Rosslare is a natural links on the Irish Sea in the sotheastern corner of Ireland. Seven of the original holes have been modified in recent years and Rosslare is now one of the most enjoyable links courses in Ireland - while at the same time presenting a very strong golfing challenge. It is located just minutes from the Rosslare ferry port - and makes an excellent first game on southeastern golf tour itineraries.
Enjoying a panoramic location overlooking Wexford town and harbour, Wexford Golf Club is a testament to the people of Wexford who decided in the early 1960's that a golf course was required. The course starts with a per-3 that captures the essence of the roller-coaster nature of the course and the loop of 4 finishing holes must surely provide one of the most interesting finishes to any golf course in Ireland.
Boasting a superb setting on the banks of the River Suir, the course has been cleverly moulded into a wonderful landscape of mature trees, flowing parkland and some five lakes. With tricky doglegs, blind tee shots and strategically positioned sand traps, represents a stiff challenge for even the most accomplished golfers. At a regular yardage from the white markers of 6,284, distance is rarely the main problem in negotiating a good score at Faithlegg. The perils of the course lie more in its clever layout and slick, often wickedly contoured greens. Any round of golf at Faithlegg will test the golfers shot testing skills to the limit. Rolling straight and true year round, the greens at Faithlegg are finely manicured, often perilously fast in summer months. For visiting golfers, Faithlegg is the perfect inclusion as part of any golfing itinerary in the region.
The unique Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Club is Ireland's only true island golf resort. Completely detached from the mainland, this privately owned 310 acre island, home of the world renowned Waterford Castle Hotel, contains a wonderful parkland golf course. Designed by Des Smyth, former Ryder Cup player, and opened in 1992, this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, leads you through mature woodland and parkland. The course itself runs to 6,814 yards, off the medal tees, and covers an area of over 200 acres. Despite being completely surrounded by water Waterford Castle has an additional four internal water features on the second, third, fourth and sixteenth holes. The layout reveals attractive rolling fairways and subtle contoured greens, magnificently blended into the sensational setting of this Island Dream!
A beautiful parkland course, Tramore Golf Club moved to its present site in 1939 because the constant barrage from the sea made the old 9-hole links impossible to preserve. Tramore has since matured into a fine challenge and has hosted the Irish Close Championship on three occasions. At just under 6,700 yards off the tips, Tramore is a fair test for golfers of all abilities - but don't be fooled by its undeniable beauty, all it takes is one stray shot to ruin a potentially respectable scorecard and leave you thinking.
Gold Coast Golf Club is a championship parkland course with unrivalled views of Dungarvan Bay, the Irish Sea and Helvick Head. The course is a clever amalgamation of the old 9 hole course that features mature, tree-lined fairways laid out in 1939 and the long and challenging newer holes added in 1992.
Home to the 2002 & 2004 American Express Championship (Tiger Woods and Ernie Els), the greens superindentent Aidan O'Hara was lavished with praise on both occasions for the condition of the course and especially the greens. Mount Juliet is Jack Nicklaus' only design in Ireland and pretty much conforms to the great mans style. Long holes with huge greens and protection in the form of bunkers reinforcing the natural hazards of this former estate land.
Kilkenny Golf Club was founded in 1886 and is one of the premier parkland courses in the southeast. Recent improvements have introduced sand-based greens and the course construction on free draining soil makes it playable all year round. Although the terrain is predominantly flat, an abundance of mature trees ensure that Kilkenny provides a serious test to all levels of golfer.
Set amidst the old Annaly Estate in the heart of County Kilkenny, Gowran Park, noted as premier racecourse in the Southeast Ireland, is also home to one of the most vibrant golf courses in Kilkenny. Designed by Jeff Howes, the course is a wonderful parkland golf course with tree-lined fairways and superb greens complemented by various water hazards, lakes and streams. The 15th hole is arguably the most picturesque hole on the course, no bunkers, no water, just a corridor of fairway cut between two rows of 100ft plus trees.
An unusual feature is that five holes are contained within the hore reacing track. This exciting, beautiful, dramatic and challenging golf course leads to an enjoyable golfing experience.
Founded in 1899, Carlow Golf Club is an excellent parkland test, though the sandy subsoil gives it a links feel. The undulating terrain provides a setting for several excellent golf holes and the greens are well protected, small and fast. Carlow is rated amongst the top-20 championship courses in Ireland and is a worthy contender for any southeast golf itinerary.
Set in the grounds of a restored 19th century manor (now converted to a 4**** Golf Hotel), Mount Wolseley is another O'Connor Jnr. masterpiece. The course presents a fair but testing eighteeen holes, none of which will disappoint even the most discerning golfer. Native wildflowers border the fairways that meander across delightful countryside dotted with numerous natural water hazards.
A true and great links designed and owned by Pat Ruddy, one of Ireland's foremost golf architects. South of Dublin on the County Wicklow coast, the course tumbles through massive sand dunes and provides stunning views of he Irish Sea. The course bears all the hallmarks of a Ruddy design - well defined holes with large undulating greens and severely punishing bunkers. Tiger Woods recorded the course record 67 on his first visit to the club.
