The Official Ireland Golf Guide 2010

From the rolling meadows of the
Midlands to the wild and remote cliffs
overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the
Shannon Region covers the counties of
Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and
Clare Tipp
South Offaly.
North
SHANNON
Limerick
A
lthough in golfing terms
the shannon region has
only just over 20 clubs to
choose from, they represent some of the
most beautiful, natural and spectacular courses
anywhere in the world.
Here you will ﬁ nd quality courses, each one
uniquely challenging and with a character that is
visually exciting. You can test your skills on the
windswept dunes of a championship links like the
legendary Old Course, or its brother the new Castle
Course, at Lahinch on the West coast of Clare. One
of the most visually stunning of the modern courses
here has to be the Greg Norman designed course at
Doonbeg. To stay in the lodge and play this amazing
18 hole championship links course, set on the Clare
coast near the Cliffs of Moher, is one of the best
experiences in golf. Massive dunes stretch along a
mile and a half of crescent shaped beach, with the
Atlantic visible from almost every hole.
But inland there are plenty of lush green parkland
courses with their tree-lined undulating fairways,
natural water traps and hazards. A number have
been created by some of the world’s most famous
course designers, like that at Adare Manor designed
by Robert Trent Snr, or like those at Dromoland
Castle, East Clare or Ennis where the amateur can
enjoy a rich variety of challenges.
But its not all golf in this rich and green
landscape. The grey valleys of the Burren are made
of rounded limestone hills. Its an upside-down world
of contradictions where rivers run underground
through of caves carved by nature; Arctic, Alpine and
Mediterranean plants grow side by side in secret
stone pockets and rocky wrinkles.
And there’s no better way to explore the fascinating
landscape and wonderful scenery than on foot. A
variety of trails take you through some of the most
beautiful parts of Ireland close to the majestic Atlantic
Ocean, River Shannon and Lough Derg.
Or take a river cruise. You can hire a boat and
captain your own fully-equipped and beautifully
furnished luxury cruiser and, with the minimum of
tuition, the mighty Shannon is yours to explore and
enjoy. Your ﬂ oating home can stop-off at towns and
villages along your route, dropping in to music pubs
and restaurants along the way.
And there are a variety of festivals to enjoy from
traditional music and song to story telling and even
one for Halloween!
Winning ways: the Championship links at Doonbeg
PG82-87 Shannon Section.indd 91 12/15/09 12:03:58 PM
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