Murray's summary:

Some outstanding courses with a good mix of smaller, cheaper local clubs too: with the warmth of a real Irish welcome.

Birdies:

•  Big commercial courses and small local Clubs

•  City centre attractions and pretty coastal towns

Bogeys:

•  No pure links courses

Why go?

Cork offers the travelling golfer a taste of the real Ireland, as it has not been overrun by visiting golfers as you might find further West or lost its Irishness as you might find with the influx of Europeans around Dublin.  Cork also has more reliable weather, albeit rapidly changing as ever on the Emerald isle.  There are big name courses to play such as Fota and the Old Head, plus a host of little gems to discover at incredibly good value such as Monkstown and Kinsale.  A combination of which will allow you enjoy a great weeks golf without breaking the bank.

When to go?

Spring, Summer and Autumn are the best times of the year to travel.  To be honest, the weather is variable throughout the year, so you will probably have some showers whenever you travel - just the temperature of them will vary!

Where to stay?

Cork and Kinsale are the two towns that stand out as places to stay.  Cork is not too large a city and can be a very good base if you like plenty of choice in places to wine and dine.  Kinsale is a much smaller town and probably my favourite palace to stay.  There are enough bars and restaurants in the town to keep you amused, the food is excellent (especially the fish) and most evenings you will find a band playing in one of the many bars along the couple of streets that make up the town centre.

The golf resorts of Fota and Castlemartyr are good options too if you prefer to stay out of town on a golf course.

Old Head

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Murray's word

The best course in the world? Very possibly.  The most spectacular setting for a golf course in the world? Definitely.
On a promontory jutting into the Atlantic your only companions out here (since the lighthouse keepers left) are gulls, guillemots, choughs and skuas that cling to the sheer rock faces that plunge away on all sides of the course down into the deep blue below. Every hole is both testing and unforgettable and some will having you gaping in awe (and trepidation) from the Tee.  All golfers should treat themselves to a round here at least once in their lives.
Nine luxurious Suites are available on the ground floor of the Clubhouse if you want to partake of the full Old Head experience and the eerie isolation of the Old Head at sundown (and possibly sunrise?).

Fota Island

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Murray's Word

Fota is a heavily wooded island amidst the waters of Cork Harbour; the huge variety of trees being planted in the 18th and 19th Centuries when Fota House was a private Estate and hunting lodge.  This lovely terrain has been delicately shaped into 27 holes of very attractive parkland golf.  The course has a slight incline down towards the waters of the harbour, yet is easy to walk.  These lower, more open holes have some pretty water features which contrasts nicely with the mixed woodland of the rest of the course.  The additional 9 holes (2008) are similar in style and fit well with the originals albeit still with younger feel to them.  The course is a good, honest test of golf with hazards plain to see from the Tee and good enough for the Irish Open in 2001 & 2002.  There is also an extensive academy and practice facilities so residents at the hotel can play and practice to their heart's content.

Cork

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Murray's Word

When you arrive at Cork you have no idea of the treat that lies in store for you. The holes around the Clubhouse look like standard parkland holes. However once you set foot on the 4th Tee, built out onto the banks of the estuary, and stare down the waterway to the distant flag amidst the gorse, things change. Holes 4 – 11 are unlike anything you will have played before: a gorse and bog filled ex-quarry with bare rock walls hemming you in on one side and the waters of Cork Harbour on the other – quite an experience. The other holes are respectable parkland fare: together a nice combination.  As you might expect from the fellow who designed Augusta, the Greens (and surrounds) are slick with big borrows, that will expose even the slightest flaws in your short game: but great fun trying nevertheless!   A course that you should not miss if you are anywhere near Cork.

