Looking for a golf retreat close to home. How about a visit to Lough Erne? Nestled in a spectacular island setting between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough.
Northern Ireland’s Lough Erne resort is located within a two-hour drive of Dublin and Belfast and just a few minutes from Enniskillen town centre, nestling in a most spectacular setting on its own island between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough.
GOLF COURSES
While there are two golf courses at Lough Erne, it is The Faldo Championship Course (Sir Nick’s first design in Ireland) that continues to receive high acclaim. Built on twelve inches of sand it offers a links feel and superb drainage for year-round play.
The layout eases you into your round gently beginning with holes cut into mature woodland and best described as a walk in a park, before you make the climb to the 6th tee – this is when a buggy is appreciated. The course has two main characteristics; the water which hugs several fairways and greens, and the stunning views from almost every hole. For this reason to nominate a signature hole is a difficult choice, but the par-4 10th with its island green that is reminiscent of the famous 17th hole at Sawgrass, is definitely one of the most memorable.
There are five sets of tees and mid-handicap women are advised to play off the yellow tees for a more appropriate challenge as the par 3s off the reds are particularly short. The 8th is the first hole where you see a sign saying ‘Shsssh..bats sleeping’ so you must remember to keep your voice down!
A unique halfway house is located at the back of the 9th green where a resident chef serves light bites and non-golfers regularly pay a visit to sit and enjoy the views. Once refreshed you won’t find the back 9 any less challenging, especially the closing holes which are a real treat, but also potential card wreckers as errant shots will be penalised.
ACADEMY
Other golf facilities at the resort include the newly opened Nick Faldo Academy. It is a great set up with 8 indoor bays and a teaching studio that can facilitate a group of six comfortably using all the latest technology. Under the direction of Lynn McCool, the former women’s tour professional, who is the resort’s Director of Golf and Head Professional, she has helped to create an environment where players will be able to learn or improve their game in relaxed surroundings.
HOTEL
The hotel is intimate with 59 spacious bedrooms, although there are a further 25 Lough Side suites that include one, two or three bedrooms so they are ideal for families and groups. There’s also a fabulous Thai Spa where therapists originate from and are trained in Thailand and use traditional Thai therapies and Thai-made products. Other facilities include an infinity pool that overlooks Castle Hume Lough, a steam room, sauna and whirlpool.
There’s a choice of restaurants. The Loughside Bar & Grill is located within the golf clubhouse and here you can enjoy traditional golfer’s fare with an Irish twist. Alternatively, the award-winning Catalina Restaurant offers a menu comprising a mix of classic and contemporary dishes. A more informal option is the Blarney Bar which offers a grazing menu of dishes served in smaller portions.
NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES
Enjoy a walk or jog around the Collop Path, located within the grounds of the resort, or take the challenge to climb to the top of Magho Cliffs and enjoy views across Lower Lough Erne. There are also plenty of cycle trails.
The resort can organise windsurfing, canoeing, water-skiing, speedboats, or sail boats for a more relaxing journey. Hire a boat at Castle Archdale Country Park marina, take a picnic and have lunch on an island.
Explore Marble Arch Caves, a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Or take a tour of the Belleek Pottery building and view the famous Belleek fine parian china or the Sheelin Irish Lace Museum which has approximately 700 exhibits.
GETTING THERE
Lough Erne Resort is within a two-hour drive from Belfast, Belfast City and Dublin International airports and they are serviced by most budget airlines.
For more information please contact:
Lough Erne Golf Resort
T: +44 (0)28 6632 3230
