Kilkea Castle

Set beneath the walls of a 12th-century castle said to be the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland, this 18-hole parkland championship course was laid out by Jack McDaid and Jim Cassidy and stretches to around 6,700 yards. The River Griese threads through the grounds as a natural hazard on nearly every hole, and two lakes add further bite, while the par-three 16th is widely rated as one of the finest short holes in Irish golf. It remains a popular resort course for visitors staying at the castle hotel as well as day green-fee players.