Blarney

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Murray's Word

A little isolated from the town of Cork, the Blarney golf course is in a very rural setting amidst rolling gorse covered hills to the north of the city.  The course is fairly long yet with generous enough Fairways to encourage you to use the Driver - as you might expect from John Daly!  Most of the holes run along the top of a broad-backed ridge and give great views of the classic Irish countryside all around.  Holes 3 & 4 however descend one side of the hill and add some tricky elevation changes to the general run of the holes.  The 10th is the only quirky hole: a more than 90° dog-leg with a little pond beside the Green and no way to cut the corner from the Tee.  The main golfing obstacles are big bunkers and the gorse, although the latter is sensibly kept under control.  Clubhouse is a huge affair with several function rooms and a vast Pro-shop, presumably aimed at large corporate events and weddings etc.

Monkstown

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Murray's Word

Easily reached from the centre of Cork city, Monkstown is a busy Club with plenty of active Members and a good parkland course.  Despite the number of Members (and in the spirit of the game) they always welcome visitors, with advance notice.  The course is thickly wooded, in an elevated position inland from the waters of Cork Harbour.  The holes continually rise and fall around several small hills and valleys; the Members all walk but buggies rae available should you require one.  The course is composed of many good par fours, not overly long, lined with impressive, fully grown oaks and pines.  There is a little water beside the 18th and a stream that comes into play along one side of the course, other than that trees and intelligent bunkering are the main hazards.  A few pylons criss-cross the land but are largely unobtrusive.  Great value golfing and a very friendly, locals, Club.

Cobh

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Murray's Word

A new Club opened only in 2009 and as yet with no real Clubhouse. The stretch of land itself is very impressive: an elongated hill with water on two sides, a bit hilly for golf in places but most holes have great views of Cork Harbour. Being so young there are not many trees to speak of apart from the perimeters, but there is plenty of sand to negotiate. The 10th is a very tough island Green par 3, set against the backdrop of the harbour.  The 12th is a similarly demanding short hole although only semi-island Green this time. Clubhouse is a temporary collection of Portacabins, so plan on changing at your hotel; although rudimentary showers and changing rooms do exist. A nice course with lovely views - as long as you are fit enough to enjoy them!

Castlemartyr

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Murray's Word

An old country Estate and manor house that has been converted into a luxury hotel and compact golf course.  The course designers shifted a lot of earth to shape the holes, as established trees were lacking. This gives the course the look and feel of an "inland links".  Holes runs side by side with plenty of out of bounds around the edges. Strangely unbalanced course with a front nine that feels quite short and relatively straightforward, followed by a much tougher back nine. All in all a gentle course that will suit the majority of guests at the hotel looking for an enjoyable game without losing too many balls.
Very unusual space-age Clubhouse that clashes somewhat with the house and formal gardens.

Water Rock

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Murray's Word

A straightforward pay and play set-up – but with a very pretty and well maintained course, albeit a little on the short side.  Originally low-lying farmland - so intensely fertile and well irrigated, the lush land has been converted into an uncomplicated golf course.  The standard of Greenkeeping is very high with neatly mown grass all over and neatly tended shrubs that add a touch of colour here and there.  The area of land is just about big enough for 18 holes, but there are plenty of mature trees to outline the fairways and separate the holes.  The course descends from the Clubhouse to a lower section which has water on quite a few holes – not least the 12th a par 3 which is all carry. The Clubhouse is a little basic but warm and friendly and has everything you need. Very good value and not too demanding as it is open to all levels of golfer.

Mallow

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Murray's Word

A real country hideaway in the gently folded hills just outside the small town of Mallow.  The course has plenty of slopes to the Fairways (both up and down and from side to side) making club selection and stance a little tricky in places and the course is quite demanding to walk.  But the elevation changes and the established trees provide some inviting looking shots.  As you approach the Clubhouse the holes are quite close together (even criss-crossing at one point) so watch out for other golfers.  An enjoyable course as long as you don't mind a few hills.  After which a hearty local's welcome awaits you in the Clubhouse!

