DESTINATIONGOLF. TRAVEL
MUNSTER
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 like a lost lover, you will bask in Ireland’ s beauty, regardless of whether you’ re playing golf or enjoying a stroll. The course starts along the shore of the lough and you will quickly appreciate that this is quality parkland golf. It is colourful and thrilling and even the drive to the clubhouse is filled with excitement as deer wander nearby. It is a terrific golf experience. 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 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.
Ballybunion( Cashen)
Many believe the Cashen was blessed with dunes even more spectacular than the Old course, and while the Old has been left relatively untouched, embracing classic links traditions, the Cashen is a more revolutionary beast. Opened in 1984, it was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, and in the heaving dunes he found a layout and routing that entwined the demands of links and target golf. Revolutionary, indeed. It is a thrill-a-minute ride with blind shots and deep hollows swallowing you up. The back nine promises epic approach shots and holes 14 to 17 are the pick of the bunch as they find the glorious coastline with the beach, far below. Tom Watson started making changes to the links in 2024, as part of a multi-year upgrade, and his revisions are already being praised.
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.
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