The K Club in Co . Kildare is 24 kilometres west of Dublin . Its five star hotel sits above the dark and brooding River Liffey , and it shines like a beacon as golfers pass by on their way to the 8th tee . The Liffey influences four holes on the Palmer North course and it is most terrifying on that par four 8th hole . The resort also comes with the Palmer South course ( formerly the Smurfit ) and the variety between the courses gives you plenty to think about as you head between the two impressive clubhouses .
So many of the hotels mentioned above are of the big variety but there are plenty more which are smaller , more intimate but just as plush . Rathsallagh House is a prime example , tucked away in quiet Wicklow countryside . It also has easy access to Rathsallagh Golf Club .
We have said little about Northern Ireland , and after the somewhat rollercoaster evolution of 2020 ’ s Irish
Faithlegg
Open , which ended up being played at Galgorm Castle , it seems only fair to give credit where it ’ s due . The Open was due to be played at Mount Juliet , but Covid-19 resulted in a shift to the Ballymena course where several European Tour events have been played in recent years . Boasting a languid and peaceful pace , as well as the intertwining Braid and Main rivers , you ’ ll be hard pressed to play a more relaxing course . The nearby Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is a beautiful venue with all the bells and whistles , as well as the best spa in the country . The Thermal Village just has to be seen to be believed . From here it is easy to strike out for the Giant ’ s Causeway , the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , and the Dark Hedges … never mind Belfast ’ s Titanic Centre and the many courses in the region . Two other resorts worth mentioning are Lough Erne , in Co . Fermanagh ( and close to the links courses of counties Sligo and Donegal ), and the ever-popular Roe Park , farther north , which puts it close to the links of Antrim and two lounges and whiskey bar are the perfect place to unwind after ( or before ) experiencing some of the world ’ s best golf right next door .
Derry . A special mention should also be made for Blackrock House B & B , in Portrush . It is the first five star B & B in the town . There are four tastefully furnished bedrooms over four floors , and the two lounges and whiskey bar are the perfect place to unwind after ( or before ) experiencing some of the world ’ s best golf right next door .
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