Lee Valley

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Murray's Word

Lee Valley is quite a commercial set-up in the pretty valley of the river Lee just to the West of Cork city.  The course is a modern layout with through a mixture of woodland and more open countryside, surrounded by a broad sweep of agriculture.  The course has a few gentle rises and falls but nothing serious and is a very pleasant walk through the Cork countryside. A fair test of golf with water coming into play on a few holes but in general trees and sand are the main obstacles.  However once these have been overcome the large slick Greens with a fair amount of borrow to contend with can cause a few problems at the business end of the each hole!  Lee Valley is very keen to attract more visitors and can offer you extra services such as a frre mini-bus transfer to and from town.  They also have twenty holiday cottages on-site, which we will review on our next visit.

Kinsale

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Murray's Word

The other course in Kinsale and often overlooked, which is a shame as it an honest course through very pretty woodland scenery and tremendous value.  The holes are mainly on top of a rounded hill affording great views of the surrounding farmland.  Here and there they descend the hill a little, but the inclines are never serious (in fact two of the original holes on the lower section have been replaced by new holes higher up).  Water comes into play on a couple of holes - quite naturally on the lower section where a stream forms into a small pond around a couple of Greens; more man-made on the 18th where a pond in font of the Green will keep you honest!  A very enjoyable course and one I would certainly play if staying in Kinsale.

Douglas

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Murray's Word

A tightly knit course on a hillside to the south of Cork that slopes down towards the waters of Cork Harbour on one side and the busy main road on the other. Many of the holes are across the slope so uneven lies abound. Greens are quite small and tricky to hold, which combined with the uneven lies makes your short game ultra-important. The Club has many Members so is quite busy most days and Tee-times can be hard to find.

East Cork

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Murray's Word

A very simple course and Club laid out through natural woodland and ex-farmland.  Designed and maintained with value in mind, the course has few bunkers or course "furniture" and relies on the naturally lush land to retain its greeness.  A good place to play for a gentle warm-up or for higher-handicappers to play without teh pressure of a "big name" course, albeit with a few narrowish Fairways through the trees.

Large one-room Clubhouse with a very relaxed atmosphere.

Fota Island Resort*****

Murray's Word

On entering the hotel you would be forgiven for thinking that you had left Ireland for America.  The Fota Island hotel has that sense of largeness with wide sweeping corridors, spacious public areas and very well proportioned bedrooms.  However it has only 74 bedrooms so maintains a reasonable sense of intimacy.  The hotel is positioned in the middle of the new nine holes, with its own driveway and car park, plus a convenient shortcut path down to the Golf Club behind the hotel.  Well organised and thought out the hotel makes a great place for a golfing stay without being directly attached to the Clubhouse.  There is a good sized indoor pool and spa area, bar/lounge and two restaurants (one, Le Caveau is clearly aimed at the top end of the market).  Fota Island is not far at all from Cork airport and very handy too for getting to Cork Golf Club, Monkstown and down to Kinsale and the Old Head.

Castlemartyr*****

Murray's Word:

A small stately home half an hour to the East of Cork city that was originally home to the Boyle family, than became a Carmelite monastery and later a private school. It has now taken on the guise of a luxury hotel with delightful suites in the main house plus a new wing (block) of “standard” rooms connected by a modern glasshouse of a spa. The standard rooms will be more than adequate for most golfers with all the usual features, plus you may stroll through to the main house, spa and luxurious public rooms, bar and light and airy restaurant. The spa is an important feature of the new extension with indoor pool, sauna, hammam and a full range of treatments. The location is good for access to the Cork courses plus those further East towards Waterford and on to Mount Juliet. The town (five minute walk via the old castle entrance) is by no means large but has a few pubs and a good restaurant or two.

