Southeast Ireland Golf Travel Guide

Mount Juliet is the best known of the southeast courses having hosted the olf WGC American Express Championship on two occasions (won by Messrs. Els and Woods) as well as the Irish Open 1993-1995 (Faldo, Langer and Torrance) and again in 2021 & 2022 (herbert and Meronk). Jack Nicklaus designed the golf course around the River Nore as it flows through the vast and mature Mount Juliet Estate.

The only southeast links course is at Rosslare in the far southeast corner of Ireland 8 miles southeast of Wexford Town. Rosslare is built on the seaward side of the natural sandbar that forms the southern entry to Wexford Harbour and features, more or less, a traditional out and back routing notable for the 'back' holes being oceanside.

Carlow is a well respected course in Irish amateur circles and is renowned as a fine test of golf. Carlow has a more heathland feel than most parkland courses such as the excellent course at Tramore on the south coast south of Waterford City.

Around Waterford City are Faithlegg built around Faithlegg House (now a hotel) on the banks of the River Suir. Another fine course at Waterford Castle is actually on an island in the middle of the River Suir, a small and short ferry ride is required. Both courses are more modern designs aimed at the 'resort' golfer.

It is hard to understate the design talents of the late Christy O'Connor Jnr. and the golf course at Mount Wolseley is a prime example of his work. Again built as part of a hotel complex the course flows through wonderful tree-lined estate with lots and lots of water enhancing the beauty and challenge of the course. The southeast premier course list is rounded off by Bunclody, the newest course on the rota.

The medieval city of Kilkenny is one of Ireland's smaller cities but also one of the most attractive. Pleasantly situated on the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny retains its medieval atmosphere and there are numerous attractions and sights within the immediate area.

The city of Waterford, a major port that saw the arrival of the first Vikings to Ireland, is Ireland's fifth largest city and provides another suitable base to explore the great golf courses in this golf region. 20 minutes south is Tramore, a seaside resort very popular with Irish holidaymakers because of its magnificent beach.

To the east of Waterford is County Wexford, a county steeped is history - especially of rebellion. The town of Wexford is another ancient port although ferries from Wales arrive to nearby Rosslare Harbour.

Carlow Town is more local but closer to Dublin and more convenient for itineraries that include some of the County Wicklow courses such as Rathsallagh, Tulfarris or Arklow.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle, its charming location on the banks of the River Nore is the very centre of Kilkenny, is one of the few authentic castles in Ireland that provides an interior retaining its old furnishing and character that can be extensively explored . From the castle is the Medieval Mile, a signed trail to St. Canice's Cathedral that includes a Dominican Friary and a 17th century merchant's townhouse.

Around Kilkenny are many small and colourful villages such as Graiguenamanagh, Bennettsbridge, Inistoige and St. Mullins.

Waterford

Waterford as founded by the Vikings in the early 10th century and is just wèst of the meeting of three major rivers; The Nore, The Barrow and The Suir. The design and production of crystal, for which Waterford is perhaps most famous, was transerred to eastern Europe in the 1990's - what remains is the House of Waterford Crystal Experience, where limited displays of crystal making and a rather large retail floor are all that remain of the once thriving business.

In the heart of the city is the 'Viking Triange' the feature of which is Reginalds Tower that also houses the Vikin Museum. Waterford also has an impressive Medieval Museum, including two underground chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Wexford

Wexford Town also has Viking heritage being located on a fine harbour. It was later conquered by the Normans who built a defensive wall - the last surviving of seven gates that once provided access to the town is Westgate Tower, This tower and its adjoining coach houses have been restored and now house the wonderful Wexford Heritage Centre. Close by and accessible via a walk along old battlements is Selskar Abbey, an Augustinian Friary dating from the early 12th century.

Wexford's best known attraction is Johnstown Castle, 6 miles from Wexford Town. Guided tours of the impressive furnished castle with grand rooms and long history are part of a visit that also include majestic gardens, lake walks and the Irish Agricultural Museum.

Detailed route information wil be loaded soon.