Cork Golf Club: The Irish Augusta

Ireland's golf courses have been receiving many accolades in the past year and have even been regarded as one of the five best countries to golf in. Offering a variety of parkland and traditional link courses, you can pick blindly among the courses that dot the whole country and still get a great course to play in.

Many of these amazing golf courses have been the venue of international professional tournaments with its championship courses and great accommodations. The warm Irish welcome alone would make you feel right at home.

Its heritage in golf is unquestioned as a number of golf courses are "mature" dating back to the late 1800's. One of these is the Cork Golf Club in Little Island, Co. Cork. Established in 1888, the Cork Golf Club was redesigned in 1927 by the renowned golf course designer Dr. Alexander Mackenzie, who designed also other famous golf courses like the Augusta National, Royal Melbourne and the Cypress point to name a few.

Throughout the course you will see many mature trees and various patches of gorse growing and making the course look more natural. The estuary of the River Lee, Lough Mahon provides the scenic Background that stretches on almost the entire course. Cork's limestone quarry affects the course and provides a play that is similar links courses with its crisp heath like playing surface.

Like wine, the age of the Cork Golf Club has made it more palatable and more enticing to golfers. With finely manicured greens carpeting the par 72, 6,731 championship course, the Cork Golf Club course can offer the same if not better game play as any other premier golf course in Ireland and even the world.

But it's not only the golf course that makes the Cork Golf Club a success and a favorite. Its clubhouse and other facilities as well are world class and have been handed with accolades by many golf enthusiasts and experts.

In 2004 alone, the prestigious All Ireland Award for Clubhouse presentation was given to the Cork Golf Club. Its deluxe and top quality service restaurant has a full bar and top notch dining facilities with fantastic food as well. It is open seven days a week and offers a great way to end a day of playing golf. In the clubhouse you will also find their roomy and well-designed changing rooms that have fantastic facilities for both members and visitors.

A bit of stretching, practice and warm up before the game? The Cork Golf Club also has practice facilities like a perfectly maintained and manicured putting green as well as a practice ground for your swings. There you will also have the chance to rent some clubs and, caddy and golf carts as well.

Then you can just go their Pro shop if you want to buy some souvenir shirts, caps, bags that have the clubs logo on it. You may also purchase any equipment you need to play your game. There you may also be able to get the chance to talk to the club pro for some pointers or enroll in some short classes to get some tips to improve your game.

Many people have grown a passion for golf. This has led them to grow the need to play challenging games to test themselves. Make a vacation out of that need, golf vacation spots in Ireland are abound and one of this is the Cork Golf Club.

Connemara Golf Links: The Perfect reflection on What Golf Links Should Be

Many Irish golf historians would agree that its vast number of golf courses is a direct influence of the stay of the British forces in the latter part of the 1800's. Wherever there was a garrison stationed; the game of golf was surely to be played. That is why there are many golf courses in Ireland that is more than a century old yet provides modern facilities and technologies and has received many reconstruction to keep up with the modern times and to maintain its natural beauty.

But there is a golf links course at the edge of the northwest side of Ireland that has less history and age but is at par with the rest of them. Started in 1973, the Connemara Golf Links is a great challenge to anyone who swings their clubs at her greens. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and back dropped by Irish mountains, this par 72 links course provides an invigorating golf game that would surely entice those who have played there to come back for more.

Adding more elements to this memorable course is the breathtaking views that abound the entire 7,000 yard course. Raising from the Atlantic Ocean are mesmerizing rainbows that makes a golfer feel one with his surroundings.

The continual gusts of winds can be very refreshing, but they can also be the scourge for many golfers. A golfer can never expect the directions of the wind, much less the weather all year round.

The 27-hole Connemara championship golf links course shall also expose the golfer to many of natures wonders as Connemara ponies and swans can be seen and even a castle is bound to be seen as you play along. The course takes so many twists and turns as well as ups and downs through rocky and rolling hills with mesmerizing ocean and mountain scenes.

