Going for Golf

Spoilt for choice in Ireland

Glasson Hotel & Golf Resort

A few miles further to the north-west, Glasson Hotel and Golf Resort was one of the first courses to exploit the rapidly developing architectural talent of Christy O’Connor Junior. He must have relished the prospect as the idyllic site overlooks a dazzling stretch of the River Shannon and several loughs. The front nine is something of a surprise and takes you up a hill, away from the hotel and along a scenic clifftop. Panoramic views over another stretch of the Shannon create the illusion that you’re playing on an elevated island. The gorse has been neatly ‘topped’, but although reduced in height it’s no less punishing.

The back nine sweeps down the hillside, along the water’s edge and finishes in front of the family-owned hotel. It boasts the two most dramatic holes – the 14th and 15th – which vie with each other for signature-hole status. Climb up the steps of the 14th to the dramatically elevated back tee (the owners are perfectly relaxed about which tees you use) and even if you don’t hit a drive, you should admire the view. To access the 15th tee, you walk across a charming wooden bridge to face a stiff carry over water to a distant green on this delightful, but dangerous, par three.