CORK & KINSALE GOLF CLUBS
The best courses for Cork & Kinsale golf holidays.
Old Head of Kinsale Architects: J.Carr & P. Merrigan (1994). 18 holes: 6,080m: par 72.
Quite simply the most spectacular golf course in the world: nobody would argue with that. The Old Head of Kinsale is an incredible spit of land jutting out into the Atlantic that will have you playing golf about a mile out to sea. With sheer drops down to the water on all sides and ocean breezes in the air all around you it is a stunning setting for a unique golfing experience. Expensive? Yes: but worth every €uro to play here (even if it's only once!) and totally unforgettable.
N.B. There are four luxurious Suites hidden into the course; a lovely place to hideaway and enjoy total immersion into the Old Head.
Cork Architect: Dr. A. McKenzie (1927). 18 holes: 6,115m: par 72.
Founded in 1888 and re-modelled in 1927 by Dr. Alastair McKenzie (whose other great work was a certain course in Augusta, Georgia) this is an absolute must for any golfers staying in Cork. A quiet start in the woods around the Clubhouse belies the treat instore as you emerge form the blazing furze onto the banks of Lough Mahon and play alongside the water in-and-out of the old quarry. A wonderful variety of holes that will entertain you all the way along without punishing any errant swipes too severly. Clubhouse welcome second to none.
Fota Island Architects: C. O’Connor Jnr. & P. McEvoy (1999). 18
holes: 6,488yds: par 71.
A lovely piece of woodland on the next island over from Cork G.C. - Fota Island (hence the name!). Fota is one of Cork's more modern courses but Christy and Peter had the advantage of established forest to work with, which lends the course some instant antiquity. Holes are well thought out and strategy required is evident from the Tee - few hidden dangers even in the numerous locations where water comes into play. Greens are generally large, which is nice but fast and with plenty of movement, which isn't so nice! Fota Island has hosted the Irish Open a few times recently and there is a large hotel on site too these days. A modern classic, that will test your golf in every department.
Monkstown Architect: P. Merrigan (1988). 18 holes: 6,163m: par 72.
To the South-East of Cork, not far from the City centre at all, Monkstown is a lesser-known course - outwith its band of happy Members! It is a friendly Golf Club that has no need to trumpet its virtues as it has a thriving membership: once you have played its very enjoyable parkland course you'll understand why. The course runs over gently rising and falling terrain, with generous tree-lined fairways and some tricky, well-defended greens' plus the occasional water hazard to add to the fun. Some of the best value golf in Cork.
Lee Valley Architect: C. O’Connor Jnr. (1990) 18 holes: 6,725yds: par 72..
One of the newer Cork Golf Clubs, Lee Valley sits out to the West of the city amidst gently rolling hills that are, as you might imagine, as green as can be. A serene setting for a game of golf and Christy O'Connor has used the gentle contours well to create a not too-taxing round of golf with plenty of water in play and large testing Greens. Very popular with Society golfers and Corporate days.
Kinsale Architect: J. Keneally (1993). 18 holes: 6,455m: par 72.
Completely overshadowed by its near neighbour the Old Head, Kinsale sits quietly in the shadows waiting to surprise any golfers with its bevvy of natural charms. A lovely tract of elevated pasture that has been set-aside for golf and a Clubhouse that offers broad views across the county of Cork. Kinsale descends gradually down to the Bandon river that has been pooled here-and-there to add a little spice to the lower holes and a large pond in front of the 9th & 18thGreens to finish each half of your round with a flourish. The Club itself dates from 1880 and has a rich history including quite a few moves until it settled at Farrangalway in the 1990s.
Other courses to consider:
Muskerry Designed by the very same Alistair McKenzie of Augusta National fame. A gentle five-hole start then the fun really begins as the course climbs away from the Shournagh river to the hill-top holes 8 to 14. Tricky club selection but wonderful scenery – particularly in Spring and Autumn.
Douglas Sitting on a hillside, Douglas has plenty of sideslopes to its wooded holes. To the South of the city in the vicinity of the airport.
Bandon A fairly hilly course out to the West of Cork.
Castlemartyr A gentle, modern parkland course in the grounds of a Stately Home - now a luxury hotel and self-catering apartments.
Bantry Bay Away to the West, a treat on the way to Killarney with stunning views of beautiful Bantry Bay.
And there's more: Cobh, Water Rock, Blarney, Mallow - to name a few!