After a round of golf and viewing the scenery, a member or a golfer can go to the Connemara Golf Links clubhouse for more sightseeing as well as some fine dining. The clubhouse restaurant offers a wide array of Irish dishes as well as other dishes from around the world, sure to tickle the palate of the most discriminating eater. There is also a bar where you can have a drink or two to swap stories and unwind with your golf buddies.

Didn't bother to take your clubs with you? Thatís okay, the Connemara Golf Links has a pro shop that can offer rental clubs and other things that a golfer may need. You can get souvenir items as well as caddie cars, motorized buggies, and get caddies to accompany you while you play.

The Connemara Golf Links newly renovated locker rooms are also world class quality and there is also practice fairway and putting greens where you can warm up and get ready before setting your foot in the actual course.

There are many accommodations that are set up near the Connemara Golf Links so you wont have to drive too far just to get in a game. All of them provide excellent service and fantastic rooms.

Enjoy the Irish welcome and great culture as you go to the Connemara Golf Links on your next golfing vacation. This will be a golfing experience you will never forget.

Ceann Sibeal Golf Club: Europes Most Westerly Golf Course

Set in Europe's third largest island, the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club can be found on the Western most part of Ireland and is blessed with astounding natural beauty composed of rolling dune terrains and steep and sharp cliffs that juts to the ocean. When itís a golf vacation in Ireland that you want, the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club should always be on your list.

Encompassed with some of Ireland's tallest mountains which include the popular Mount Brandon, the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club offers a variety of challenges to many golfers. Each and every play in its par 72 traditional links, 6,696 yard course is a totally different experience. This extremely wide and open course has a river that runs through it, a daunting task for some golfers to cross, plus adding the fast wind factor and the dune grasses that abounds in the links, poses a great test to many seasoned and pro golfers.

The Ceann Sibeal Golf Club was founded in 1924 aqnd has been designed by Eddie Hackett and Chris O'Connor Jr.

Going to the course alone offers a magnificent landscape and scenery that can take anyone's breath away, the dingle probably offers the must serene and virginal scenery in all of Ireland.

The course itself has been painstakingly shaped from the vast un-spoilt landscape of Ireland. Challenges and hazards come naturally in the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club with a twisting burn that runs across the entire course.

Each hole promises a different vista like bays hidden in corners revealing a fishing village, magnificent topographies rolling and swaying with the lands, and a mesmerizing view of the Blasket Islands of the Atlantic Ocean. A day in the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club would offer an experience even a seasoned traveling golfer will never forget.

In case that you have been saving up to experience the greatest golf vacation in Ireland, this is a place that you can seriously consider. Ireland is a bastion of golf courses and each one provides a different attraction, but if you want serenity and total oneness with the beauty of nature taking in both the splendor of land and sea, the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club is a perfect choice to spend that dream golfing vacation of yours.

When you finally have earned your vacation and have saved up to experience the tee time of your life, head on out to Ireland where a number of golf courses have been specially designed to challenge even the most experienced golfer.

Aside from the golf course itself, you will get a chance to experience the great Irish hospitality and culture. Dotted with numerous sites and attractions, you can take your whole family with you to share a once in a lifetime experience. Many splendid and warm hotels are ready to provide you with the Irish welcome that is renowned all over the world. Plus, after a day of golf, you can go out and live out a wonderful Irish day.

If you need more information, you can just log on to the internet and check out the Ceann Sibeal Golf Club site and confirm your booking and check out the course fees. You can also go to many Irish travel tours and see how much they are asking for a wonderful Ceann Sibeal Golf Club golf vacation in Ireland.

Take a Shot at One of Ireland's Pride, the Beaufort Golf Club

The competition to be regarded as among the best golf courses in Ireland is fierce. Ina country where there is only about 6 million people, Ireland has about 410 golf courses that caters to golfers from all over the world. They offer both parkland and links golf courses and is a premier golf vacation spot where game styles and accommodations vary. 

Situated in Killarney and is a part of the Churchtown Estate, the Beaufort Golf Club is a parkland championship course that is engulfed by the renowned McGillycuddy Reeks Mountains that provides spectacular scenery laden all throughout the course. Along the scenic views, the ruins of the Castle Core sit beside the 13th green. Entering the course, you will see two hundred year old trees lined up.

