Druids Heath  

Druids Glen, Newtonmountkennedy, Co Wicklow
18 holes, par 71, 7,415 yards
Famous Competitions:
• Irish Open (1996-1999)

Our final outing takes us to the County Wicklow hills, high above the Irish Sea. Buffeted by the wind and looking out towards Wales (on a clear day), Druids Heath offers a 360-degree panorama of the beauty of Ireland’s rugged east coast, including surrounding ranges and the magnificent peak of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Contrasting its more-famous parklands sister course — the magnificent Druids Glen, which is undergoing a major 12-month renovation and aiming for a new look and new chapter by May 2023 — Druids Heath plays much more like a links course in the hills. 

The tree-lined fairways guide your way around this challenging track, while the wind and rain can play just as crucial role in your score as your tee shots on the more exposed holes.

Do not let the beauty of the various flora fool you as this is a course with bite — a trip into the rough in shorts will result in a painful meeting with the thick and jaggy gorse that is as omnipresent as the thick rough. A caddie is recommended for the more curious golfer to point out the various landmarks and historical features Druid’s Heath has to offer as well as the on-course hazards to avoid.

The course was designed by Pat Ruddy and opened in 2003. And it plays long — the 7,415 yards often aided by downhill tee shots and wide, rolling fairways. Again very ‘linksy’. 

Matt Smith

The approaches to most greens require a deft touch as the plentiful, often deep, bunkers will welcome any wayward shots.

While each hole offers its own challenges, there are quite a few that deserve special mention. The 2nd hole is as much a mental test as it is a physical one as the downhill par five will tempt the longer hitters to take on the two lakes that front the small green. 

After the short and very watery 3rd (mind the geese!), you begin to see the true length of Druids Heath and see her teeth. Gorse and as many as nine bunkers await, but an accurate, long drive could pay dividends. The signature 12th is a real up-and-down monster. If you catch the downhill slope you are laughing, but anything left, right or short will have you scrambling. A favourite of Golf Digest Middle East’s trip to Ireland must be the 14th. Set in a picturesque gorge that was once a quarry, this par-3 is a short delight that should help eradicate any nasty memories of what just went before on 12. 

The closing holes take us back uphill to the highest point of the course, where golfers are once again rewarded with that breathtaking view before a well-earned recuperation in the clubhouse. 

The five-star hotel offers fine dining, a relaxing terrace bar and family-friendly activities, including a pool, kids club and 2.3km walking trail.

WHERE TO STAY:

Druids Glen
The onsite five-star hotel is a perfect spot to enjoy a mixture of nature and luxury, while ideally placed to set up camp for exploring the surrounding area and Dublin City itself. druidsglenresort.com

ALSO SEE:

Getty Images

Powerscourt Estate
Just 20km north of Druids Glen is the breathtaking 1,000 Powerscourt Estate (above), home to two majestic golf courses, a distillery and Powerscourt House with its award-winning gardens, which are worth the visit alone. Miles of nature trails around the estate take in the tranquil surroundings such as the 200-year-old giant redwoods and famous waterfall, making this one of Ireland’s top attractions.

Johnnie Fox’s
This not-so-little little hideaway is nestled in the hills on the border between County Wicklow and County Dublin and claims to be — along with many other hostelries up and down the country — ‘the highest pub in Ireland’. Established in 1798, it certainly is one of the oldest and offers traditional Irish fare and live music seven nights a week to give visitors a real taste of the famous Irish hospitality.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

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Mount Juliet Estate

Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
18 holes, par 72, 7,264 yards
Famous Competitions:
• Irish Open (1993-95, 2021-22)

Nestled in the quiet countryside of County Kilkenny lies one of the Golden Bear’s golden tickets. 

Set on the grounds of a magnificent Georgian manor and — once again — steeped in history lies Mount Juliet Estate. 

It is hard not to get caught up in the romance of this gorgeous place that was built overlooking the River Nore by the first Earl of Carrick in the 1700s. Mount Juliet has carved its name in Irish lore (with a love story that should to be made into a Hollywood movie at some point, but that’s for another time), and still bears the stamp — and scars — of centuries of Irish history. 

In more recent times, thanks to Jack Nicklaus’ design, this has become one of the hottest tickets in town — well, island — and tee times are in demand all year round. And well they might be as this course is as much a treat on the eyes as it is to play as it has matured since opening three decades ago.

In the heart of the 180-acre estate lies the 7,200-yard course that makes excellent use of the surrounding beech and oak woodlands and rolling hills. While water is sparingly used, the strategic use of five lakes offer a different challenge on holes such as the picturesque short 3rd, the mischievous 11th, and the famously deceptive closing two holes where Adrian Meronk recently his claimed first DP World Tour title at the Irish Open in some style. 

More than 80 bunkers also guard the greens, including the quirky walled 16th, which is almost entirely surrounded by sand.

