Killarney – Ireland’s Top Destination For Golf
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
This golf club is one of the oldest in the country and
boasts three world-class courses which can be found amidst
the beautiful scenery of the Killarney area. Killarney Golf
& Fishing Club has been a favourite for top golfers such
as Christy O Connor Sr, Nick Faldo, Darren Clarke, Bernard
Langer and Jose Maria Olazabal to name a few. It has three
top golf courses;
Killeen -
This is the main golf course at the prestigious Killarney
Golf & Fishing Club. This parkland course has one of the
most wonderful settings, with the McGillycuddy Reeks and the
Lakes of Lakes providing the perfect backdrop. Of the three
courses located on the complex, Killeen is the most
challenging and it has been the venue for the Curtis Cup
(1996) and the Irish Open both in 1991 and 1992 (both of
which were won by Nick Faldo). This 18-holf golf course
(6566m) has some superb holes and is designed to challenge
long hitters. The 10th and 18th hole are particular
favourites with the 13th being the hardest. The course can
be found on the left about a 5-minute drive outside the town
of Killarney on the N72 to Killorglin.
Lacabane -
This course only opened in 2000 so it's the newest of the
golf courses at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. It
has 18 holes and a length of 6412m. You'll need a long
accurate shot to be rewarded on this course and it has lots
of lakes and streams throughout the course. It provides some
superb lake views at the 4th, 6th, 11th and 12th holes. This
championship course has hosted the Irish Ryder Cup Challenge
and the Irish Ryder Cup Tour Events in 2005 and the Ladies
Irish Open in 2002. The course can be found on the right
hand side of the N72 about 5 minutes outside Killarney.
O'Mahonys Point -
At 6164 m, O'Mahony's Point is the shortest course of the
three and is somewhat different to the other two as it's
more "friendly" and "scenic", but its still provides a tough
challenge on its undulating greens with water hazards and
bunkers. Probably the most impressive thing this course is
the breathtaking view at the 18th hole. It manages to
distract even the most avid golfers as they try to tee off.
Gene Sarazen (winner of 39 PGA titles) once said it was "one
of the most memorable holes in the world".
Beaufort Golf Course
This 18 hole golf course boasts one of the most spectacular
settings in Ireland. It can be found at the base of the
McGillycuddy Reeks and is part of an estate which boasts
beautiful lakes, lush meadows, 200 year old trees and a 15th
century castle. The golf course, which is 6600 metres, was
first opened in 1995 but was redesigned in 2007 by a top
international golf architect to bring it up to championship
level. Beaufort is just about 7km from Killarney.
Dunloe Golf Course
This challenging 9 hole golf course, is set against the
backdrop of the spectacular glaciated valley - The Gap of
Dunloe. Opened in 1994, the course is 2286 meters and
provides a tough challenge for even the most intrepid
golfer, with its well places bunkers. It's a great place for
a beginner as it's got a putting green, pitching, chipping
and putting practice facilities and several driving bays.
The course can be found about a 10-minute drive from
Killarney by taking the N72 (Killorglin Road from Killarney)
then take the first left after Fossa village.
Ross Golf Course
Ross Golf Club is located on Ross Road just at the edge of
the town. At 3017 meters long, it's said to be one of the
best championship standard 9 hole golf courses in the
country. Like all golf courses in Killarney, Ross Golf Club
is surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers and woodlands. The
course is located within a 10-15 minute walk from Killarney
town centre. Just take the Muckross Road, then a right onto
Ross Road and the golf course is on your left hand side.
Castlerosse Golf Course
This 9 hole parkland course can be found at the Castlerosse
Hotel on the Killorglin road. It's located between Killarney
National Park and Killeen Golf Course. The course is 2743
meters long and has a stunning lakeside setting with some
amazing views so you're sure to enjoy your round of golf
here! The Castlerosse Golf Course can be found on the
grounds of the Castlerosse Hotel just 2km from Killarney on
the N72 to Killorglin.
With world class golf courses amid spectacular scenery,
Killarney has all the ingredients for a top golfing holiday.
After you test your skills on the golf course, head for the
lively town centre and enjoy gourmet restaurants,
traditional Irish pubs and some great nightclubs!
Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and
accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com
Visit GoIreland for all you need to know before visiting
Kerry, like what to see and where to go. You can also book
Killarney hotels.
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