With its exceptional mild climate and the natural drainage of this par 71 course, playing in the Beaufort Golf Club will most certainly be very enjoyable. The first nine holes can be found at the west side of the avenue while its back nine provides more eye candy as they are nearer to the highest mountains in Ireland on the south side.

Measuring 6,587 yards, the Beaufort Golf Club is a great alternative for the many beautiful link courses that abound in Ireland. You could also lounge around in their cozy clubhouse that permeates an aura of mixture of tradition, history and modern developments. The clubhouse is easily located being nearby to the main house of the club. Beyond it is a formal rose garden and inside the clubhouse, you will be able to see the practice putting green. Here you will be able to find many facilities that you could go to for all your golf needs, fine dining or maybe just a couple of pints of Guinness.

Just 4 miles from Killarney, Ireland's most vibrant town, the site for the Beaufort Golf Club is in a valley that was said to be created 10,000 years ago by the Ice Age. Getting there is easy but living the warm welcome and the great environment can be pretty hard.

You and your family will be able to enjoy a golf vacation together. It doesnít matter if not all of you plays golf. The rich culture and history of Ireland and the town of Killarney coupled with its many fine dining restaurants and countless points of interest can cater to all the needs of the group.

The nearby Killarney golf course also can offer you an alternative choice as you can alternate from each course to the other for variation. Both are just stone's throw away from the town of Killarney and can be easily gone to everyday.

After your round of golf, you can just go back to the town, dress up and explore the many wonders and forms of entertainment that the town offers.

Going to Ireland for a golf vacation trip can be quite costly. But with all the wondrous sites, great accommodations and the warm welcome you will get will make every penny spent truly well worth it.

You can check out the internet for contact information to the Beaufort Golf Club or you can just visit their website. You may also talk to your local travel agency or to any other online agency to see about travel golf packages to Ireland.

Ballyliffin Golf Club's History of Success and Failures

Ireland is a bastion of golf course, whether be it parkland or links courses, and they have more than enough for its 4 million population to accommodate many other golfers from all over the world. Blessed with beautiful land and scenic views, vacation golf spots in Ireland are a definite must-play and should provide a wondrous time whether you are just a beginner or a seasoned golfer.

To those who have already gone and played at the Ballyliffin Golf Club, they have been blessed of having a chance to play at two great golf courses adjacent to each other. Both straddles the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and provides a challenging game as the wind constantly blows erratically swaying the flight of the golf ball.

Either the old links or the Glashedy links provide a relentless pursuit to providing a fun yet unpredictable day of golfing with the best of the old and new provided to its members and visitors.

Before the Ballyliffin Golf Club enjoyed its vast popularity today, it has experienced a number of success and failures that have shaped it to be one of the more exciting golf links Ireland has to offer.

The concept of starting a golf club in Ballyliffin started out in the later part of the 1940's after the Second World War. By then, a group of people interested in the idea banded together and leased lands and converted it into a 9-hole golf course. The club itself prepared the greens before playing, doing the menial tasks of mowing the grass and checking the area.

But the development of the club and the course itself was a slow and painful process. With such a small club that doesnít have really any resources at all, frustrations and doubts on whether the club should be continued at all flourished. Then the impending end of the lease also was hanging over their heads and the future of their club was slowly darkening.

But the sun shone the little golf club from Ballyliffin when the landowners agreed to extend their lease. The club's association with the Irish Christian brotherhood has also helped it recruit more players and improve their revenues. By the time the 1960's were ushering in, the confidence of its members soared and the prospect of owning the land was getting brighter.

Then by the late 60's problems with the land arose again as the owners werenít keen on renewing the lease once again. This prompted the club to look for a larger area to lease and convert into a links course.

By 1970, the Ballyliffin Golf Club transferred to a much bigger area and construction soon started. Barely three years after 18 holes were ready to be played.

But problems soon arose again. Financial concerns plagued the club and the seawall was being eaten up by the sea as more gravel were being removed for the construction. A masterfully planned charity, bazaars and concerts saved the club from financial disaster and the stopping of construction by the sea saved the property.