The overall design embraces the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and adds up to a tremendous experience — even when playing on a championship set-up as Golf Digest Middle East did the day after the Irish Open at the beginning of July. 

To recuperate, both the Manor House and the adjacent Hunter’s Yard — converted from the estate’s stables — draw on centuries of Irish history while immersing guests in contemporary comforts, beautiful surroundings and Michelin-starred dining. Activities such as archery, falconry and riding are all on hand for the non-golfing visitors, while staff are well-versed in the estate’s history and will happily tell you of the many intriguing tales by the fireside.

WHERE TO STAY:

Mount Juliet Estate
Both the Manor House and Hunter’s Yard residences offer five-star luxury, relaxation and heritage in equal measure. mountjuliet.ie

ALSO SEE:

Kilkenny Medieval Mile
The Old Town of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile takes visitors through 1,500 years of history, with a little fun along the way. Tales of witch burnings and battles litter the narrow walkways and limestone streets. With nine churches, two cathedrals down from the impressive Kilkenny Castle visitors could spend days discovering the secrets of this old town. Thankfully there are more than 70 pubs along the way for a traditional Irish pit-stop to keep you going.

Dylan Vaughan Photography

Malzards
In the small village of Stoneyford, aptly just a stone’s throw from Mount Juliet, lies a hidden gem in the shape of Malzards (above). This hostelry is much more than your traditional Irish pub — although the ‘craic’ is readily available. Fred Malzard is the current proprietor of the premises that have been in his family for five generations and more than 200 years, bringing together the local community. It now also serves as an informative visitors’ centre, where tourists can learn the local history and cultures — including Irish dancing, folk singing and even have a go at the traditional Irish sport of hurling on the pub’s very own pitch. 

Matt Smith

Waterford Crystal
Just 40kms south of Mount Juliet lies the ancient port of Waterford, which was a Viking settlement as far back as the early 10th century, and it is home to one of Ireland’s most famous and prestigious exports — Waterford Crystal (above). A visit to House of Waterford offers an insight into the creation of some of the most sought-after crystal in the world. Guided factory tours allow visitors to witness the master craftsmen up close as they mould, blow, mark, cut and polish some of the most exquisite items which have been created here for 235 years, including some of the most famous sporting trophies, replicas of which can be seen in the retail store alongside a variety of glasses and keepsakes — ideal for a souvenir.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 4 — Mount Juliet Golf Estate appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare
18 holes, par 72, 6,824 yards
Famous Competitions:
• White & Mackay Trophy Pro-Am (1991 & 1992)
• Irish PGA Club Professional (2017–2019)
• Women’s Irish Open (2022)

The spectacular parkland setting of Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club takes us back to the more luxurious side of golf in Ireland. 

Set on the sprawling, leafy Dromoland Castle Estate — all 410 acres of it — rolling hills, giant trees and stunning views await over the relatively short 6,824-yard course. 

Blind tee-shots, cheeky bunker placements and a colossal water feature make this a true test for all golfers, with each hole making players stop and think. Risk-and-reward is once again a major factor ready to make or break a round. 

First opened as a nine-hole course in 1963, Dromoland has undergone major changes over the ensuing decades and is now one of the most in-demand championship courses in Ireland. It held the prestigious Irish PGA Club Professional between 2017 and 2019, the celebrity-studded Whyte & Mackay Pro-Am in the early 1990s, and is currently preparing for the 2022 Women’s Irish Open.

The course has just completed Phase 1 of its most-recent $2 million facelift ahead of the Women’s Open — where the cream of the Ladies European Tour will contend in the $400,000 tournament from September 22-25. Pretty much every bunker has undergone a redesign, there are new or upgraded tee boxes surrounding the lake to take advantage of the views, and the iconic 18th — with its famous old tree guarding the green in the shadow of the castle — has undergone a major redesign to toughen it up and bring the water more into play.

The true character of the course remains, however, and it is a joy to play.

The signature par-3 7th is a hole you would love to play over and over again, with its raised tee high above a postage-stamp green. Try not to be distracted by the views down towards the famous old castle as water looms large on the left and a quirky shamrock-shaped bunker to the right. 

The par-4 9th is another beauty of a hole and will tempt the bigger hitters to go for the green if they can carry the water in front of the flag.

After the turn, the woodland gives way to some more expansive views of the surrounding countryside and the famous River Shannon, and water comes more into play as many holes skirt the large lake at the heart of the course. The River Rine also snakes its way across the closing fairways. 

Club facilities include a practice ground complete with fairways, greens, bunkers, and pitching areas, with professional coaching also available. 

Alongside the relaxed clubhouse, with leisure facilities including gymnasium, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, there is the 16th-century castle itself — now a five-star hotel — and plenty of outdoor activities including fishing and shooting of the clay variety, plus plenty of opportunities for spotting the local wildlife on various nature trails.

