Active Irish Golf

Portlaoise
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.

Heritage Golf & Spa Resort *****
Killenard, County Laois
The resort’s 5-star hotel overlooks the Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes co-designed championship golf course and Slieve Bloom Mountains. With its stunning accommodation, sumptuous cuisine, state of the art conference and meeting facilities, the hotel boasts the warm welcoming atmosphere of a country retreat. Every bedroom is an environment of absolute comfort and every facility from interactive satellite TV, high speed ISDN internet access to slippers and bathrobes, complimentary mineral water and a daily national newspaper. The luxury spa resort offers 20 treatment rooms set in an oasis of calm, with a selection of over 70 spa treatments and packages that will allow you to indulge in a truly world class spa experience. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the resort’s purpose build and floodlit walking track or swim in the 15-metre pool, indoor Jacuzzi, state of the art fitness facilities and a dance studio.

THE GOLF
Heritage, Portarlington, Esker Hills and Athy
The Heritage is truly a Championship course and designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes. Five lakes and a meandering stream brings water into play on 10 holes and if that isn’t enough, there are 98 beautifully shaped bunkers. 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. Esker Hills is a golfing gem in a unique setting with 18 holes of challenging championship golf where no two holes are remotely alike. It is noted for its distinct links feel, superb sand-based greens and warm welcome. 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.

Our price for four nights bed and breakfast, fast ferry and green fees
Two in a car £475    Four in a car £439   Six in a minibus £429

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
A drive-on buggy is included at Esker Hills
Pull Trolley and course guide at the Heritage
Travel at any time except July 16-22 August
Prices are per person

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

Dublin to Portlaoise 55 miles