Great Value Golf in IrelandIrish Independent

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Great Value Golf in IrelandIn association with

Michelle McGreevy Golf Development Officer(01) 884 7171michelle.mcgreevy@failteireland.ie

AdvertisingMediaforceShane Treanor(01) 662 0710streanor@mediaforce.ie

Editorial Assistance BeCreativeMediaGroupwww.becreative.ie

DesignINM Design Studiostudio@production.ie048 3751 6005

ReproIndependent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd27-32 Talbot StDublin 1

Irish golf courses are renowned around theworld for their challenge and their beauty.The choice when it comes to golfing inIreland has always been there – with wellover 300 courses in the Republic and 30 per cent of all the world’s links courses – andnow there is fantastic value to be had as well.With so much on offer, Fáilte Ireland istaking this opportunity to promote Irish golffor the winter period, between now andFebruary 2010.

Golf is not just a summer sport orsomething to be enjoyed on bank holidayweekends – there’s value in golfing breaks allyear round, midweek and weekends, all acrossthe country. In the current climate we are allrediscovering the treasures we have on ourown doorstep, and this is no different when itcomes to sport and short break possibilities. Ifthere’s anywhere you haven’t played but havealways wanted to, or a golfing break you’vedreamed of taking but never had the chance,this is your opportunity to do it for less.

As all you golfers know, Ireland is a perfectgolf setting for everything from leisurelygames with friends right up to the challengeof a world-class championship course.Following on from our hosting the RyderCup in 2006, the Solheim Cup will bearriving here in 2011 – testament to just howcelebrated Ireland is in the competitivegolfing community worldwide.The terrificoffers listed in this supplement give you achance to up your game before golf feverengulfs the entire nation once again!

Whether it’s a relaxing long weekend or alaidback midweek getaway, a game on a bigname course for less or great value at a localclub – whatever you’re looking for in a golfbreak, you’ll find it in these pages.

Keith McCormackHead of Golf & Sports TourismFáilte Ireland

Howth Golf Club, Dublin

Contents04 Dublin

Some of the most breathtaking and challenging courses in the country

05 South EastExcellent golf in beautiful surroundings

07 North WestPristine courses with Atlantic views

09 West, Shannon and South WestCoastal grandeur and unspoilt greenery

11 East Coast and MidlandsChampionship courses and hidden gems

15 WIN!The Ultimate Championship Golf Experience at The K Club

There’s great golf in...

Welcome

Great Value Golf in IrelandIrish Independent

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From internationally renownedcourses to local gems in every cornerof the country, Ireland is truly agolfer’s paradise. From gorgeousgreen parkland to weathered coastal

dunes, mountainous and lakeland backdropsto clifftop courses overlooking the Atlantic –the choice, quality and breathtaking sceneryon offer to golfers in Ireland is unrivalled.

With winter coming in and all our stresslevels rising, it’s the ideal time to book arelaxing golfing break to help you throughthe dark days.Whatever you’re looking for –a luxury sporting retreat for two, a chilled-out trip with the lads – you can find it righthere at home, and at great value too.

Many of the clubs featured in this specialsupplement are offering accommodation andspa treatments as part of their golf packages –so you can not only tee off for less but get acomplete leisurely break in magnificentsurroundings this autumn and winter.

Every region contributes to Ireland’sreputation as a golfing destination, fromunspoilt grandeur on the banks of theShannon to the championship courses andundiscovered treasures of the east andmidlands, from the Atlantic views of thenorth-west to the postcard-perfect settings of Cork and Kerry.

In the coming pages you’ll find courses

and offers to suit every taste and budget.Pit yourself against the winds of the west andthe challenge of the celebrated links course atDoonbeg Golf Club in Co Clare. Enjoy onenight’s bed and breakfast at the Lodge atDoonbeg Golf Club, one round of golf anddinner – complimented by superb views ofthe Atlantic – for just €175.

At picturesque Mount Juliet in CoKilkenny you can enjoy the ‘Stay and PlayPackage’ – with B&B and golf on the JackNicklaus-designed course from €120 perperson sharing Sunday to Thursday, plus acomplimentary exclusive Mount Juliegift on arrival.

In Maynooth, at idyllic Carton House –which is situated on over 1,100 acres of lushparkland – you can indulge in one night’sB&B and a round on either of thechampionship courses, the O’Meara or theMontgomerie, from €140 per person sharingmidweek or €165 at the weekend.

Carne Golf Links in Mayo, the last linkscourse designed by Eddie Hackett – boastingstunning views of the islands of Inis Gloraand Inis Géidhe – has an early bird offer inOctober with green fees of €30, four ball for€100 or four ball including lunch for €160;from November to February you can playfour ball for the same price or tee off at anytime of day for €30.

If you’ve longed to strut your stuff at The K Club, this is your chance.The homeof the 2006 Ryder Cup is offering threenights’ luxury accommodation with breakfasteach morning, unlimited golf on both theclub’s championship courses, as well as dinneron two evenings, for €525 per person sharing. Plus, non golfers receive a €150 spaor leisure credit.

These are just some of the impressive offersavailable at clubs across the country rightnow, and you’ll find dozens more in thepages ahead, including hidden gems whichyou may be discovering for the first time.

With the Solheim Cup coming to Irelandin 2011, Ireland will be in the spotlight as atop international golfing destination onceagain.The premier ladies’ event will be

hosted at Killeen Castle in Co Meath, with12 European-born players from the LadiesEuropean Tour (LET) facing off against 12 American-born players from the LadiesProfessional Golf Association (LPGA).The Killeen Castle course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Whether it’s the success of our professionalplayers – from Harrington, McGinley andClarke to rising star Rory McIlroy – or ourwinning bids to host competitions like theRyder and Solheim Cups, Ireland’s golfingreputation is to be envied. But it’s ourspectacular courses – the value, choice andrange of parkland and links options – that areIreland’s true golfing success story.

So, take a break and enjoy a few roundsthis winter!

Courses forevery tasteand budget

The K Club, Co Kildare

Doonbeg Golf Club, Co Clare

Carton House, Co Kildare Carne Golf Links, Co Mayo

Mount Juliet Resort, Co Kilkenny