If the 150th Golf Open Championship, which is underway at St Andrews until July 17, has inspired you here is a roundup of the best golfing packages in Ireland this summer
The Heritage, Co Laois
Just outside the pretty village of Killenard in Co Laois, The Heritage is perfect for golf lovers looking for a break away, with its Seve Ballersteros designed golf course. Its “Stay and Play” package offers an overnight stay and a round of golf on the course – recently voted one of the top 1,000 courses in the world. It’s playable all year round, due to extensive drainage, and is suitable for all golfing abilities, with tees measuring from 5,599 – 7,319 yards. The “Stay and Play” package is from €230 for two sharing and also includes breakfast in Blake’s Restaurant; www.theheritage.com
Fota Island Resort, Co Cork
For golf enthusiasts, the tranquil Fota Island Resort is a player’s paradise. As the host to the Irish Open on three occasions, the three courses at Fota Island Resort are meticulously maintained to the highest standards. The Resort’s “Luxury Golf Getaway” includes an overnight stay with breakfast, dinner that evening, a round of golf each and a two-course lunch at The Clubhouse from €469 for two people sharing; www.fotaisland.ie
The K Club, Co Kildare
Only 30 minutes from Dublin, The K Club offers a truly luxurious getaway combining a range of dining experiences, a beautiful spa and and a long list of on-resort activities including archery, segway tours, paddleboarding, horse-riding and wine tasting in the hotel’s stunning wine cellar. From next year, the club’s golf course will be home to the Horizon Irish Open for three years. Golfing guests can enjoy an overnight stay, breakfast in The Barton Restaurant and one round of golf on either of the Arnold Palmer designed championship golf courses, the Palmer North or Palmer South Course. From €549 per room, based on two people sharing; www.kclub.ie
Carton House, Co Kildare
As a former host of the Irish Open (in 2005, 2006 and 2013) and the home of Golf Ireland, Carton House is a magnet for golfers. The “Stay and Play” offer at this gorgeous location, just 25 minutes from Dublin, gives visitors the choice to play at two championship 18-hole golf courses plus an option to include dining in the new gastropub, The Carriage House, in the golf club house.
Choose from the classic parkland O’Meara course, which meanders through ancient woodlands and the banks of the river Rye, or play on the challenging inland links Montgomerie Course. There’s no need to overpack either – players can hire all the essentials from the Pro Shop including golf clubs, manual and electric trolleys and golf shoes; www.cartonhouse.com
Castlemartyr Resort & Spa, Co Cork
Discover the Ron Kirby designed inland links golf experience at Castlemartyr Estate, during an overnight “Golf Escape” – from €520 for two people. The experience includes overnight accommodation in one of the newly refurbished rooms, breakfast served in the new Canopy Restaurant and a round of golf on the 18-hole course. Guests also have use of the resort’s impressive spa and leisure centre; www.castlemartyrresort.ie
The Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry
This is an elegant base from which to discover a trio of courses, within a short drive of The Park Hotel – Waterville, Ballybunion and Tralee. The Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club and Killarney courses are 40 minutes from the hotel, while a little further away is also the Old Head, Kinsale. However, guests don’t have too far to walk as the parkland course of Kenmare Golf Club is on the doorstep of the hotel and golf trolleys are available from the front door of the hotel. Enjoy a two night “Enchanted Break” which includes l accommodation, breakfast each morning, a seven course tasting menu on one evening and access to the hotel’s lap pool, glass box sauna and gym. Guests can also take part in all classes and activities at Samas spa and also enjoy the in-house cinema. From €425 per person per night; www.secure.irelands-blue-book.ie
Bushmills Inn, Co. Antrim
Royal Portrush, consistently ranked in the world’s top ten golf courses, is just four scenic miles from the Bushmills Inn. In addition to the championship Dunluce course, there’s the more sheltered Valley course. Other spectacular links courses within 15 miles are Portstewart, Castlerock and Ballycastle. The current two night “Coastal Getaway” is one way to sample this famous coaching inn, which dates back to the 1600s and combine with some golf. The stay includes breakfast and dinner in the AA Rosette Restaurant on the first evening of your stay. After dinner, guests can sample the famous Bushmills whiskey from the Inn’s private cask, in the traditional Gas Bar where live Irish music can also be enjoyed. For non-golfers, there’s much to enjoy in this part of the world – historians will love Dunluce Castle, geologists will marvel at the Giant’s Causeway and fashionistas should visit the Taylor Yates boutique in Bushmills itself – for gorgeous leather bags and accessories. The two night stay is from £195 per night; www.secure.irelands-blue-book.ie
Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mount Juliet golf course first opened in 1991 with a friendly match between Jack Nicklaus and Christy O’Connor Snr. Since then, it has hosted all the top players including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington for the WGC American Express Golf Championship in 2002 and 2004, and of course it was the hope of the Horizon Irish Open this year. The “Eagle Package” is a luxe overnight stay with breakfast in the Manor House followed by a golf lesson with one of the PGA professionals at Mount Juliet’s Golf Academy. This precedes a round on the Jack Nicklaus course and finishes with a two-course meal to celebrate in Jack’s Bar. This offer is available from Sunday to Thursday and is from €825 per night. There’s also a “Birdie” package, from €525 for two people in Hunter’s Yard adjacent to the Manor House; www.mountjuliet.ie
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Co Galway
Set on the banks of Lough Corrib, the scenic Glenlo Abbey Golf Course was designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jr, and is located on the grounds of the hotel. The course has been recognised as one of the best nine-hole golf courses in Ireland. The courses offer a unique and challenging experience to golfers of all levels, including a signature 4th hole on an island green. A three-night “Stay and Play” offer for two people includes accommodation and a la carte breakfast each day in The River Room, a round of golf for two on our pristine nine-hole course, a two-course evening meal on an evening of your choice in Palmers Bar & Kitchen and complimentary access to its Abbey Movie Theatre. From €1,180 total stay; www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie
Redcastle Oceanfront Golf and Spa Hotel, Donegal
This hotel is the definition of a hidden gem – located on the shores of Lough Foyle and only 20 minutes from Derry city by car. Guests will find a nine-hole golf course on offer as well as surrounding parklands to wander, a Cara Spa and The Edge, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant headed by chef Gordon Smyth. Having undergone a €500k refurbishment of the rooms and general areas, this is the perfect time to book. Currently on offer is a three nights for the price of two, from €261 per room. This offer includes breakfast and access to the hotel’s swimming pool; www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com