Soon, more members joined the club and green fees were rising with its new found fame adding more finances to the club's coffers. A new clubhouse was now opened and more facilities and amenities were being put up.

Five decades after the original group members decided to start the Ballyliffin Golf Club, a new course was now added. By 1993, the construction started on the new course beside it and was finished two years after. Many professional and golf enthusiasts that the new championship links course was stunningly beautiful and was well designed.

With the success Ballyliffin Golf Club has experienced, and the failures that has made it what it is today, you can be sure that a golfing trip to this eventful course would be well worth the long trip from across the globe.

Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen Course, A Perfect Complement to the Famous Old Course of Ballybunion

Getting a booking in the old course of the Ballybunion Golf Club can be quite difficult especially in the peak season. A long list is filled up months before the season and most of them are seasoned golfers looking forward to the difficult yet very relaxing links. But if you donít get the chance to have some tee time on the old course, you may find that the Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen course, its new course, can be quite as challenging and some might say its more challenging.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones SR., the Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen course features spectacular yet difficult long links dotted with enormous sand dunes, which means you have to make the ball fly when you play to the number of greens that has been elevated in these treacherous course.

While scores of golfers from all over the world flock to Southwest Ireland for the old Ballybunion Golf Club course, local golfers tend to prefer the new Cashen course. Many low handicapped golfers have also expressed their preference for the new course, but the old still remains as a must go to and play course for all golfers, for maybe at least once.

The Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen course has traditional links and like the old course, it is exceptionally unique, and is set with the greatest sand dunes found in golf courses world wide. Both are also designed along the Atlantic Ocean offering a calming back drop.

The Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen course is also a private members only club like the old course, but they do sometimes allow limited public access during weekdays. Limited guest plays are also allowed but must always be accompanied by a member.

The Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen course has set booking conditions so that other golfers can be accommodated as some of them come from different parts of the globe. Some of the conditions are:

∑ All payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
∑ Bookings not paid by the due date will be removed from the list
∑ Payment in full must be given 28 days after reservations has been made.
∑ Payments can be done via cash, cheque or credit cards.
∑ A handicap limit is observed. 24 for males and 36 for females.
∑ The certificate of handicaps should be presented on the day of reservation.
∑ A group of four would only be the allowable number in each play.

Being one of the most sought after golf clubs in Ireland and the world, members, guests and visitors are expected to follow a dress code that would met the clubs high standards and should be neat, tidy and clean.

You will not be accepted in the club if you were the following:

∑ Sleeveless, singlets and shirts with no collars.
∑ Outfits with slogans.
∑ Shorts that are not tailored.
∑ Untucked shirts
∑ Leisure or track suits.
∑ Also, pant legs should not be tucked inside the top of the socks.

Carts are now also available to be used around the Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen course, it will only set you back 3.50 Euros for each cart for each round. You can also ride on buggies in the Cashen which is prohibited on the old course.

When it comes to golf courses, the Ballybunion Golf Club has more than a century of experience in the industry, whether itís the old or new, you can be sure that you will get one of the more satisfying golf vacation trips in Ireland that you'll ever have.

Ballybunion Golf Club and The Old Course

Mixing Tradition and Development at the Ballybunion Golf Club - The Old Course

When it comes to the ideal golf vacation spots in Ireland, the Southwest area is riddled with amazing golf courses filled with great links and stunning views. In these parts you will see Ireland's most sought after golf course all eager to line up for some tee time, the Ballybunion Golf Club, particularly its old course.

Many popular names in the world of golf have experienced the wondrous allure of Ballybunion and have continually used it as a warm up course to unwind and relax before The Open. Names like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods and Tom Watson has registered in its log book and has provided great reviews and comments to this wondrous and mesmerizing Irish golf vacation spot.

Being the millennium captain of the Ballybunion Golf Club, Tom Watson said that it is one of the best and most beautiful tests of links he has played in, having played there since 1981.

Here in the old golf course, you will find very challenging links where the winds are constant factors and the land is surrounded by the captivating view of the Atlantic.

