DESTINATION GOLF 2025
Killarney
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 .
Waterford
A distinguished old parkland , Waterford tumbles down the side of a mostly gentle hill . ‘ Mostly ’ because the 18th promises a steep descent and the most intimidating approach shot of the day . Holes sweep over lilting terrain and through lines of evergreen , hawthorn and oak . The trees certainly get close on occasion but this is an inviting and short course so it ’ s a round to be enjoyed , from start to finish . The course owes its design to James Braid and Willie Park Jr , so you ’ re talking old school charm and challenges . Sweet par threes .
Ballybunion ( Cashen )
Many believe the Cashen was blessed with dunes even more spectacular than the Old course . You ’ ll have 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 that demand target golf , often negating the classic bump-and-run approach shots . It is a thrill-a-minute ride with 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 glorious coastline . Tom Watson started making changes to the links in 2024 , as part of a long-term plan to upgrade the course .
Waterford Castle
Having a private island for a golf course … and requiring a ferry to reach it … will always whet the appetite . The castle ( now a hotel on the River Suir ) alongside just adds to the air of elegance . Waterford Castle was designed by Des Smyth , and opened in 1992 . It is an idyllic and colourful setting and the golf course follows suit , running over undulating terrain and into and out of mature woodland . There are water features inland too , and you ’ ll get a feel for the course ’ s charm , colour and quality as early as the par three 2nd and the Index 1 par four 3rd . A sweet bridge divides the two .
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