Woodbrook
Mount Wolseley
One of our big parklands, Mount Wolseley comes with muscle as
well as a smart hotel. On this Christy O’Connor Jr course choosing
the right tee will make all the difference. There is dynamic movement
to the landscape as emphasised by the opening three holes routed
through big trees and over water. This is as good/tough a start as you
will play but it sets the tone for a round of strong driving. The greens
are well protected and the big, slick putting surfaces are hard to
gauge. Most of the long holes are doglegs and the short 4th may be
the biggest risk vs. reward short hole in Ireland.
Carton House (O’Meara)
The O’Meara course has those perfect parkland assets familiar to
everyone as it rolls through mature woodland. And yet the trees stay
well back to give the course an unexpected spaciousness. Off the
tee the big manicured fairways are hugely inviting targets, making this
long course a driver’s delight. There are five par fives, too.
The O’Meara is often lauded for its superb stretch of three holes
down by the River Rye. The two par threes and the par five 15th
squeezed in between are exceptional holes, lost amongst the trees.
It is known as Amen Corner. Water is ever-present so it is little
wonder they are so memorable.
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Woodbrook
Woodbrook boasts a stunning location on the low cliff-tops north
of Bray. This is a seaside parkland of easy pace, smooth terrain and
explosive greens. Pine trees dominate but it still feels spacious and,
when you reach the seaside holes and the views that spaciousness
is fully displayed. To the south, Bray Head dominates, while Dalkey
Island and Howth hover on the horizon to the north. These are the
holes you will remember most but the classic clubhouse has plenty
of impact, too. Play in summer when the fescue grasses glow golden
and Woodbrook is a blaze of colour.
Killeen Castle
No other course can boast such a glorious landscape as Killeen
Castle. Six hundred lazy acres, drenched in trees, wrapped around
a 12th century castle… how could it not be the idyllic setting for a
Jack Nicklaus ‘Signature’ course. This is the longest course in Ireland
(7,677 yards), and home to the Solheim Cup in 2011, but golfers of all
abilities will enjoy this expansive course. There are five tees (choose
wisely) and fairways always appear wide and inviting, which makes
this a delicious driving course. Every hole is strong, but the par five
12th, with its stream cascading across the front of the green, may be
Killeen Castle’s signature hole.