GOLF in Ireland’s county OFFALY

Tullamore Golf Club: Located in Tullamore, Tullamore Golf Club is an 18-hole par-71 parkland course, consistently rated among Ireland’s top 30 parkland courses. Originally designed by James Braid in 1926 and upgraded by Patrick Merrigan in 1996, it offers a challenging layout with tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and slick greens. Visitors praise its excellent condition, welcoming atmosphere, and modern clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. Just an hour from Dublin and 10km off the M6, it’s accessible and popular for societies and individual golfers. Green fees range from €30–€60, making it a great value for a championship course. The par-4 18th hole is often highlighted in reviews for its challenging approach to a green guarded by bunkers and its scenic finish near the clubhouse.
Esker Hills Golf Club: Situated near Tullamore, Esker Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole par-71 parkland course designed by Christy O’Connor Jr. and Liam Higgins. Opened in 1997, it’s carved from the unique esker landscape, featuring rolling fairways, natural ridges, and water hazards. Visitors describe it as a hidden gem, with its challenging layout and scenic beauty placing the Irish Midlands on the golfing map. The course is noted for its excellent condition, friendly staff, and affordability (green fees €25–€45). The clubhouse offers a warm welcome, making it popular for golf societies. The par-3 14th hole is frequently cited as the signature hole, requiring a precise tee shot over a valley to a green surrounded by bunkers, with the esker landscape providing a stunning backdrop.
Birr Golf Club: Founded in 1893, Birr Golf Club in Birr is one of Ireland’s oldest inland courses, an 18-hole par-70 parkland course carved from natural woodland and eskers. The course mimics links-style challenges with undulating fairways, ridges, and hollows, providing a strong test for golfers. Visitors highlight its hospitality, excellent restaurant and bar, well-stocked golf shop, and driving range. Located in the heart of Ireland’s Midlands, it’s accessible (within a short drive of major air and sea terminals) and affordable (green fees €20–€40), making it ideal for visitors and societies. The par-4 6th hole is known in reviews for its challenging dogleg and elevated green, framed by the scenic esker terrain.

County Offaly:

Ireland’s county Offaly is a county of historic depth and natural beauty, with the Clonmacnoise monastic site featuring ancient high crosses and a riverside setting along the Shannon. Tullamore’s historic distillery provides insights into Irish whiskey production, while the Bog of Allen Nature Centre explores the county’s unique peatlands. Other attractions include the Slieve Bloom Mountains’ hiking trails. Offaly is Ireland’s 18th largest county by size (1,998 square km) and ninth smallest by population (83,150). Population peaked at 146,857 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 51,533 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Offaly is Ireland’s 30th most visited (and third least visited) tourist county with around 37,000 international visitors per year.

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