstowngolfclub.com 99