Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club: Irelands Secret Treasure

Playing a round of golf can be a very relaxing activity and more and more people have been hooked on the game and have seen it as a form of therapy, an exercise and a means to discipline one's self. This is because the game requires an intense concentration and focus. Plus the game is played on a natural course laden with the beauty of nature.

One country that has truly elevated not only the game, but also the way a golf course should be. Ireland has been blessed with the many natural beauty of nature that has allowed it to be shaped and molded to golf courses that has indeed been a sight to see and a joy to play in.

With the hundreds of courses that are sprinkled all over Ireland, it's hard to choose which one to go to for a golf vacation in Ireland. But then again, there are usually some that stands out from the rest, just like the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club.

Proudly the last golf course the legendary Irish golf course designer Eddie Hackett designed, the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club built a links like course that needed about 250,000 tons of sand. Sadly though, Eddie Hackett never saw the end of the construction as he died before it could be finished. A new designer was hired to oversee the construction. The change designs that he did resulted to poor reviews when the course was opened in 1998. The owners had to reshape and redesign the course under the tutelage of a famous American designer, Ron Kirby.

By 2003, the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club was leased by Universal Golf Consulting Ltd. And took the reins in developing the course and making it more playable and constructing a new clubhouse. This led to the success of the club attracting more members and visitors. With the developments made, the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club is now recognized by the Irish PGA as one of 5 tournament fixtures in the calendar of the professional tournaments.

The course's concept was to provide a venue where in professional and seasoned golfers could enjoy a challenging round of golf but would be played by beginners and novices as well. The course should also be able to host championship tournament games as well. The Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club has succeeded in doing so and this is founded by the scores of people who come every year and the number of tournaments held there.

Sandwiched by amazing views like the Kenmare Bay below it and the Caha Mountains and MacGillycuddy Reeks towering over it, the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club has a course that can calm the most troubled souls.

 Aside from the course, the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club also has world class amenities and facilities like a newly redecorated all-inclusive clubhouse, a practice driving range, and a fully stocked pro house where you can find all your golfing needs and souvenir items.

Choosing and finding a golf vacation spot in Ireland could seem to be a very daunting task, but with a little research and taking the time to see what each has to offer, you can definitely picture yourself teeing off amidst Ireland's great natural beauty and the warm welcome of the Irish people.

Portmarnock Golf Club: A Classic Course with a Classic Warm Welcome

This is one of Ireland's classic Golf Clubs founded in 1894, its recognition and testament to its fine quality golf course is founded by being the venue for the first ever Irish Open Amateur Championships done in 1896, barely two years after it was opened, then almost a century after, the Walker Cup was hosted by the Portmarnock Golf Club in 1991. One of the greatest honors the course has received was being ranked number 30 in 2005 by the famous Golf Digest in its annual top 100 courses outside the US.

The Portmarnock Golf Club started initially with only 9-holes, two years after, 9 more were added making it a complete 18 hole championship course. Eight decades after, another 9 holes were added making it a total of 27. Each of the 9 holes done in stages were an effort collaborated by the amateur members and professionals who joined their efforts to provide the club a golf course that was not only beautiful, but extremely challenging as well.

Many golfers, pros and amateurs, have acknowledged the fact that the Portmarnock is one of the justly dubbed great links in Ireland. The seaside breeze provides a cool refresher and it is also one of the natural enemies of every golfer. A gust of strong wind can easily sway a ball in flight. This course offers little blind curves and some classic bunkers. What you get is a course that will truly test your skills and define you as a golfer.

The course is situated 12 miles from the center of the city and is hugged on one side by the Howth peninsula coastline. While playing, a golfer is rewarded with stunning views from Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island. Taming the course is a delectable experience mixed with the peace and pensive ambience, the well manicured greens, the tended landscape and the winds that abruptly changes both in direction and strength constantly.

But aside from the golf course which make the club well known. The Portmarnock Golf Club offers a variety of amenities and facilities as well. Backed by a dedicated and smiling staff, the Portmarnock Golf Club provides high international standard service to its members and guests.

A golfer may head on to the clubhouse straight to the locker rooms after a round to get refreshed in its shower facilities. They can also go to the bar and restaurant where fine dining on authentic Irish fare can be had. Or they can just go for some drinks and talk about the day's events.

