Located in Straffan, Co. Kildare in the Republic of Ireland, the K Club is the #5 golfing resort in Great Britian & Ireland. Host to the Ryder Cup in 2006, the venue holds two championship 18-hole courses, along with a 5-star hotel and luxurious spa.

 

The K Club is situated just 45 minutes from the centre of Dublin, the Irish capital city. Dublin is well known for its tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife. For international visitors, Dublin Airport, located to the north of the city, is also less than an hour from the K Club.

 

Along with the K Club’s two courses, there is also plenty of other golf clubs in the local area for you to visit. Within 20 minutes of Straffan are the likes of Castlewarden, Clane, Clongowes, Hibernian, Killeen, Millicent and Naas Golf Clubs.

1831 saw the start of construction of Straffan House, after Hugh Barton had bought the land, along with also purchasing the nearby Barberstown Castle. The House was completed just a year later, and that original building now forms the eastern wing of the current set-up at the K Club.

 

The House then went through several hands over the next 150 years, before being bought by the Jefferson Smurfit Group in 1988. They transformed the property into the K Club, which was opened at the start of the 1990s. The Barton Restaurant, located inside the hotel, received Michelin star status a few years later.

 

In 1995, the Palmer North Course was the venue for the Smurfit European Open. The tournament was then played every year through to 2007. On three occasions, including the last two editions of the tournament, it switched to the inland Palmer South Course. 

 

The Palmer North also played host to the Ryder Cup in 2006, the first time that the bi-ennial team event was played on Irish soil. It also hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open ten years later, where Rory McIlroy was victorious. The K Club will also play host to the Horizon Irish Open in 2023, 2025 and 2027.

What to expect:
A classic luxury estate and Ryder Cup host with two Arnold Palmer designed parkland courses. A grand hotel with excellent dining, including the recently opened and very funky South Bar and Restaurant. There are loads of things to do, including a good spa plus fishing, falconry, kayaking, cycling and whiskey tasting.

Why we like it:
The bedrooms are really very good and the facilities ensure that the golf - without being absolutely great - make this such a well-rounded venue.

The Palmer North Course is most famous for hosting the Ryder Cup in 2006, when the K Club became the first Irish venue to ever play host to the sport’s most storied team competition. The Smurfit European Open and Dubai Duty Free Irish Open have also been played on the Palmer North. 

 

A par-72, 7,350 yard lay-out is designed to test the best players in the world. Not many course start and end with par-5s, but the Palmer North is one of them. The signature 16th and 17th lead in to the last par-5, as you bring your round to a close.

Though the Palmer North gets all the credit, the Palmer South is also a championship course. The 18-hole course has hosted the Smurfit European Open on three occasions. Also over 7,300 yards, it is another glorious test of golf, culminating in the par-5 18th hole, with approach shots aimed at an island green.

As well as two championship courses the K Club also plays host to K Golf World. It is a unique golf simulator experience that allows you to play different courses from around the world. You can also fine tune your game and work on your swing, whilst also playing fun games like the 50-yard challenge and Nearest The Pin.

Bedrooms, suites and lodges are all on offer in the K Club Hotel. There is something for everyone, with eight different types of bedrooms and suites. Even the standard room are filled with luxurious products and bedding, to provide a comfortable stay in Straffan.

 

The Straffan Gate Lodge is a separate three-bedroom, three-bathroom lodge, suitable for families getting away. The luxury self-catering accommodation is within walking distance of the main hotel and its amenities. The Palmer Lodge, one of the original lodges on the estate, if a slightly bigger accommodation, featuring four bedrooms. It suits groups of up to eight, and is located right next to the Palmer restaurant, which has all-day dining.

The K Club is located in Straffan in Co. Kildare, Republic of Ireland. The resort is based just 45 minutes from Dublin Airport, meaning it is within easy reach for both domestic and international visitors.

The K Club plays host to two 18-hole championship courses, the Palmer North and Palmer South. Both courses have hosted DP World Tour events over the last two decades. As well as two championship course, the venue also has the K Golf World, which is a state-of-the-art simulator facility, with tuition and lessons available, as well as fun games.

K Golf World’s simulator experience offers in-built analysis and tuition. Lessons are also available to purchase in an attempt to improve your game.

The K Club’s hotel provides stunning rooms for all purposes. From family rooms to suites and self-catering lodges, there really is something for everyone in a stay at the 5-star resort.

Book your trip to The K Club with Golfbreaks now.