Mount Juliet
Course
Mount Juliet Golf Club, Thomastown, County Kilkenny
Founded 1991. Luxury Hotel & Golf Resort
Along with Druids Glen and the K Club, Mount Juliet is one of the best modern parkland golf courses in the country. Located ten miles from the historic city of Kilkenny, Mount Juliet opened for play in 1991 as Ireland’s first Jack Nicklaus designed course. The golf course is very playable but feature holes abound throughout, including the short 3rd and narrow par-four 4th, just two of a range of impressive holes. Host to many major events over the years, including three Irish Opens and the WGC American Express Golf Championship in 2002 & 2004, what Mount Juliet simply exudes is atmosphere and this makes it worth experiencing in itself. The resort is completed by a stunning manor house overlooking the River Nore and the newly refurbished Hunters Yard, offering accommodation options to match the golf course.
Sightseeing
The main attraction of Ireland as a golf destination may indeed be its great golf courses but the overall experience is influenced by many other factors including great accommodation options, restaurants, pubs, people, and not least it’s stunning scenery and superb visitor attractions. Each region offers something very different and with all locations being quite close together, it’s very easy to mix the stunning countryside and coastline with more urban attractions.
We work with each of our clients to recommend what suits their trip best. You may have a full day to spend sightseeing or you may squeeze in a quick stop on the way to or from the golf course but we will make sure that you maximise your experience at all times. The below is intended as a very general guide to sightseeing in Ireland.
A few nights in Dublin is a logical inclusion in many trips. Sometimes flights dictate that you arrive and depart Dublin and it can be easily combined with time spent in other locations. Apart from the great courses in the area, it offers much in terms of sightseeing including the Guinness Storehouse, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral, the National Museum of Ireland and Kilmainham Jail. A visit to Trinity College Library to view the Book of Kells is also recommended.
Just north of Dublin, the Passage Tombs at Newgrange date back to 3,200 BC and provide a fascinating insight into prehistoric Ireland, while just south of Dublin in County Wicklow, you should include a visit to beautiful Glendalough and Powerscourt House & Gardens.
Further south of Wicklow, the likes of Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford are all well worth a visit with many impressive attractions. Kilkenny is a wonderful medieval city with the impressive Kilkenny Castle dominating the town. Waterford is synonymous with Waterford Crystal and you should include a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, while in Wexford, some recommended options include the Irish National Heritage Park and Enniscorthy Castle.