WHERE TO STAY:

Dromoland Castle
Simply the epitome of luxurious living while visiting Ireland. dromoland.ie

ALSO SEE:

Dromoland Castle
No round of golf at Dromoland is complete without a visit to the castle itself, which has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. The O’Brien ancestral home is part-luxury hotel, part-history tour with fascinating stories behind each lavishly decorated room, hall and stairway. Dining experiences range from the exquisite Earl of Thomond restaurant, crab claws in The Gallery or afternoon tea by one of the many firesides. 

Clare Abbey
The O’Briens crop up again at the 12-century Clare Abbey (above). On the banks of the River Fergus, just a mile outside Ennis and Clarecastle, Clare Abbey is one of a number of Augustinian houses and was once one of the most important monasteries in the diocese. Folklore suggests the monastic abbey was founded by Donal ‘the Great’ O’Brien, and the extensive remains of the structure are well worth a visit.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 3 — Dromoland Castle appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Lahinch Golf Club

Lahinch, Co Clare
Old Course: 18 holes, par 72, 6,950 yards
Castle Course: 18 holes, par 69, 5,344 yards
Famous Competitions:
• South of Ireland Championship (1895-2022)
• Irish Open (2019)

A trip to Lahinch is like a ticket back in time to experience how golf was played back in the days of Old Tom Morris. 

The Scottish father of golf himself described this as “fine a natural course as has been my good fortune to play over”.

That alone should give an inkling to the heritage and history here on the Atlantic coast (start swimming in a straight line from Lahinch beach and your next dry land will be in Newfoundland, Canada). Lahinch Old Course is a true links that has been operating for more than 125 years, since Mr Morris himself came over to create it in 1894.

Despite many changes over the years, golfers are immediately immersed in history as they set off up the hill on the first hole, with narrow fairways and thick rough present throughout an undulating opening nine holes, where hiking boots may seem more welcoming than golf spikes if you stray from the strips of fairway. 

Steve Carr Golf

One of the first things you will be warned about if you play next to this exposed fishing village is: “Be prepared.”

With the ‘Wild Atlantic’ as it is known looming, the weather can change in seconds and it is not uncommon to see players arrive back at the clubhouse drenched, wind-beaten and sunburnt in equal measure after 18 holes. 

Aside from the spectacular views, where the famous Cliffs of Moher can be seen from the highest points on a clear day further up the coast, one fabulous and memorable feature is the Lahinch goats, who have helped manicure these grounds for more than a century. (They can also serve as a handy weather warning as they usually make their way towards the clubhouse if things are going to turn more inclement.)

Following the exposed opening holes and their stunning views out across the estuary — including one of the most fabulous hidden par-3s in Ireland — the back nine on this ‘out-and-back’ set-up offers a bit more shelter from the sea and wind. 

This is a true jewel of a links course that offers gem after gem of unique holes to challenge golfers of all levels. Regardless of the weather — remember to prepare for four seasons in one day — this is a must-do golfing experience that will live long in the memory.

WHERE TO STAY:

Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare
The four-star Old Ground Hotel is one of the top hotels in Clare in the heart of Ennis Town, offering luxury dining at the Town Hall restaurant and live music and entertainment in the Poet’s Corner bar. oldgroundhotelennis.com

ALSO SEE:

Colm Keating/flickr

Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s favourite tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher (above) tower over the County Clare coast, some 700ft at the famous O’Brien’s Tower, offering astounding views across the Atlantic. With 14 kilometres of safe treks of varying difficulty and an interactive visitor centre carved into the hills, the Cliffs have inspired generations of artists and poets and are simply a must-see.

Burren National Park
The Unesco World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning beauty, rugged limestone trails and views over Galway Bay.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 2 — Lahinch Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
Ireland — that small spot of green on the westernmost edge of Europe with a rich golfing heritage that has long been at the forefront of the sport.

In terms of producing some of the best players on the planet and also some of the finest courses you could ever hope to play, this is a little island that more than holds its own.

But you have to dig beneath the lush surface to get to the heart of what makes this one of the most popular golfing destinations on the globe. 

Rugged coastal terrain battered by rough seas, dense green forests and mountainous valleys are the result of eons of glacial carvings and Mother Nature’s more extreme architecture.

At first glance, this may seem a foreboding place, but thanks to the combination of the elements, we now have one of the most iconic destinations to play golf in all its forms and on all terrains. 

From the ‘Wild Atlantic’ links to the forested parklands of the interior and the breathtaking courses of the island’s east, Ireland simply has to be seen first-hand to attain any sort of a grasp on what makes it a unique golfing destination. 

Homegrown champions such as Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley and Rory McIlroy; global stars Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson; A-list celebrities like Samuel L Jackson, Michael Jordan and Will Ferrell: the list of advocates extolling Ireland as the finest place on Earth to play the ancient game is almost endless — and for very good and obvious reasons. 

