Golf Courses in the South East of Ireland
When you think of golf in Ireland you immediately think of the world famous links courses that surround the coastal country side of the south west and rugged north east of the country. Unfortunately many golfers who visit these shores don’t get an opportunity to explore the vast array of golfing gems that lie in different less heralded parts of this fabulous golfing nation.
The south east boasts a fine selection of parkland and links courses to rival its more illustrious cousins to the west. Golf isn’t the only reason to visit the south east, they don’t call it the sunny south east for nothing and there is an endless selection of beaches and mountains to explore if golf is not your thing. I’ll go back to my comment about the sunny south east before I go any further; this part of Ireland is famous for receiving the most amount of sunshine annually than any other part of the country, surely a reason to head south.
Seafield Golf Resort is situated just outside the picturesque town of Gorey in Co Wexford. It’s a very enjoyable parkland layout that sits on a cliff top overlooking the Irish sea, the 4 star hotel contains an excellent spa and leisure club that is sure to keep the entire family happy for a couple of days. Similarly the family owned St Helens Bay is surprising mix of both parkland and links golf and offers exceptionally reasonable rates during the summer months. If it’s a tougher test of golf your chasing the Arklow in Co Wicklow is the best bet for you, this is a traditional links golf course with high sand dunes and dry fast undulating greens that has tested the short games of golfers of all levels for over 80 years.
Further south in Co. Waterford you will stumble across Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort the only golf course in Ireland situated on a private Island, designed by former Ryder Cup star Des Smyth, the par 72 championship parkland gem is a must for any keen golfer.
If you are a trophy golfer and like to play where the greats of the game have played then look no further than Mount Juliet in Co Kilkenny, made famous in the early part of this century when 14 time major winner Tiger Woods played in the first World Golf Championship to be held outside of America. This Jack Nicklaus design has constantly been recognised as the best parkland course in Ireland by Golf Digest Ireland magazine.
Where ever course you decide to play in the South East of Ireland you are sure to enjoy it basking in glorious sunshine and don’t forget the après golf in the bar afterwards.
