Adare
Adare
Known as ‘The Golf Course at Adare Manor’ the new Adare opened
to great fanfare in 2018. Tom Fazio’s redesign was eagerly anticipated
and while the routing has not changed every green, tee and bunker
has been replaced, and fairways re-shaped. Thousands of trees have
been cleared to make it more playable and rough is minimal. Apart
from the water features and River Maigue you shouldn’t lose a ball
here. But you could lose your head around raised greens which
boast vast aprons and steep slopes. Your greatest challenge on this
immaculately maintained course (with sub-air technology) is holding
that putting surface. The Ryder Cup arrives in 2026.
Killarney (Killeen)
As parkland settings go, Killarney’s Killeen course is hard to beat.
Nestling under the imposing MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and clinging
to the edges of Lough Leane, you will bask in Ireland’s beauty,
regardless of whether you’re playing golf. With the second
course, Mahony’s Point, alongside, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
is a vibrant, popular and essential addition to Co. Kerry’s world
famous links golf offering. The town of Killarney also happens to
be buzzing with bars, restaurants and accommodation.
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Ballybunion (Cashen)
Many believe the Cashen was blessed with dunes even more
spectacular than the Old course. You’ll need to play both to
decide for yourself but the wonderful Co. Kerry setting remains
the same. The Old has been left relatively untouched, embracing
classic links traditions, but the Cashen is a more revolutionary
beast. Opened in 1984, it was designed by Robert Trent Jones
Senior, who set greens in positions which demand target golf
and not classic bump-and-run approach shots. It matters little…
the Cashen is thrill-a-minute golf where you get tossed around
as dunes get ever more dramatic. There are blind shots and deep
hollows everywhere. The back nine promises epic approach
shots and holes 14 to 17 are the pick of the bunch as they find the
coastline.
Dromoland Castle
This is a stunning parkland in Co. Clare, and a sweet foil to the
links of Lahinch and Doonbeg. Set in over 400 acres of mature
woodland, the course rumbles over open rolling pasture, through
the dense trees and brings natural lakes (with Special Areas of
Conservation) and streams into play. It is the full, five star parkland
package with super quality and the kind of back nine that enthralls
and terrifies in equal measure… the pretty and driveable par four
15th is followed by the brutally tough Index 1 16th. The 16th century
baronial castle presides over it all. Stand on the par three 7th tee
and you’ll have the green far below you and the castle serving as a
stunning backdrop.