Opened in August 18, 1893, the Ballybunion Golf Club has had its shares of ups and downs. In its early days, the Ballybunion Golf Club did not enjoy the popularity it does today and has fallen into financial oblivion. Its first 8 years reeled the course to its all time low and was soon revived only by the changing of the officers of the club.

As more developments and land links were laid out, the reputation of the Ballybunion Golf Club grew and grew. By 1926, the course had plans to extend to a full 18 holes, barely a year after, those plans were realized. Its national level of recognition started in 1932 when the Irish Ladies Championship was held there. Five years after, Irish Mens Close Amateur Championship followed suit.

Its first most significant level of competition came at 1957 when the course was chosen as the venue for the Irish Professional Championship. Soon after, waves of other competitions and golf organizations recognized its high quality links and have given it high accolades.

After more than 60 years, the Ballybunion Golf Club finally got the recognition it so rightly deserves and things were never quite the same. Golfers now come in droves from all over the world to experience what the lucky Irish people have had for more than a century now. The Ballybunion Golf Club would always be recognized as Ireland's greatest golf vacationing spot.

But aside from its majestic and amazing rolling dunes, and the mesmerizing backdrop set by the Atlantic Ocean, the tradition and culture that has made Ballybunion Golf Club what it is today is what keeps the people coming in.

Plus, it has world class amenities that can cater to the needs of so many golfers from all over the world. There you would find a newly built clubhouse that has a dining room that can seat 120 persons, two bars and some very relaxing lounge areas. There is also a Pro Golf Shop that carries every golfing needs that you may have. Also, being a championship golf course, you will be able to find some practice facilities such as; Putting Greens, A Sand Bunker Practice facility, Driving Range, and a Chipping Green.

Ballybunion Golf Club is located at Sandhill Road., Ballybunion, Country Kerry, Ireland. For the greatest golf vacation spot in Ireland, this is a century old choice for the pros.

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort

The Melting Pot of Luxury, Service and Of Course, Golf

In 2002, the prominent Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's People's Choice Awards named the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort as the number one European resort. Just looking at the pictures of this luxurious place would make anyone agree and have the urge to pack up their bags and go straight to the airport, even though you're not even a golfer.

Set in County Limerick in Ireland, the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is a luxurious five star golf vacation spot that has a championship golf course- it is the host of the 2007-09 Irish Open, world class suites and dining facilities, sight seeing, shopping, fishing and numerous other activities that will make your stay here most memorable and pleasant.

With the ultimate high standards in facilities and service plus some of Ireland's most amazing views and landscapes, the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is a vacation destination that many people will never pass up.

In the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort 840 acre property, you will find that there is no idle time. Its deluxe castle-hotel provides any visitor with the feeling of being royalty, its Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course can offer the ambience of pro golfing, and the Adare manor Spa, Adare Manor Equestrian Center, cross-country trail, a number of fine dining restaurants and bars will provide round the clock activities you, your family and your friends will truly enjoy.

For serious golfers, the accommodations and the many facilities are great bonuses, but their sights are certainly set on the 18-hole championship golf course that was opened in 1995. Measuring a total of 7,125 yards, the Adare golf course was designed by celebrated golf enthusiast and designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. and this was the last course he designed. Many claim, in an international level, that this was one of his finest designs and creations.

The superb landscape is dotted with glorious mature trees, and Irish flora and a number of aquatic features like a 14 acre man made lake with nine holes alongside its shores.

Setting aside its astounding golf course, although itís a bit hard to do, the first thing you will see and take your breath away is the castle hotel that provides sophisticated settings and exclusive accommodations. Setting your foot inside the manor, you will immediately notice the wood and stone hallways, and the high ceilings covering the sky. As you enter your room, you will definitely gasp in awe as the rich wood furniture and elegant decorations welcome you in. Each room has world class five-star amenities which includes an elegant marble bathroom, cable TV, direct dial telephones, and 24-hour room service for starters.

When you want luxury, sophistication, comfort and a great round of golf each day, a vacation to the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort would be the best decision you'll ever make in your life.

Not every one of us will be able to play like pros and win championships. But we can play in courses that they prefer to play in and live life like the pros. This is what the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort can give to you, the chance to live like champions.