Imperial Hotel**** - Cork

Murray's Word

One of the finest hotels in Cork and full of the traditional charm of the people of Cork. The Imperial is the flagship hotel of the small Flynn family hotel group, who care for the old establishment lovingly, décor and furnishings are regularly refreshed, so the hotel never feels outdated. The Imperial is right in the centre of Cork, with the slight drawback that its parking is either on the street in front (tricky during the day) or in a nearby multi-storey about five minutes walk away. Bedrooms are a very good size making excellent Twins for parties of same-sex golfers.  The hotel has a good restaurant: The Pembroke; and a large bar too: Souths.  The latter often having live music. The ground floor also has a charming coffee shop with tiled walls dating from the Century before last. A recent addition is the conversion of one corner of the hotel into the "Escape" Spa which, although compact, offers a range of beauty and relaxation treatments in addition to a small plunge pool, steam room and sauna. A very good city centre hotel - despite the slight hassle with parking.

Trident Hotel Kinsale****

Murray's Word:

The Trident hotel is a sister hotel to Actons and sits just slightly further around the quay on the edge of town: no more than five minutes walk into the very centre of Kinsale.  The hotel comprises the old wharfside buildings which house the bar and restaurant and a new wing which holds all of the bedrooms.  A good combination that gives you plenty of charm in the public areas with all the advantages of recently designed and constructed bedrooms and bathrooms, which are well proportioned and have big picture windows looking out over the harbour.  Being linked to Actons Hotel, guests at the Trident are free to use its swimming pool and spa facilities.  A pool and spa is planned for the near future - watch this space!

Blarney Golf Resort*** - Hotel

Murray's Word:

The Blarney golf resort sits quietly out in the Cork countryside amongst rolling green and yellow hills.  With a three-star hotel, self-catering golf lodges and a John Daly designed courses, it is a great little golf retreat handily situated for Cork City and the courses to the North and West.  The hotel is low rise, so unobtrusive from the golf course (other developers please take note) and having been completed in 2008 is modern in design rather than cosy and traditional.  The central reception has a bright bar and restaurant plus there is an indoor pool with whirlpool and spa area.  An honest, good value golf resort that offers functional accommodation with a few nice extras without trying to be exclusive and ultra-luxurious.

Blarney Golf Resort*** - Lodges

Murray's Word:

Beside the hotel are the Blarney Lodges, designed for the longer self-catering stay.  The Lodges have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a lareg sitting/dining room downstairs and a fully equipped kitchen.  Residents in the Lodges have access to all the facilities in the hotel too - bar, restaurant, pool and spa.  So teh Lodges make a great base for golfers who prefer a more flexible style of holiday, where they can choose to cook for themselves or dine out.  Breakfasts are available at the hotel each morning, please specify when booking whether you would like this included in your visit.

Actons Hotel Kinsale****

Murray's Word:

Actons Hotel sits right on the wterfront in Kinsale, a collection of adjoining period houses that have coalesced into a comfortable and feature-rich hotel.  There' s a small garden and car-park in front, then it's the main road and the sea.  Bedrooms are not the largest (although as it is not a purpose built hotel they do vary in size) and have all the amenities that you would expect of a good four-star.  Actons was one of the first hotels in Ireland to feature an indoor pool and leisure centre.  Recently refurbished it now offers a large indoor pool with massage jets, outdoor hot-tub, steam room, sauna, whirlpool spa, solarium, massage and beauty treatments.  There is a good restaurant and bar too, they have to be good to compete with everything in the “gourmet capital of Ireland”.  Simpler dishes are also available all day in the Waterfront Bar, ofetrn with music in the evenings.

Dining out in Cork

Possibly the best restaurant in the City is Jacob's on the Mall (021 425 1530) just down the road from the Imperial Hotel it is an old riverside warehouse that has been cleverly converted into a bright and airy restaurant with great food and good service.  Plenty of fish always on offer, but enough to keep carnivores interested too.  N.B. Closed on Sundays.

Along the pedestrian areas between St. Patrick's Street and South Mall you will find all manner of other options for eating and drinking.

