The ultimate Ireland golf trip

Finally, it was time to move inland, and back across the border, to Lough Erne, just outside Enniskillen. On my previous visit I had made the mistake of approaching from the Antrim coast. I now realise it’s considerably closer to Sligo than Belfast.

The quality of this Nick Faldo-designed parkland has never been in doubt but the resort as a whole has spent long periods in administration. Happily, those days are now behind Lough Erne, which looked every inch like the luxury resort it was built to be.

I was hugely impressed by the course, which is Ireland’s answer to Loch Lomond. The conditioning was superb and the design was even better than I remembered.

Faldo made maximum use of the eponymous water feature and it culminates with a run of three closing holes where there appears to be more water than grass. It’s dramatic, inspirational and immaculately conditioned. For my money, it’s the best inland course in the country, with a respectful nod to Mount Juliet.

While you’re here, you must stay overnight and enjoy the off-course facilities, which include fine dining and a Thai Spa.