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Ireland's West coast is typified by long, dramatic coastlines, with wild undulating terrain, perfect for crafting the mighty championship links courses that Ireland is famous for. This region is proud to host some of the finest Championship Links courses in all Ireland and every one we've chosen is a Links gem, rated in the top 100, ranging from the rugged delights of Enniscrone, the wild grandeur of Rosses Point & Carne, the enchanting views at Donegal, to the hidden charms of Strandhill. We'd recommend staying near Sligo, which is easily reached from a variety of airports including Knock, Belfast, Shannon or Dublin. Sligo has a special quality that entices visitors back time and again. It is a county steeped in heritage and tradition, with some of the most scenic countryside in Ireland. Unspoilt terrain, fantastic scenery, links tradition, tee time availability, value for money, quality links courses – this stunning region has it all !
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RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION |
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Downhill House Hotel, Co Mayo |
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Welcome to the Downhill House Hotel. This leading hotel is located on the banks of the Brosna River, tributary of the famous River Moy, on the outskirts of the bustling town of Ballina, Co Mayo. Downhill House, as it was known, was purchased by Frances & Michael Moylett in 1936. Over the years it has evolved into a hotel of excellent repute through a sensitive and tasteful expansion plan under the careful eye of the family. This Mayo Hotel is situated on its own magnificent manicured lawns shaded by copper beech and cherry blossom.. The hotel boasts a superb selection of 60 rooms, all are well detailed, and equipped with all the modern amenities - the perfect home away from home. The Brosna restaurant is renowned for wholesome, delicious and select cuisine. The welcoming aromas, fine wines and meticulous presentation of superb foods are served by dedicated chefs and waiting staff ensuring satisfaction and contentment. |
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GOLF |
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Donegal |
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Donegal Golf Club is located on Murvagh Peninsula in Donegal Bay, not far from Donegal Town in the north of Ireland. The course officially opened in 1976 and is considered one of Ireland's finest. The Bluestack Mountains serve as a backdrop for the links, and Donegal Bay and the northwest Atlantic Ocean bracket the peninsula. The on-course views match the off-course in many places around the links, which plays through tall, golden fescue and dunes. Donegal is undoubtedly one of the best in the North West and is continually rated in the top 20 courses in Ireland. This Murvagh masterpiece is often described as the Muirfield of Ireland with similar terrain and loops of nine design. There is no doubting Donegal golf club's claim to be among the best golf courses in Ireland. Premium is placed on pure ball striking and the ever present wind requires thought rather than force. It may leave you battle-scarred, but the memory of battles won will leave you with that satisified feeling unique to links golf.
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Rosses Point |
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County Sligo Golf Club is situated at Rosses Point, a seaside village eight kilometres north west of Sligo town, and is one of the oldest and best known links courses in Ireland. Founded in 1894, the links are set out on one of the most scenic locations - bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west; Benbulben dominates the view on the northern skyline and bears a striking resemblance to Cape Town's Table Mountain. To the east Glencar valley and the Dartary mountains with Lugnagall and Truskmore, while the southern vista is completed by Knocknarea topped by a large Cairn of stones reputed to be the grave of the 'Warrior Queen Meave of Connaught'. The club has hosted many prestigious events over the years. It is home to the West of Ireland Championship which is held each Easter. The club has hosted the Irish Close Championship as well as the Interprovincial and and the Home International Championships which were staged here in 1991 when Ireland won the Raymond Trophy.
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Strandhill |
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.A visit to Strandhill Golf Course is a must for golfing visitors to Sligo. Situated 8km west of the city of Sligo and nestled under the famous Knocknarea mountain, this 5675 meters of undulating fairways and unforgiving short cuts makes it a course to remember. Strandhill Golf Club was founded in 1931, and had a nine hole course open for play in 1940. Play on the present 18 holes commenced in 1973. Christy O'Connor Snr on his first visit to the course described it as "The hidden jewel of the West". The course has been described as very challenging, and has successfully hosted many Provincial and National finals. The player can also enjoy an uninterrupted view of spectacular scenery made famous in Song and Story. Strandhill golf club offers full restaurant and bar facilities, a fully equipped golf shop with club hire and buggy hire.
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Enniscrone |
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Enniscrone Golf Club gives the golfer a picture of life as it must have been for primeval person - rugged dunes, unchanged since time began, a bracing wind, clear sky, the most beautiful beach in Ireland, the Moy Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, all encompassed by the backdrop of the Nephin and Ox Mountains as they loom heavily against the sky. Enniscrone is one of those links that you can recommend to your friends and visitors without any fear that they will come away disappointed. Undoubtedly it is its right to be included among such exalted company as Ballybunion, Connemara, Lahinch, Waterville and Bantry Bay as the premier links on the Western seaboard. Once you step on to the first tee prepare yourself for the ultimate golf experience. Dramatic Dunelands, inspired design, superb greens and breathtaking views combine to make golf at Enniscrone an absolute delight. As you walk on the fast draining fairway turf, where you never get less than a perfect lie, you experience a feeling of lightness that makes two rounds seem more like one.
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Carne |
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Carne Golf Links lies in magnificent unspoiled sand dunes overlooking Blacksod Bay and the wild Atlantic Ocean. Carne was the last links course to be designed by the late Eddie Hackett and it is now believed by many who have played it to his greatest challenge. The building of Carne has caused little disturbance to this wild and ancient landscape. Tees and greens occurred naturally and very little earth moving was involved in the course construction. There are some breathtaking views over the Atlantic and the legendary islands of Inis Gloire and Inis Geidhe. Eddie Hackett once said "I just dress up what the Good Lord provides". Although it would have been possible (many modern designers would say preferable) to remove some of the many "semi-blind" shots on this golf course, Eddie Hackett insisted on leaving the terrain as it was found. The flag cannot be seen on no fewer than 10 of the long holes, but with a little local knowledge there is no tee-shot that is blind. The landing areas are quite clearly visible and from there so are the targets.The result is a golf course that may have peers but does not have betters.
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GOLF DONEGAL . GOLF ROSSES POINT . GOLF STRANDHILL . GOLF ENNISCRONE . GOLF CARNE . GOLF SLIGO . GOLF WEST IRELAND |
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