DESTINATION GOLF 2026
Carton House( Montgomerie)
The two courses at Carton House are in sharp contrast to each other. It adds considerably to the experience of playing here( and staying here). The Montgomerie, opened in 2002, was designed as an inland links and it certainly boasts tumbling and deceptive fairways, deep bunkers and glorious greens. There are few trees and when the rough is up, the course glows many shades of gold. This is one of Ireland’ s toughest courses, so choosing the right tee and not trying to be heroic is the best place to start. Gentle doglegs abound and with that dramatic bunkering you need to stay above ground to score well. Host to three Irish Opens, and with the new Fairmont branding, you know it oozes quality.
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. Home to the 2024 and 2025 KPMG Women’ s Irish Open.
Mullingar
Mullingar is an old and revered parkland, renowned for its annual Scratch Cup( won by many Irish greats) and its particularly intimidating par three 2nd. This is old school and it is class. In 1937, the legendary James Braid created the simplest of designs by planting tees to indicate tee box and green positions. Or so the story goes. Whatever the truth, Mullingar has evolved into a curvaceous parkland beauty, smartly routed, always colourful and always strategic. Your driver will be well used and it’ s a pleasure to hit... but shaping the ball will definitely help to avoid the trees. Braid wanted the current 10th to be the 1st, but it was agreed that it was too tough a start. As a 458 yard, par four dogleg curving to the right around trees you’ ll understand why.
New Forest
One of Ireland’ s impressive new parklands( 2006), New Forest has an equally impressive clubhouse... a restored 18th century manor house. New Forest’ s greatest selling point is that it is both formidable and fun to play. You’ ll certainly need your driver as fairways coast along the heavily wooded perimeter, around ponds and marshes, and over streams and bridges. The biggest challenge, however, comes on the approach as green complexes are creatively shaped and heavily bunkered. New Forest is strong from start to finish and there are lodges here, too, if you want to stay and play.
Carton House( Montgomerie)
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