Destination Golf Ireland 2021
The snow had gone by the time we arrived ...
The snow had gone by the time we arrived at Farnham Estate , 20 minutes to the south . The original building dates back to the 17th century but today ’ s hotel oozes luxury as old and contemporary elements combine . It is renowned for its spa – as are the other two hotels – and as we checked in we noticed couples and groups disappearing down corridors wearing white robes . With bags delivered to our room we headed for the clubhouse to have a light lunch before our tee time . As it turned out , lunch included a gin & tonic . And why wouldn ’ t it when the resort produces its own gin – Farnham Estate 365 . It is named after the county ’ s 365 lakes . Perhaps there was a feud between the Fermanagh Lakelands and the county of Cavan , each claiming 365 islands . There didn ’ t seem to be any point arguing about it … especially as a second drink headed our way . The new clubhouse opened in 2019 . Brexit has not diminished the owner ’ s enthusiasm for progress . After purchasing the resort in 2016 , SCIF has invested over € 6 million in the hotel and grounds . The course is maturing well and there are more plans in the pipeline . The clubhouse oozes tidiness , efficiency and practicality , something too many golf clubs have chosen to ignore as big and elaborate buildings have become ‘ de rigueur ’ in recent times . There is something highly appealing about Farnham Estate ’ s version and I enjoyed the setting . The terrace appeals to wedding parties from the hotel … but not on that chilly winter ’ s day . The golf course is quite different to Lough Erne and Slieve Russell . It rambles over the estate ’ s 500 acres which creates lots of opportunities for variety . Jeff Howes , the designer , explored those opportunities and produced two very different nines . You start by exploring some rolling countryside with big trees chaperoning you ( the 4th is a beauty ) before finding open spaces to end the first loop . And then things shift gear as you head up into the forest for the back nine where the density of trees mutes the sound of even your best shot . Playing on foot will certainly build an appetite . Continuing investment will see the resort scale new heights , but one of the newest heights is – again – food . The hotel ’ s Cedar Rooms is a 2AA Rosette restaurant , with Daniel Willimont as
Executive Head Chef . Our post round dinner was eagerly anticipated and we chose the five course set meal , where we shared Chateaubriand steak for two . The presentation , the flavours and tenderness once again had me thinking about how often guests must lick their plate … or at least think about it . The appetite for golf along this borderline is growing and there are rich pickings when it comes to these resorts ’ stay and play packages . It ’ s a fine line as to which one you choose but you won ’ t put a foot wrong wherever you end up .
Slieve Russell
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Continuing investment will see the resort scale new heights , but one of the newest heights is – again – food .
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Slieve Russell Slieve Russell Slieve Russell
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