More to Ireland than Links
The island of Ireland is well known for its rugged coastlines and dramatic scenery, offering golf travellers some of the world’s finest links golf. However, what often flies under the radar is Ireland is the quality of parkland golf, which is among the best in Europe, due to the perfect weather conditions, the nutrient rich soil and the spectacular natural countryside.
Just 30 minutes west of Dublin, within the county of Kildare, there are two iconic venues, each with two courses and both of which have each held numerous high profile professional tour events.
K Club
The well established K-Club is well known for hosing the 2006 Ryder Cup, in which Ian Woosnam captained a triumphant European team, beat the US in dramatic fashion.
The tournament was played on the North Course, which was designed by Arnold Palmer. It’s a stern challenge measuring up to 7,442 yards from the blue tees. The green tees offer a far more manageable 6,425 yards, presenting an enjoyable and challenging experience for the experienced amateur. ‘Arnie’ put his mark on the design, by mixing beautiful terrain and conditioning with plentiful opportunities for disaster, as the course weaves its way along the river Liffey – coming into play on several of the holes.
Most noticeably the 7th and 8th holes, where the course hugs the riverbank on the lefthand side of each of the fairways. The 7th is a real picture postcard par 5, requiring a shot over the river to the green, which the longer hitters can attempt to reach in two after a good drive.
The course never fails to keep the golfer engaged, as it builds up to the most challenging holes towards the end of the round. the run of par fours from 14 – 16 are delightful, with demanding approaches over water on 15 and 16.
Holes 16-18 being some of the most picturesque and demanding, with a premium of shot makings and course management.
The second course at the venue is the South Course, which was also designed by the American golfing legend. This is more forgiving and is often described as an American design, given the prevalent bunkering and target golf approaches. It’s certain to provide a fun challenge and alongside the North course makes the K Club a high class 36 hole venue.
The hotel opened in the early 90’s and was one of the early, modern, luxury destinations in Ireland. The hotel is designed in a French-Château style and the rooms are high-end luxury. The hotel amenities include two restaurants and two bars. There is also an on-site gym and a highly rated spa, offering premium treatments in a tranquil setting.
If golf isn’t your thing, or for those wanting more than just a golf getaway, you also have the option of fly-fishing along the river Liffey, horse riding, walking and cycling trails, and even clay pigeon shooting and falconry experience. All of this makes the K-Club an excellent destination, aimed at those who want to spoil themselves with the ultimate in Irish luxury and hospitality.
Golf packages are available directly through the K Club website www.kclub.ie/
And golf specific packages are available through a number of golf tour operators, including Your Golf Travel and Golfbreaks.com
Carton House
Just to the North East of K Club you’ll find the equally impressive estate of Carton House, which also hosts two exceptional golf courses. The difference here is not only that the Carton House courses were designed by two different golfers, but also that the parkland of the O’Meara is accompanied by the inland links style course, designed by the Great Scott, Colin Montgomery.
The venue is another extremely high-end, luxury resort, and once you arrive you won’t have any stress or hassle, as the friendly and accommodating staff do everything they can to make you welcome. Originally constructed in 1739, the impressive Palladian-style country house transformed into one of Ireland’s premier golf venues in 2002, when the Mark O’Meara course was built, with the Montgomerie course following a year later.
The Mark O’Meara Course will host the KPMG Women’s Irish Open on the 6th July
The Mark O’Meara Course will host the KPMG Women’s Irish Open on the 6th July, 2025, for a second time, following the success of the 2024 tournament, which attracted almost 40,000 spectators to witness Annabel Dimmock from England claim her second LET title.
The O’Meara course is great fun and noticeably more forgiving and open than the golf on offer at the K Club. Set amongst undulating terrain, the rolling hills provide a treat for those who like to open their shoulders off the tee and give the driver a rip!
It’s a strategically demanding test and is presented in fine conditioning with attention to every detail, including immaculate teeing areas and manicured fairways. The bunkers and greens are extremely well maintained, giving the golfer every opportunity to score well. The course peaks in the middle of the back nine, with holes 14 to 16 navigating their way over the Rye River and back again.
The 14th is a delightful par 3, played from an elevated teeing area requiring a shot of 180 yards. You then play back across the river on the 15th par 5 hole, brining the water into play from the tee and for the approach.
The 15th is surely the signature hole, requiring the player to cross the river twice from the back tees. Taking this one on in two shots is strictly for the big hitters!
More drama awaits on the 16th hole, another demanding par 3 over water, with a green sloping front to back. There is no bail out here. Hit the green or pray for some luck from the Golfing Gods.
then, once you are safely through to the 17th, it a chance to make your score on the final par 5 of the round before finishing off on the 18th with a superb backdrop of Carton House, welcoming you to the luxury of the hotel, or the magnificent 19th hole bar and restaurant, which has the feel of a top-end American diner.
The Carton House hotel is known for its no-expense spared luxury. It offers luxurious style and character and provides elegant accommodation, fine-dining and a vast range of spa treatments and services. The Morrison Room Resturant has been rewarded a 2025 Michelin Star and regarded as one of the best restaurants in Ireland.
You can find some excellent offers directly with the hotel for tailored experienced packages Carton House Experiences
Alternatively, if you are looking for golf specific packages, Gaolbreaks and Your Golf Travel or Golfbreaks can provide great value group packages, for golfers looking to tie in additional golf courses in the surrounding area.
To find out more about the excellent golf experiences available in Ireland visit www.ireland.com/golf
