On the occasion of the Irish Open 2022, which will be held from June 30 to July 03 in County Kilkenny, the editorial staff of Swing Féminin takes you on a discovery of three exceptional Irish golf courses. Go to the heart of 5 years of history, on legendary fairways and in superb hotels.

The European Club

©The European Club

On paper, this name alone makes one shiver with curiosity: the Irish "Ancestral Lands" extend to the east of the country, from Lake Carlingford to the mouth of the Shannon and the city of Cork, passing through the capital. , Dublin and up to Athlone in the center. A peaceful land, made of green valleys and dune coasts, which fascinates visitors with its history. In the footsteps of the Vikings, on the borders of mystical landscapes and castles castles, Ireland is renowned for the richness of its heritage, the undeniable hospitality of its people... And its golf courses! The Ancestral Lands have no less than 25! Something to combine the discovery of an amazing culture with the pleasure of swinging.

Fairways and spray

  • The European Club
    The European Club - ©TPlassais/Swing-Feminin

Precisely, we are starting our golf trip in the East of the Emerald Isle with a nugget, The European Club. A real favourite, ranked among the 100 best golf courses in the world and number 1 in Ireland. Founded in 1987, this golf course is located south of Dublin, in the "Garden of Ireland", County Wicklow. The course of the European Club was designed by the erudite architect Pat Ruddy, always (alone) master on board and inexhaustible on his work. Or rather should we say masterpiece, as this varied course, constantly changing, and modern despite its 35 years, is amazing. His particuliarity ? Its bunkers reinforced with railway sleepers.

A word of advice: if you have the choice, visit it in the spring. The fairways are dotted with magnificent bright yellow broom, which smells of coconut this season… Playing at The European Club between April and June is clearly an intoxicating experience! Not to mention that the views of the dunes are incredible and that the course, located by the sea on a classified archaeological site, is home to many dolmens. Moreover, we find them on the logo and the signature of the club!

Good news, The European Club is a private club… Open to the public. So do not hesitate to stop there to hit a few balls, believe us, you will not regret it! And for that, the ideal is to drop off your luggage at The Glenview hotel, located in the small rural town of Delgany, 30 minutes' drive from the European Club. The Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club is a 4* establishment whose history dates back to the early 1900s. It has all the charm and elegance of old-fashioned addresses, combined with the comfort of the 28st century. 71 km from Dublin and at the gates of the “Great Sugar Loaf”, The Glenview has XNUMX rooms and suites with a view of the valley. For the pleasure of customers, the establishment also offers an indoor swimming pool, a "leisure club", a bar and a restaurant, "The Woodlands", whose chef Sandeep Pandey honors Irish cuisine and local producers.
  • Roslare Golf Club
    Roslare Golf Club - ©TPlassais/Swing-Feminin

One hour further south, head for County Wexford where, it seems, are the most beautiful beaches in the country. It must be said that this county has more than 250 km of coastline! So, of course, we set off to discover a seaside golf course, The Rosslare Golf Club. The hide-and-seek that is played there with the sea view (between the hairy sand dunes) in no way detracts from the quality of the course of this real Irish links. Founded in 1905 as a 9-hole course, it has become, thanks to the talent of the famous firm "Golf Course Architects", a high-quality 18-hole course with traditional charms. Its greens and fairways are perfectly maintained, the striking zones are generous, which makes this course very pleasant to play. A little extra: Rosselare is reputed to be the sunniest spot in Ireland!

The “Sunny South East”

To take advantage of the "Sunny South East" (literally, "the sunny south-west") we therefore stay in this resort town, at Kelly's Resort Hotel. Formerly a tea room, this 4* hotel has belonged to the same family since 1895, and the least we can say is that the Kellys have hospitality in their blood! Moreover, they took advantage of the pandemic to improve their establishment, with in particular a new catering area outside. The rooms and suites, with their sober chic and light colours, are "little" bubbles of calm where it is good to rest. Ideally located by the sea, this Resort offers many services: a Spa, a café, bicycles available to customers, a billiard table, a bistro, a swimming pool... In short, the ideal place for a weekend in Rosselare, only 1,2 km from the golf course.
  • Mount Juliet Golf Club
    ©Mount Juliet Golf Club

Finally, head to the last club of our golf trip (but not the least), the Mount Juliet Golf Club. By car, you have to drive 1h10 towards County Kilkenny to discover this "in land" route very different from the two others mentioned above. Created in 1991 by Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole course generously planted with oaks, lime trees and beeches has already hosted some of the greatest golf competitions in the world. On this ambitious links, 5 lakes and 80 bunkers have been very intelligently placed... Enough to give golfers a hard time. Do you want to follow in the footsteps of the greatest, or even pave the way for them? That's good, the Mount Juliet Golf Club will host, from June 30 to July 03, the Irish Open 2022.

Within the Club itself, there is an establishment of the Autograph Collection hotel group. The Mount Juliet Estate is a 5* which perfectly transcribes the atmosphere of the land that hosts it. County Kilkenny has one foot in its medieval past and one foot in the present, marvelously combining two energies: one full of authenticity, the other modern and cosmopolitan. Housed in part in a superb Georgian mansion, the Mount Juliet hotel has the same ambivalence. But here, from the charm of the old to the ultra-comfort of modernity, everything exudes excellence. The rooms and suites are scattered in two buildings: 32 of them, unique, are in the Manor and 93 others in the "Hunter's Yard". As for the culinary offer, it lives up to the rest. At the Michelin-starred restaurant "Lady Helen", chef John Kelly gives pride of place to Irish cuisine with refinement, while at the "Hound", you can enjoy a more relaxed meal with a view of the golf course. The Mount Juliet Estate also has a swimming pool and offers its customers exceptional treatments… Still need to be convinced? A stroll in the superb gardens, in particular the old rose garden, should end up charming you.

Ask for the program:

  • Paris-Dublin Aer Lingus - Photo TPlassais/Swing-Feminine
    Paris-Dublin with Aer Lingus - Photo TPlassais/Swing-Féminin
How to get there ? The nearest airport to the Irish "Ancestral Lands" is Dublin, an average flight time of 1h45 from Paris. For those who have the time, there is also the ferry option. From Cherbourg, in the north of the Cotentin peninsula, you can reach Rosslare by boat. Several companies offer the trip and the crossing time varies, depending on the type of ferry. Steam Packet will get you there in 2h50, but only offers 3 crossings per week. Count 3h with Irish Ferries and its 7 crossings per day, or 5h37 with Stena Line, which provides 13 crossings per day.

How to get around? On site, if you decide to rent a car, remember: we drive on the left! If that's not on the program, know that the island has a very efficient road network, with bus companies serving towns and countryside, for total immersion in the country.

What is the best season? If the country is practicable all year round, this is not necessarily the case for its golf courses, especially when you are not a fan of rain. However, if we call Ireland the "green Eirin", it is because of its greenery... And the rain that waters it abundantly, throughout the year. Fortunately, the weather is very changeable! But to make the most of your stay, we still advise you to leave between May and September.

Something good to know? Remember that the Irish are bilingual, they speak English and Gaelic. Learn a few words before you leave, such as “Dia dhuit” (hello) and “Go raibh maith agat” (thank you), as this once neglected language is now enjoying a resurgence. Also remember to take an adapter, because the electrical outlets are type G. Finally, even in summer, don't forget your raincoat!

To know more :

www.irlande-tourisme.fr

The European Club: http://www.theeuropeanclub.com/

The Rosslare Golf Club: https://rosslaregolf.com/

Mount Juliet Golf Club: https://www.mountjuliet.ie

To read our last article on the same subject :

Northern Ireland: grain and drunkenness