Last week DJ Jones, our Social Media Manager, blogged about the vistas from his favorite tees in Scotland. I thought it highly appropriate, therefore, for me to follow with a listing of the favorite dining table views which I have enjoyed over a good meal after a fine round of golf in Ireland. Perfect Pairings, every one.
I’ve always enjoyed playing the Killeen Course at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. One of the loveliest parkland courses in Ireland, Killeen winds around the stunning shores of the Lakes of Killarney. But I seldom remember the few holes because somewhere around the 15th green, if not before, I start thinking about the dinner in the Lake Room at Aghadoe Heights which offers award-winning cuisine, an exceptional wine list and spectacular views over the Lakes. More than once, I’ve lingered there so late my dinner lasted longer than my round.
While the Portmarnock area offers a couple of good accommodations choices, I normally stay in Dublin city centre near the greatest concentration of pubs and restaurants. Thus, working in a convenient dinner at my favorite Dublin area seafood restaurant means scheduling an afternoon round at nearby Portmarnock GC, Portmarnock Links, The Island or Royal Dublin. At Aqua, the dress is informal (golfing togs acceptable), the food is fabulous and the views over Howth harbor are outstanding. Call ahead and reserve a window table.
Most anyone who has played Old Head on a clear day will wax on for hours about the dramatic setting of the golf course perched high above the Atlantic–so much that the quality of the course receives little mention. If they stayed for dinner in the clubhouse, you would hear much the same about the vistas from the De Courcey diningroom and precious little about the locally caught lobsters and seafood. The chef deserves better.
Nick Faldo’s course at the Lough Erne resort is a welcome addition to golf in Northern Ireland. Firm turf, significant changes in elevation, a risk/reward short par four, eleven holes along the shores of Lough Erne including the final three. I’ve not played any other course quite like it. Then again, I’ve not dined at a place quite like the Watermill. Fifteen minutes drive from the course, it is a warm, cozy place serving up lobster, scallops, Angus beef and the local produce as well as spectacular views of the lough.
The Iveragh Peninsula on the Ring of Kerry in southwest Ireland juts out farther towards North American than almost any other part of the island. As such, it was the logical place for the European terminus of the transatlantic cable which brought the workers who eventually brought golf to Waterville. It is also the terminus of the gulf stream which brings warmer waters, large waves that crash against the shore and palmetto vegetation on the Waterville Golf Links. Presiding over this lovely scene across from the entrance to the Links is the Smugglers Inn, a worthy stop for a meal either before or after a round on the world ranked course.
The oft photographed view from the 6th tee of the Dunluce Course is legendary. The view from 55 North not so much but it comes interesting preparations of local fare at exceedingly reasonable prices. Guaranteed to be a popular choice when The Open makes its long awaited return in 2019.
Discover More of Golf at its Finest with H&B