Ireland currently has more than 400 golf clubs to choose from, with a third of the world’s links and many more championship courses in some of the most spectacular surroundings, which attract more than 240,000 golfing tourists to challenge themselves on the fairways.

Golf Digest Middle East recently visited Ireland to experience five of the best the island has to offer.

Lahinch Golf Club. Steve Carr Golf

TIPS:

• Caddies are a common feature at many of the bigger clubs — and they can be a saviour when it comes to saving par and recovering a ball from the notorious rough and gorse that covers many of
the courses.
• Dress codes are strictly observed, too, with jeans, shorts and trainers a no-no at many places. A collared polo shirt and proper golf shoes will see you right, but check if a jacket and shirt are required for after-round dining.
• The popularity of courses, especially during the summer months when tourism is at its highest can mean tee times could be in demand. Always book your tee times through your operator before you travel to avoid disappointment.
• Golf hire is also readily available if you do not fancy bringing your beloved clubs on your travels amid the current travel and baggage issues at many of Europe’s airports. Check in advance.
• The 19th hole: A staple of any round of golf in Ireland is the warm welcome everyone receives after a round, with drinks, hearty food and the traditional ‘craic’ on offer to warm you up if the notorious weather paid a visit to the course.

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K Club

Straffan, Co Kildare
North Course: 18 holes, par 72, 7,350 yards
South Course: 18 holes, par 72, 7,277 yards
Famous Competitions:
• Ryder Cup (2006)
• Smurfit European Open (1996-2007)
• Irish Open (2016)

Kevin Markham

Our journey begins at the location of one Ireland’s most famous occasions on the global stage — the K Club.

Set in the County Kildare countryside, the K Club is home to two Arnold Palmer-designed courses and regarded as one of Ireland’s most challenging parkland set-ups, whether you are on the 18 holes of the North or South courses.

The more famous North Course was home to the historic 2006 Ryder Cup, one of the most one-sided events in the event’s history and is regarded as one of Palmer’s masterpieces.

From the first tee, you are instantly steeped in the course’s history and tradition as the trees loom large on both sides along with one of its recurring features — and dangers — the water. 

Palmer intentionally re-routed the famous River Liffey through as many holes as possible, with the river snaking through the course and feeding as many as 15 lakes and ponds, while the strategic, sometimes deep bunkers are waiting to snaffle any other wayward drives and approach shots. The large undulating greens offer a little respite by way of a generous target to aim for.

It could be easy to become overawed in such surroundings, but with the spectacular scenery and wildlife to help you take your mind off that last bad shot, this course is surprisingly fair if you choose the tees appropriate to your game and it is well worth the five-star experience. 

David Cannon

Risk-and-reward shots are there to tempt you on most holes and the closing stretch will stay long in the memory, with the 16th and 17 consistently ranked among the best in Ireland, before the approach to the clubhouse to close out your round. 

The South Course opened in 2003 is a very different experience, but is often hailed in its own right as a links-heathland hybrid with narrow corridor fairways and — again —water is a regular feature. The famous par-5 7th hole is a sight to behold.

Away from the golf there are plenty other activities on the 550-acre Straffan Estate alongside the luxury five-star hotel, with fishing (thank you Liffey), clay shooting and horse riding all available, alongside endless nature trails and cycling routes.

WHERE TO STAY:

K Club
Look no further than the K Club itself for the tip-top in accommodation with the full five-star experience in the ancient manor. Old-school hospitality with a touch of class is the order of the day, with facilities including a spa, gymnasium and a splash of elegance with drawing rooms and cocktail bars overlooking the grounds. kclub.ie

ALSO SEE:

St Brigid’s Cathedral
At the heart of the ‘Ancient East’ of Ireland is Kildare’s St Brigid’s Cathedral (below), a fifth-century nunnery that has undergone many renovations, offering visitors a glimpse into the past from 16th-century vaults to ancient architecture and artefacts. The famous 108ft Round Tower affords panoramic views of the surrounding area from the highest point in Kildare.

St Brigid’s Cathedral: Dan MacKin/Flickr

Bog of Allen Nature Centre
An informative destination for all to discover the history behind the fuel that powered Ireland for more than 10,000 years — peat. An eye-opening walk through time, the centre has nature trails, plus interactive and educational features for kids of all ages, whom can discover how these fascinating boglands are being preserved for future generations. Activities include pond dipping, nature crafts, frog and creepy-crawly hunts, bog walk, museum and gardens.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
Still to come: 
Thursday, Sep 8: Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny
Friday, Sep 9: Druids Heath, Co Wicklow

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The post Ireland is Treasure Island: Golf Digest Middle East visits the jewels of the Emerald Isle — with K Club up first appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.