- The Heritage Golf Resort: Located in Killenard, near Portlaoise, The Heritage Golf Resort features an 18-hole championship parkland course co-designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes. Set within a luxury five-star resort, the course is known for its challenging layout, pristine fairways, and scenic views of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Visitors praise its professional facilities, including a Seve Ballesteros “natural” golf school, a 10-bay driving range, and resort amenities like a spa and fine dining. The course has hosted professional events and is a top choice for golf tourists seeking a premium experience. The par-4 14th hole is the signature hole, featuring a challenging dogleg with water hazards and a well-protected green ,with both strategic difficulty and scenic beauty.
- The Heath Golf Club: Established in 1889 as Queen’s County Heath Golf Club, The Heath Golf Club in Portlaoise is one of Ireland’s oldest inland courses. This 18-hole par-71 parkland course, measuring 6,120 meters, is playable year-round due to its robust turf and sandy soil. Visitors enjoy its challenging layout, with deep bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-maintained greens, complemented by a PGA professional on-site and facilities like a 10-bay indoor driving range. The club hosted the PGA Southern Championships in 2004, adding to its prestige. The par-3 7th hole is known for its elevated tee and tricky green surrounded by bunkers, a memorable challenge with views of the surrounding countryside.
- Mountrath Golf Club: Founded in 1929 and affiliated with the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1932, Mountrath Golf Club, located 3km south of Mountrath off the N7, is an 18-hole par-71 parkland course. Originally a 9-hole course, it was extended in 1994 and is known for its fine, long fairways, well-manicured greens, and deep bunkers. The River Nore flows through the course, with the old mill and Slieve Bloom Mountains adding scenic charm. Visitors appreciate its challenging layout, welcoming clubhouse, and affordability, making it a favourite for golfers of all abilities. The par-4 5th hole is noted in visitor reviews as a standout, with the River Nore coming into play and a demanding approach to a well-guarded green, making it a scenic and strategic highlight.
- Portarlington Golf Club: Situated in Garryhinch, near Portarlington, this 18-hole par-71 parkland course, established in 1908, is set on the banks of the River Barrow. The course offers a mix of challenging holes with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and well-kept greens, all framed by views of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Visitors highlight its friendly atmosphere, good value, and accessibility, being just an hour from Dublin. The club’s modern clubhouse and historical charm make it a popular stop for golf tourists in the Midlands. The par-3 12th hole is known for its scenic beauty, with a tee shot over a pond to a green framed by mature trees, a visually striking and challenging experience.
- Rathdowney Golf Club: Located in Coolnaboul West, near Rathdowney, Rathdowney Golf Club is a 9-hole par-70 parkland course known for its compact yet challenging layout. Set in the scenic Laois countryside, it features undulating fairways and small, well-maintained greens, appealing to visitors seeking a shorter, affordable round. The club is praised for its friendly welcome and tranquil setting, making it a hidden gem for golfers exploring the Midlands. The par-4 6th hole is known for its tight fairway and strategic bunkering, providing a memorable challenge with views of the surrounding landscape.
County Laois:
Ireland’s county Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.
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