Within an hour of leaving Dublin you can be playing golf in Kildare
and Laois – and both counties have superb golf on offer at great value for
money. Here is a mix of the old and some testing new courses, with golf
breaks to suit every pocket and taste.
Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, County Kildare.
The Carlton Abbey is a new hotel, leisure club and spa in the heart of the heritage town
of Athy. Modern design blends with traditional styles to accentuate the original features of
the old Sisters of Mercy convent to present you with a truly magical experience. The 40
luxury deluxe rooms have all been tastefully and elegantly designed.
Four nights B&B
Two in a car from £435pp
Four in a car from £390pp
Minibus + 6 from £376pp
The Golf: Kilkea Castle, Athy and Killerig.
Athy has undergone extensive
refurbishment, adding to its style and challenge while at nearby Kilkea Castle, the
designers have cleverly used the River Greese as a natural hazard. Killerig has
established a reputation for having some of the finest greens in the country and the golf
is both challenging and enjoyable.
Gandon Inn Emo, Portlaoise, County Laois.
Originally a coach house built in 1750; the Gandon Inn now has 10 comfortable
modern en suite bedrooms and is centrally located for golf. Downstairs there is a bar
with intimate nooks and crannies creating a warm, informal atmosphere. There is a
restaurant and bar food is served during the day and early evening.
Four nights B&B
Two in a car from £374pp
Four in a car from £329pp
Minibus + 6 from £315pp
The Golf: Portarlington, Birr and Athy.
Athy is a traditional club-style course with several really
challenging holes and has undergone major improvements recently. Portarlington is
an outstanding parkland course with a splendid mix of mature trees, a nice balance of
water hazards and quality greens. Birr was established in 1893 and the post–glacial
terrain of glens and eskers presents a test to the most discerning players.
Foxrock Inn Clough, Ballacolla, County Laois.
A delightful village pub offering the best home cooking and typical Irish hospitality.
Located near to Abbeyleix in a rural location but surrounded by excellent quiet quality
golf courses. There are six en suite bedrooms, which makes it ideal for individuals and
small societies. The bar is popular with local people.
Four nights B&B
Two in a car from £348pp
Four in a car from £303pp
Minibus + 6 from £289pp
The Golf: Rathdowney, Mountrath and Abbeyleix.
Rathdowney is set in rolling countryside with an ambience left unchanged by
designer Eddie Hackett, while Mountrath has the River Nore coming into play on
several holes and will keep you thinking. Abbeyleix has lovely fairways running through
a combination of mature trees.
Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, County Laois.
A great hotel in the ideal spot close to town centre shops, bars and restaurants and
central to many golf courses to suit every pocket. There are 100 stylish en suite bedrooms
with satellite TV, telephone, tea tray and trouser press. Guests can enjoy a 22–metre pool,
sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, or try the fully equipped gym.
Four nights B&B
Two in a car from £453pp
Four in a car from £408pp
Minibus + 6 from £394pp
The Golf: Heath, Portarlington and Tullamore.
The Heath is Ireland’s seventh oldest course with a traditional layout and is a pleasure
to play. Tullamore is in great demand due to its maturity, fine old trees and style.
Portarlington is a beautiful parkland course where mature trees and woodland often
come into play.
All above prices are for B&B based on sharing twin or double rooms and include standard season HSS or Express mid-week ferry crossings for a car, MPV or 4x4 with three rounds of golf as shown.
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