Birr Golf Course
Birr, County Offaly
Birr is a parkland course of some merit in the old grounds of Birr Castle estate. The castle itself houses an observatory and the restored telescope is a unique attraction. The golf course itself presents an interesting challenge. The course has been carved out of natural woodland and eskers resulting in terrain featuring undulating fairways, ridges, hills and hollows and providing a strong challenge for even the most accomplished golfers. There are many fine holes with mature trees and bunkering the main defence before lightning fast, undulating greens that can severely test your patience.
Birr Course Description
The first hole requires a well judged pitch to an elevated green that should be used as a gauge for the putting challenges to come. The second green has a severe undulation from back right to front left and when the greens are cut close is as fast a putting surface and as testing a green from short range as you would wish to see. The par-3 third offers a huge green with several bumps and hollows that make finding the same level as the flag of vital importance.
The first three holes on the homeward nine play through mature trees and are the quietest part of the course. These three holes are possibly the best on the course. The par-3 14th is a very good short hole - from an elevated tee the green is surrounded by bunkers making the target look very small indeed.
On a quiet day Birr is well worth a visit and is especially noteworthy for its putting challenge. There are several holes in close proximity towards the middle of the course requiring care when walking and playing.
