The Sunny Side of Ireland Part 18

A short distance from the summit the road forks. To the right leads to Sligo, while the turn to the left runs direct to the lake's sh.o.r.es, and then joins the other road some miles farther on. Both routes lead through beautiful scenery. The first is the shortest, but the second the prettiest.

[Ill.u.s.tration: GOLFING]

~DUBLIN DISTRICT.~

There are a number of splendid Golf Courses round Dublin, but on the Dublin District lines of the Great Southern and Western Railway the only courses open to visitors are the following:--

~Tullamore.~

The course is of the inland description, and the period of play is from October to June. The hazards consist of hedges, ditches, and whins, &c., which are well distributed. Visitors, _5s._ per month.

~Athlone.~

Visitors, _2s. 6d._ per week, _5s._ per month, 9 holes; Par score, 74.

The length of the course is about 1-1/2 miles, and the gra.s.s is never long. The greens are not large, and the lies are somewhat heavy.

Straight play is necessary to avoid heavy punishment. The course is beautifully situated and commands fine views of the Shannon and Lough Ree.

~Banagher.~

The course is situated 1/2 a mile out of the Town, and commands fine views of the distant hills. The distance round is about 1 mile. The gra.s.s is short, and the hazards consist of ruins, walls, and fences.

Number of holes, 9.

~Birr.~

Visitors, _2s. 6d._ per week. Number of holes, 9.

The course is situated 2-1/2 miles from Birr. The holes are of a very sporting character, the hazards being numerous and varied, consisting of rocks, hedges, walls, and running water. The gra.s.s is short and wiry, and good lies are obtained.

~LIMERICK DISTRICT.~

~Lehinch.~

Visitors, _5s._ per week, or _1s. 6d._ per day. Number of holes 18. Par score, 81.

The course is laid over fine natural Golfing country. The lies are good, as the soil is sandy with very short sea gra.s.s. The hazards consist of natural sand bunkers and sandhills with bent, and are ideal. The greens are excellent, and there probably is not in the United Kingdom a finer natural Golf Links.

Accommodation at Lehinch Golf Links Hotel and Aberdeen Arms. There are some lodges to be had, capable of accommodating small families. Golfers'

cheap tickets are issued to Members and Visitors at Kingsbridge, Dublin, Limerick, and other stations.

~Adare Manor Club.~

Play on this course is confined to Members. Members can introduce a Visitor for a few days, but the Links are not open to paying Visitors.

Number of holes, 9.

This is a very nice course, laid out in the demesne at Adare; the lies are perfect, and the greens small and well kept.

~Killaloe.~

Number of holes, 9.

Accommodation, the Lakeside Hotel. The Links are situated about 1 mile from the Lakeside Hotel, and comprise a very nice sporting course. The hazards are varied, and the lies excellent.

~WATERFORD DISTRICT.~

Tramore.

Visitors, _2s. 6d._ per week. Number of holes, 18.

The course is a seaside one, and commands magnificent views of the bay.

The gra.s.s is crisp and short, and the soil sandy.

Accommodation at Grand Hotel and Hibernian Hotel.

~Lismore.~

Visitors, _2s. 6d._ per week; _5s._ per month. Number of holes, 9.

High pastures interspersed with natural bunkers consisting of quarries, gorse, ridges, and roads. The greens are moderate, but the play through the course is very sporting.

Accommodation at Devons.h.i.+re Arms Hotel and Blackwater Vale Hotel.

~CORK DISTRICT.~

~Littleisland (on G.S. & W.R., 4-3/4 miles from Cork).~

Visitors, _1s._ per day; or _5s._ per week, on application to Secretary.

Par score, 74 for 18 holes.

Fine gra.s.s of a down nature. Hazards, banks, roads, etc., requiring skilled play. Greens in first-rate order. Beautiful scenery. Handsome pavilion, with every accommodation. Professional attendant.

~Youghal (on G.S. & W R., 27 miles from Cork).~

Visitors, easy Terms by week or month.

Number of holes, 6 at present.

Seaside course. Good turf. Hazards, water, land, peat banks. Owing to inroads of the sea, ground has been greatly limited; but will be extended, when works now in progress are completed.

~Mallow (on G.S, & W.R., 21 miles from Cork).~