Destination Golf Ireland 2021
Fota Island
Adare Manor
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 .
Fota Island
Fota Island boasts 27 holes , exceptional practice facilities , a fine hotel and an equally fine clubhouse . It has hosted the Irish Open on three occasions and the beautiful maturity of its island setting suggests that it has been here for decades . The resort covers 580 acres with Fota Wildlife Park the island ’ s only other resident . This is a lovely lazy round of golf . Despite all the trees and lakes , the fairways are big and generous . Fota Island is laid out to be pleasurable and there is so much pleasure to be had … off the tee , on approaches and on the smooth putting surfaces .
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 .
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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