COUNTY CORK

It is the creation of renowned golf course designer Ron Kirby, whose credentials were honed on such Irish masterpieces as the Old Head, and Mount Juliet, as well as Gleneagles in Scotland. In Castlemartyr Mr. Kirby has developed an inland links style course that creates a visually pleasing yet testing experience. The course is designed to be challenging and pleasurable for players of any calibre. Castlemartyr Golf Club provides first class service across all aspects of the golf spectrum, from the course, to the Club House and Pro Shop.

Mahon Golf Course is a municipal course in Cork, Ireland, that operates a public booking system and a staffed Green Fees Office. Visitors can book online through the club’s BRS booking facility and payment is taken at the point of booking; on arrival all players are required to report to the Green Fees Office to check in. The course enforces a number of straightforward local rules: golfers must have their own set of clubs (sharing is not permitted), non‑paying walkers are not allowed on the course, and players should aim to arrive about 15 minutes before their tee time. There is a 24‑hour cancellation policy and bookings are transferable to another player if you cannot attend. Hire equipment and pay‑as‑you‑play services are offered: rental clubs must be reserved in advance, and the club publishes rates for ride‑on buggies and pull trolleys. Season Ticket applications are currently paused and the club publishes a range of seasonal green‑fee and membership options. The course also asks golfers to observe GUI standard dress and suitable footwear. For bookings, hire enquiries or cancellations the club requests contact by phone or email prior to arrival.

Cobh Golf Club is one of the highest rated courses in Munster, and provides a genuine and spectacular challenge to high and low handicap golfers.

Glengarriff Golf Club is a nine‑hole, parkland‑style course situated in the village of Glengarriff in West Cork. The club was established in 1934 and welcomes visitors, societies and members of all abilities. The course is managed for year‑round play where conditions allow and offers practice facilities alongside use of the clubhouse and its social areas (subject to opening hours). Visitors can play a full 9‑hole round or combine to play 18 holes; Summer 2026 green fee information on the club site lists rates for 9 holes and 18 holes. Club services include hire of clubs and optional golf cart (buggy) hire, available subject to availability. The club runs events through the season and is home to the Maureen O’Hara Golf Classic festival in July. Booking is handled through the club’s tee time system and visitors are invited to check opening times and availability before travelling. The setting and the shorter, parkland layout make the course suitable for golfers seeking a relaxed outing rather than a championship test.

Mitchelstown Golf Club sits on well‑draining parkland beneath the Galtee Mountains in North Cork. Established in 1910 as a nine‑hole course, it was extended in two stages: six new holes opened in 1994 and a further six completed in 2003, with the later work designed by David Jones. The routing pairs older tree‑lined, river‑side holes with newer open hillside holes. Notable holes cited on the club scorecard include the long par‑4 4th (recognised by Irish Golfer Magazine in its Best 100), the short par‑3 14th over the Funcheon River, and the pond‑guarded 15th. Built on top quality, well‑draining ground, the course is playable for most of the year. The club runs a regular competition calendar, welcomes visiting societies and accepts visitor bookings online via BRS Golf. On site, the clubhouse provides a weekend bar, changing rooms and a function room for prizegivings and events; there is free parking. Practical visitor services include buggy hire on request and pull‑trolley hire (€3 per round). Practice facilities include a practice net and a putting green. The club retains archival items and honours boards in the clubhouse and was voted GUI Munster Club of the Year in 2011.

Cork Golf Club. Designed by Augusta’s genius Alister MacKenzie and recently enhanced for the modern golfer – Cork Golf Club is sculpted from historic limestone quarries and unfolds magnificently along the banks of the City’s Inner Harbour. A special place since 1888.

As I drove away from Berehaven, I couldn’t help feeling that if somebody threw a million dollars at this, largely unheralded gem of a course, it might become a serious rival to California´s Pebble Beach; it really does have that much potential.

Fermoy Golf Club traces its origins to 1893, when golf was first played on the Aerodrome in Fermoy. The club relocated in 1972 to its present site on Corrin Hill, where a mature 18‑hole, par 70 heathland course designed by John Harris measures 5,831 metres. The course is laid out on elevated ground with wide views across the Blackwater Valley and sits just outside Fermoy town, roughly a 20‑minute drive from Cork city on the Cork–Dublin road. The club describes itself as catering to men, women, juniors and senior golfers, and welcomes visitors throughout the year. Facilities at the club include a bar and restaurant, and there is an indoor Trackman simulator that is available for public bookings. Fermoy stages organised events such as open competitions and a Wednesday Open Singles series; members also use systems such as BRS and a Master Scoreboard for bookings and results. The club has been recognised in various listings, including a place among Ireland’s “Top 100 courses” and a Destination Golf Travel Gold Award, and has been cited as one of Ireland’s “Top 10 Hidden Gems.” Online booking is provided for casual golf and open competitions.

Blarney Golf Club is a stunning 18-hole heathland course, co-designed by John Daly, with breathtaking views and exceptional greens