Dining out in Cobh

Cobh is a pretty little harbour town just a short drive from the Fota Island resort.  It's a good place for holiday strolling and ice-cream licking, plus it has a number of good restaurants.  Some of the best are: Trade Winds (021 481 3754) a small place but imaginative chef, The Quays (021 481 3539) lots of fish beside the Waterfront Hotel and Gilberts (021 481 1300) a larger restaurant, which is OK on a good night but historically a little bit of a patchy performer.

There are several pubs along the quayside too and at the top of the very steep hill towards the church.

Dining out in Kinsale

Kinsale is a perfectly formed holiday village, which has a busy sailing community all year round.  There are narrow streets lined with brightly coloured shops, bars and cafés for strolling and plenty of options for dining.  The most famous eatery is Fishy Fishy Café (021 470 0415) once a small fishmonger in the backstreets, now a grander, but equally good, affair very close to Actons hotel.  Ostensibly a pub, Jim Edwards (021 477 2541) is another great place to dine, either in their restaurant or more informally in the adjoining bar. 
You will also find Italians, Chinese and Indian restaurants if that's what tickles your tastebuds.

Nightlife

If you are interested in serious late night partying then their best place to base your trip is Cork City where there ar plenty of late night bars and clubs.

Elsewhere you will normally find a late bar open (and taxis) in Kinsale or even in quieter Cobh should you wish for a few extra after dinner drinks.

Sightseeing

Like any large city Cork has it's good and not so good parts, although a lot of effort and money id being spent on improving the shabbier areas.  The centre of town, between the river and the canal has become a shiny pedestrian shopping area with a good mix of department stores, bars and the ubiqitous coffee emporiums.  The narrow streets behind hold the older shops and more traditional bars - as does the area just to the North of the river along MacCurtain Street.

Out of town Fota Island with its statley home, arboretum and walled gardens are worth a detour as is the harbour town of Cobh with its brightly coloured shops and houses along the quay.

Just north of Cork there is the famous Blarney Castle where you might like to perform the gymanstics required to kiss the Blarney stone.

The countryside all around is pure green Ireland and the wild coastline that stretches west towards Clonakilty has stunning sheer cliffs dropping down to the sea.  Five minutes strolling in the sea breezes here will remove most cobwebs!

Flights

Cork has direct connections to many European destinations and more can be reached with a change of aircraft.  Sited on the south side of town and with good road access, the city centre is only half an hour, Kinsale is about the same heading south, as is Fota and Cobh heading out to the East.  Castlemartyr is a little bit further east, maybe taking just over an an hour in the rush hour traffic.

Hover on a logo to see the available routes, clicking the logo below will take you directly to the airline's website to book your flights.

A very useful site that searches all the major airlines and some of the "lo-cost" carries for you is Sky Scanner.  You can alter depature and arrival points, dates and times at will and the website will come back with several options almost instantaneously. Click below to give it a go.

Ferries

By sea there are routes from the UK into Rossalre from where it is a couple of hours drive to Cork.  You could also sail into Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire, from where the drive would only be an extra hour or so.

Hover on a logo to see the available routes, clicking the logo below will take you directly to the ferry company's website to book.

Discounted ferry prices for Murray's Members - just click on the logo to lower the gangway to our exclusive Member rates.

Hire cars

Probably the most flexible way to get around during your visit.  Both airports offer the full range of hire-car companies: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt et cetera, whose contact details are shown opposite (if you have not already been offered a hire-car by your airline when you booked your flights!).

Holiday Autos offer a 10% discount to Murray's Members off their already low rates.  Simply click on their logo opposite to be taken to their specially discounted website.

Chauffeur driven cars, minibuses and coaches

Local Travel Companies

If you would prefer to leave the driving to somebody else then there are a number of local travel agents who will take care of all you transfer arrangements.

Rose Travel - Small and medium sized coaches, based in Tralee but wil cover most of the island of Ireland.

Tel: +353/0 66 713 7407         

Discounted rates for Murray's Members