The Beaufort Golf Club
Picture yourself striding down a fairway sheltered by two hundred year-old trees, passing the ruins of a 15th century castle, and lifting your eyes in any direction to vistas of Ireland’s legendary MacGillyCuddy’s Reeks Mountains. You are enjoying a round of golf at Southwestern Ireland’s Beaufort Golf Club, set in Killarney’s Churchtown Estate, the site of a 1740 Georgian house built by Sir Roland Blennerhassett.
The Churchtown estate is now owned by the descendents of James MacGillycuddy’s McGill, who purchased it in 1860. Visitors to Beaufort Golf Club can anticipate the sort of experience which awaits them from the pineapples which rests atop its gate pillars as a symbol of welcome. Standing next to the 15th green at the Beaufort golf club are the remains of Castle Core, the source of the stone from which the Churchtown Estate house was built.
Although the Beaufort Golf Club only opened for business until 1995, it has already seen numerous improvements including the addition of several lakes, plantings, and a state-of-the-art sprinkler system which will keep both the greens and tee boxes in prime condition. There are also plans to completely redesign the entire course and bring it up to championship standards. This design, according to golf architect Tom Mackenzie, will incorporate the natural landscape features of Churchtown Estate to create a course suitable for golfers at every skill level.
The front nine of the golf course are situated along the western part of the Churchtown estate, with the back nine along its southern area closer to MacGillyCuddy’s Reeks. The Clubhouse, which overlooks the practice putting green, is situated in a courtyard next to the main house. One of the delights of the practice putting green is the formal rose garden which lies beyond it. The Beaufort Golf Club has every amenity you could possibly desire in a golfing facility, yet has managed to preserve a welcoming and historical charm.
You can follow your game by relaxing over a fine meal and a pint at the club’s Bar and Restaurant, opening onto the courtyard and a splendid view of MacGillyCuddys Reeks. Or treat yourself to a boat trip along the shores of the Lake of Killarney, or an afternoon driving through Killarney National Park, stopping for a visit at Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney’s premier tourist attraction. Rent a mount at the Killarney riding stables and view the countryside from an entirely new vantage point.
MacGillyCuddys Reeks
Beaufort Golf Club is within easy driving distance of both the Gap of Dunloe and Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak. Arrange for an early morning walk or pony trap through the Gap of Dunloe, and be sure to visit Muckross Abbey. The Abbey was built on ground sacred to Ireland’s ancient Druids, and contains a yew tree which even the later Christian monks revered too much to cut down.
Just 15 miles outside of Killarney, you will find the Crag Caves. Limestone caves discovered only a quarter of a century ago, the Crag Caves are thought to date back more than 1 million years. A half hour guided tour of the caves will give you a glimpse of their enormous stalactites, caverns, and other remarkable rock formations.
The town of Killarney itself is a family friendly destination, where you can shop to your heart’s content for Irish laces, crystal, and textiles. If you have not had your fill of golf at the Beaufort Golf Club, finish your stay in Killarney at the Dunloe Golf Club, and, of course, the legendary Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, where the game of golf has been treasured since the 19th century!
Remember to book your Golf Vacation at myroadtotravel
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