Active Irish Golf

Golfers can be off the ferry and teeing off in Portlaoise at lunchtime. This bustling town is 55 miles from Dublin and yet a golfing haven with a fine selection of courses that will delight and challenge players at all levels. There is also an assortment of pubs, shops and restaurants in town.

GANDON INN
Emo, Portlaoise, County Laois
The Gandon Inn is a welcoming 10-bedroom family run Inn. This prestigious building dates back to 1750 and was originally an old coach house and is ideally located for taking on some of the best golf in the Heart of Ireland. Golfers who enjoy the casualness of staying in a pub with great food and drink served from till late, could do no better. Good off-road parking a quiet location.

THE GOLF
The Heath, Portarlington, Athy and Birr
Athy Golf Club was formed in 1906 but in recent years has been improved with 33 bunkers and marginally longer that puts a premium on accuracy and not on length. The 16th and 17th holes are considered by many to be among the most difficult consecutive par 4′s you will find anywhere. Meanwhile, nearby is the Heath, Ireland’s seventh oldest course with a traditional layout that is a pleasure to play. Portarlington rates among the best maintained courses in the midlands. It situated along the banks of the River Barrow and does come into play on three holes, but there are lots more challenges that will keep you on your guard. Birr has been carved out of natural woodland and eskers and provides a strong challenge for even the most accomplished golfers. Undulating fairways, ridges, hills and hollows represent the nearest inland equivalent to the links courses around our coast.

Our price for four nights bed and breakfast, ferry and green fees
Two in a car £342     Four in a car £307    Six in a minibus £298

Holiday prices for 2011 include
Ferry travel with Stena Line
Four nights stay Monday-Friday
Twin Ensuite rooms with bed and full breakfast
All midweek green fees and pre-booked tee times
Travel at any time except July 16-22 August
All prices are per person

OTHER PLAYING OPTIONS
Athlone
Athy
Ballinasloe
Birr
Castle Barna
Esker Hills
Glasson
Heath
Heritage
Mountrath
Portarlington
Rathdowney
Roscrea
Tullamore

Dublin to Portlaoise 55 miles