From north to south

AS has already been made clear, Ireland is certainly not short of a good links or two, or parkland or downland for that matter, and this strength is also reflected in the country's hotels and guesthouses, making it the perfect destination for a golf break.

A traditionally warm Irish welcome is guaranteed wherever you travel. For example, in the north you will find two courses of great repute, the Old and Glashedy Links of Ballyliffin (pictured), and you can stay than a mere wedge from its fairways in Co Donegal.

The first thing that strikes you about the four-star Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel and Spa is the spectacular panoramic view of the Inishowen coastline. The 40-bedroom hotel combines all the warmth and grandeur of a traditional country house with the luxury and comfort of a modern hotel, while the Rock Crystal Spa can ease away all the aches and pains of a hard day on the course.

Central to a stay at the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa is the award-winning Holly Tree Restaurant with its mouth-watering use of the best fresh local produce. Not too far away is the elegant Inishowen Gateway Hotel, which is located on the shores of Lough Swilly "known as the Lake of Shadows " and commands panoramic views of the sea and white sandy beaches.

This contemporary yet traditionally styled hotel has a fitness centre and spa and is conveniently located next door to Buncrana, which shares the stunning views of the "White Strand". Moving south down the east coast and past Dublin, St Helen's Bay is an ideal location to either begin or end a trip in Ireland and is just a short drive from the ferry terminal at Rosslare in Co Wexford.

The 27-hole layout boasts scenic cliff-top views and, with luxury cottages on site, St Helen's Bay specialises in society play-and-stay packages offering accommodation, golf and dining.

But if it's memorable holes you're after, the closing two stand out from the previous 16, which are played around a parkland set-up. The 17th and 18th run back towards the clubhouse along the line of the cliffs with the former a tricky par three and the latter a shortish par-four made infinitely more difficult by the nearby dunes, cliffs and sea. Located south of Wicklow, Blainroe is also blessed by its location by the sea along a stretch of coastline renowned for having some of the best beaches in Ireland.

With sea views from all 18 holes, this enjoyable and challenging parkland course carries the prestigious Hawtree all Son design signature and is recognised as one of the finest courses on the East Coast. The 14th stands out as the feature hole and is played over the sea from a cliff promontory, followed by a testing par three.

The modern clubhouse overlooks a private beach, while the attractive Wicklow Town with its harbour, pubs and restaurants is just 3.5km away. As you venture into the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains, next to Munster's most central town, Charleville is an ideal base in the south of Ireland.

The attractive parkland course has been on its present site since 1941 and recently extended to a pleasant 27-hole, heavily wooded layout that is well known for its lush fairways and beautiful greens. Once you have plotted a safe course through the plentiful trees, a friendly welcome awaits in the luxury of the clubhouse that has excellent catering and bar facilities. Charleville is also within easy driving distance of both Cork and Limerick.

Good old-fashioned Irish hospitality is nothing short of what you can expect from Killeen House, a converted rectory that mixes 19th-century charm and elegance with modern-day comfort and convenience. Located in the southwest of Ireland and set in one-and-a-half acres of mature gardens, Killeen House has been owned and managed by Michael and Geraldine Rosney since 1992, and they will be more than happy to make all the necessary golf bookings for you.

Just a short hop away is the town of Killarney and should you wish to stretch your legs, Ireland's first National Park lies to the southwest. Killarney stands at the foot of Ireland's highest mountain range, Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Darby "Gills Country Club is also located close to some of Ireland's top courses. Using Killarney as a base, a golfer can enjoy the challenges of many world-famous layouts, including Killarney's three courses Mahony's Point, Killeen and Lackabane. Beaufort, Ross, Dunloe, Dooks, Waterville, Tralee and Ballybunion are also nearby.

The hotel itself is set right in the heart of Kerry, just five minutes from Killarney. It is close to a number of attractions, including Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, Kate Karney's Cottage and the Gap of Dunloe.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP...
Organising a golfing trip can be a confusing and time-consuming business, so if you would like someone else to take care of the finer details, why not contact one of our recommended tour companies below.

Impact Golf and Leisure specialise in tailor-made golf trips for groups of all sizes and aim to provide each group with the finest golf break possible. There is no better place to stay and play and if you are looking to tackle the Kerry coastal links courses such as Waterville, Ballybunion and Tralee. Or should you prefer the inland courses of Killarney, Impact can offer you a wide range of golf and accommodation. To the east coast, Dublin stands out as a great base with superb nightlife and even better courses.

Whether you are looking for a long weekend break or to take a much longer stay in Ireland, Impact Golf and Leisure will be able to select the right venues and give you a truly unforgettable experience. With Imagine Ireland it's not difficult to picture the perfect holiday in the Emerald Isle. Well known for offering quality accommodation, they have over 1000 properties nationwide that are within easy reach of many renowned courses.

Among their vast range are a detached house on the fairways of Killerig, a modern apartment in St Helen's Bay and a luxuriy holiday home in Carlow. You can be confident that all your expectations will be met as all properties are inspected personally by Imagine Ireland staff. Value for money is also high on the agenda and property and car hire or ferry inclusive packages start from £13 per person per night. With Imagine Ireland you can book with confidence assured that they will take the time to explore your preferences and travel options to build the golfing holiday you want, at a price you want to pay.

With Fairway Golf Holidays there is no such thing as a standard holiday, and with many years of experience, they have two fantastic options in south-west Ireland to take advantage of. The first takes in three days of unlimited golf at Fernhill, part of a hotel complex. Fernhill is situated next to the lively village of Carigaline and is also close to Cork and Kinsale. Secondly, staying at the welcoming and elegant four-star luxury Midleton Park Hotel, you can play three rounds of golf at Harbour Point, Water Rock and East Cork or Youghal.

Midleton is a lovely Irish town and is also the home of Jameson Irish whiskey, where you can also take a tour around the distillery. Irelandhotels.com features some of the best deals on accommodation across the country as all hotels and guesthouses featured in this site are members of the Irish Hotels Federation.

This is the definitive guide and you will find a wide range of unmistakably Irish accommodation from city hotels in Dublin, Cork and Galway to country guesthouses in Kerry, Limerick or Belfast. However, if you are looking to stay in an Irish hotel or guesthouse within seven days, check out www.lastminuteirelandhotels.com where you will find hundreds of hotels and guesthouses offering a minimum discount of 10 per cent.

Factfile
Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel and Spa
00 353 74 9378200

Inishowen Gateway Hotel
00 353 74936 1144

St Helen's Bay
00 353 53 91 33234

Blainroe
00 353 404 68168 00 353 63 81 257

Dunore East Golf & Country Club
00 353 51 383151

Killeen House
00 353 643 1773

Darby O'Gills
00 353 64 34168

Impact Golf and Leisure
01494 715915

Links Helicopters
00 353 61 472146

Imagine Ireland
01756 707 720

Fairway Golf Holidays
0161 439 7500

Irish Hotels Federation Irelandhotels.com
Wicklow
00 353 404 67379

Charlesland
00 353 1287 6764

South County
00 353 1458 2965

IF you fancy treating yourself why not take a trip with Links Helicopters? Based at Shannon Airport in Co Clare, they are ideally located for the wonderful links courses of the south and west. You could start your day with 18 holes at Ballybunion before moving to Old Head of Kinsale. It's a three-hour journey by car but with Links Helicopters just a 40-minute flight.

Call 00 353 61 472146 for further information. A traditionally warm Irish welcome is guaranteed wherever you travel.