A well-stocked pro shop also offers a wide range of top quality golf equipment like clubs, balls and tees. You can also be able to purchase great Portmarnock Golf Club clothing encrusted with their name and logo. They have in store different colors and designs of hats, shirts, pull-overs, jumpers and other gift packs as souvenirs or gifts.

There is also practice facilities which includes a putting and chipping green just adjacent to the clubhouse. You will also be able to rent pull carts and if they are available, caddies would be able to assist you as you play.

When it comes to a golf vacation in Ireland, the name Portmarnock is not to be missed.

Mount Juliet Estate: A little Something for Everybody, From Golf to Fishing to Equestrian

Rarely would a person find a place so peaceful amidst today's fast paced lifestyle. But this estate has been developed with tranquility in mind and a place where one can unwind and just enjoy life the way it was meant to be. With 15,000 acres of lush greens and landscapes, there is a host of activities that a whole family can truly enjoy, so when one is thinking about a golf vacation trip in Ireland, this is the spot for you, the Mount Juliet Estate.

A property and house that was built in the latter part of the 1770's, Mount Juliet is a dedication by the Earl of Garrick to his wife when he bought the property. In the early stages of the 1900's the property were sold to the McCalmont family, from then on, more renovations were done and in 1989 a luxury hotel was opened. By 2002, the place was then a Conrad Hotel.

One of its major tourist attractions is a championship 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself. Opening in 1991 with a match between the designer and another legendary golfer, Christy O'Connor Sr., the mesmerizing and well-designed challenging course has made a name for itself and has been the venue of many games from professional and amateur golfers worldwide.

Mount Juliet has been the scene for so many major golfing events and was the venue for the 2004 World Golf Championships featuring the World's fifty best golfers. Crowds to the said event turned up in the thousands as major golfing names like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn played a thrilling game that was decided only at the last hole.

As each year pass by, more features and extensions are being done to the golf course to make it more challenging and appealing to its members and to those who play there for major titles. This just proves Mount Juliet's dedication to pursue golf excellence and to provide their members the utmost service and the greatest facilities there is. This course is the only one in the whole of Ireland that has been chosen as the "Big Bears" signature course, Jack Nicklaus took many pains in his design and personally overlooked the construction of the project.

After a days round of golf, a golfer can look forward to retiring to the Juliet House which has been bestowed in 1999 with the AA Hotel of the Year award. Mount Juliet Conrad prides itself in providing the highest international standard in service and fine dining served in a warm, welcoming and relaxed way.

If you came with your family or your friends, you can also enjoy a plethora of activities aside from Golf. Mount Juliet Estate can provide other activities such as roaming the estate on the back of a horse. With 1,500 acres of lush greeneries and scenes to explore, riding on a horse would certainly be a calming experience, a peaceful activity one would cherish in their memories forever.

When you are finally decided to go on a golf trip, finding a golf vacation spot in Ireland is not that difficult. With all of the natural beauty that has blessed thie country, you can be sure that you will have the time of your life, like what many people have experienced in Mount Juliet.

Lahinch Golf Club: Over a Century of Fine Irish Golf

Scottish soldiers of the Black Watch Regiment knew at once that they found a treasure trove in the wide rolling dunes land in the Southwest of Ireland, just approximately 2 miles from the stunning Cliffs of Moher, in 1892 and converted it into one of the best classic golf links in all of Ireland. Ranked number 27 by Golf's Digest in 2005 in the top 100 golf courses outside of the United States, the Lahinch Golf Club has continuously attracted many golfers to test its windy courses and have a great scenic experience as they play a round of golf.

The first layout was designed by Tom Morris and was soon given alterations 3 decades after by Dr. Alister Mackenzie. This links course has panoramic views that have a scenic vision of the Liscannor Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. By 2004, the course underwent a major reconstruction and many members and visitors have agreed that the enhancement has made vast improvements and making it further a favorite golf vacation spot in Ireland.

Each and every hole promises a challenge and especially the 4th hole and 5th hole, dubbed as Klondyke and The Dell respectively, which is deemed as historic. Great views and breath taking ambience engulfs each player taking him to a new experience unlike no other.

