Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare
- AddressNewmarket on Fergus, Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland
The course at Dromoland Castle has been around for more than half a century (opening initially as a 9-hole layout in 1963) but in recent years, dramatic changes have elevated it to new levels. The layout can now be bracketed alongside some of the other great household names in southwest Ireland, including Ballybunion, Waterville and Lahinch. Dromoland is certainly well worth a visit.
Located just eight miles from Shannon airport, the course is set within the magnificent 360-acre Dromoland Castle estate and it wends its way through woodlands, alongside lakes and across streams. The setting is nothing short of spectacular.
One of Europe’s most formidable design teams, Ron Kirby and Joe Carr, teamed up to re-design this parkland layout in 2002 and the result is stunning. Kirby and Carr were the driving force behind Old Head, so it’s not surprising that drama is very much in evidence here at Dromoland Castle. This par 72 6,824-yard track features rolling hills, ancient trees and water hazards that will test all standards of golfer. From tee to green the views throughout are stunning, with Dromoland Lough and Castle providing a delightful backdrop.
The signature 7th, stands high above a postage stamp sized green with water left and a shamrock bunker to the right. The 9th is reminiscent of the 10th on the Brabazon course at the Belfry. The 280-yard carry to the green will tempt the big hitters.
With its new length and challenges, Dromoland Castle is now unquestionably championship quality and we believe that a significant tournament could be held here in the not too distant future. Dromoland also has one of the classiest castle hotels in Europe, dating back to the 16th century. It was once the ancestral seat of the O' Brien’s, one of the few native Gaelic Irish families of royal blood. So, if you fancy living like a king for a day or two, a visit to Dromoland Castle will fit the bill perfectly.
The course at Dromoland Castle has been around for more than half a century (opening initially as a 9-hole layout in 1963) but in recent years, dramatic changes have elevated it to new levels. The layout can now be bracketed alongside some of the other great household names in southwest Ireland, including Ballybunion, Waterville and Lahinch. Dromoland is certainly well worth a visit.
Located just eight miles from Shannon airport, the course is set within the magnificent 360-acre Dromoland Castle estate and it wends its way through woodlands, alongside lakes and across streams. The setting is nothing short of spectacular.
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In 1963, Kirby became a design associate with Robert Trent Jones, assisting with a number of projects in the US, Europe and the Caribbean. After eight years with the company, he branched out on his own.