Besides the fantastic round of golf each and every golfer, whether a local or a tourist, you get also fantastic service and amenities that is truly world-class. The clubhouse has a restaurant that serves fantastic Irish dishes and other international cuisine, while the pub offers a taste of Lahinch history and a wild array of drinks.

Hotels and other points of interests can also be found just a couple of miles away from the Lahinch Golf Club. This is a vacation where you can take your family with you and have lots of fun together.

You can have your game in the morning and still be able to spend some of your time with your family in the surrounding attractions. You can explore the quaint little fishing villages and the many restaurants and museums that are located in this part of Ireland.

Ireland certainly knows its golf. Admittedly, Ireland is dotted with world class golf courses that can cater to different golf proficiencies. Some of them are very well-known while some are kept as Ireland's hidden secrets. Some of them are even capable of hosting and acting as venues for international competitions.

But while each and every one of them has its own allure, only the Lahinch Golf Club occupies a special place in the memories and hearts of every Irish golfer and all those who have set foot on the Lahinch green. With its fantastic location, the culture and history and its magnificently designed course, you get most probably Ireland's best golf vacationing spot.

All you have to do is check out the website for Lahinch Golf Club and check out the details for bookings and reservations. Many offers are being given to international tourists which comes in packages. You can choose which package would suit your needs and budget. You can also check out travel agencies locally or through the Internet. With a little research, you may be on your way to your dream golf vacation in Ireland.

Killarney (Killeen) Golf and Fishing Club: Experience Playing In This Old and One of a Kind Golf Course

Situated in the Southwest of Ireland, the Killarney (Killeen) Golf and Fishing Club is blessed with one of the most beautiful golf landscapes in the world. It is comprised of wonderful golf courses with a natural lakeside to add to the beauty and is also considered as the “Nearest Golf Club to Heaven”.

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has a magnificent backdrop of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, and lies three unique lakeside courses that can accommodate beginners in golf as well as professionals.

Golf has been played in Killarney since the 19th century. Since then, they still provide and in fact, improved the course to share it with golf aficionados from all over the world. The wonderful game of golf can never really be truly enjoyed if you haven’t played in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club before.

Killeen is one of the courses in Killarney and is considered as the jewel in the crown. It has been reopened in 2006 and offers spectacular lakeside scenery and will also provide a challenge to long hitters. It offers water features on nearly every hole and fast greens. Nick Faldo is only one of the three players to finish the Killeen course under par. But then again, that was before the changes in 2006. Today, the Killeen course offer a more challenging course that will definitely test your skills as a golfer.

Killeen has a difficulty level that is recommended for advanced golfers. With tight tree lined fairways, and water features on nearly every hole, it will test your golfing skills to the limit. Adding to the challenge are large, fast undulating greens. This course proves to be an equal balance between beauty and challenge.

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club is known to be one of the oldest, internationally recognized, and well established golf clubs in Ireland. It has over 1,700 members from around the world and is still increasing. The Club’s location is one of the most enviable locations in the world.

Killarney has a long golf history. It was founded in 1893 and since then, it went through a lot of development and renovation until it became one of the best golfing locations in the world and it hosted a lot of high profile golf events throughout the years.

Killarnet Golf and Fishing Club have a wide range of amenities that will satisfy your golfing needs. They have a pro shop where you can purchase the latest high profile golf clubs in the market and other golfing apparels that you would want to purchase as souvenirs.

Killarney Golf and Fishing Club also have a place for beginners and advanced golfers alike to learn or improve their golfing skills. The Killarney Academy has helped countless golfers improve their skills in playing the wonderful game of golf. They are also known to build fine golfers in the world with world renowned instructors to help their students achieve that perfect golf swing and perfect golf form.

If you plan on staying in Killarney for a few days, then you should consider staying at their luxurious accommodations that will rival the best hotels in the world. Another feature that Killarney offers is the Clubhouse. They have parking spaces for guests, they have practice facilities where you can improve your swing, this is also the place to hire caddies, and they also have a locker room facility to accommodate your needs as a golfer.

The Killarney Clubhouse also has a restaurant that is known to serve first-class cuisines and let you fully relax after a long game of golf with your friends.

Playing golf has never been as enjoyable. Killarney Golf and Fishing Club is definitely the place you have to be to play golf and also be on the nearest golf club to heaven.