Kilkea Castle

Jack McDaid and Jim Cassidy were the duo behind the golf course, which plays as a par 70 and can push to 6,700 yards from the tips. The River Griese is one of the key features of the course, running across several holes including the signature short 16th. Thanks to its parkland nature, the layout at Kilkea Castle has tree-lined fairways, and there is also the odd bunker to catch you out throughout a round.

The course plays in two loops, with the front nine sitting on the eastern side of the property, and the back nine to the west of the castle. The two longest holes on the course come at 2 and 5, both of which move slightly to the right. Anything left on the tee on either of these two holes is in trouble, but if you can find the fairway, then both offer birdie chances.

Kilkea Castle has five short holes, with the River Griese running in front of the green on the first of those – the 4th. 6 is the easiest hole on the property, while the 10th is the shortest, at just 150 yards. Anything long on 14, the second of the trio of par 3s on the back side of the course, may well find itself in the river as well.

The 16th is the signature hole at Kilkea Castle, and it is not difficult to see why. A par 3 of 180 yards, it plays downhill towards the green. The River Griese runs across in front of the green, while two bunkers also protect either side of the putting surface. Accuracy and distance control have to be spot on her to walk away with a par. The course finishes with a strong par 4 of more than 425 yards. It plays as a dog-leg left, with a lake on the left of the fairway, and a pair of bunkers on the right, the outside corner. Avoid all that, and you might just be safe!

Kilkea Castle is one of the few ‘castle’ resorts on our lists where you can actually stay inside the castle itself. The Deluxe Castle Bedrooms and Luxury Castle Bedrooms are the main offerings inside the 12th Century castle, while there are also the Fitzgerald Suite and the Lady Elizabeth Suite, which both offer a gloriously elegant stay.

The castle is not your only accommodation option, though. The Castle Courtyard Rooms have recently be refurbished and upgraded into a more modern place to rest your head. Each offering comes with Wi-Fi, flat screen television and designated parking spaces, while also giving the opportunity for groups to have interconnecting rooms as well.

The Lodges at Kilkea offer guests and larger groups a self-catering stay in this part of Ireland, with the lodges all overlooking the stunning golf course on the property. There are Deluxe and Superior Lodge Bedrooms, and also a three-bedroom lodge available as well. Each of the lodges come with full kitchen facilities and a private patio, among many other amenities.

For those looking for a day of relaxation, The Spa at Kilkea Castle is the place for you. The Thermal Suite, which incorporates a range of wet and dry experiences, is on offer for all those who have booked themselves in for a treatment. There are hydrotherapy showers and steam essences to the Thermal Suite, for the ultimate relaxation.

When it comes to treatments and massages, there is plenty of choice. The venue has five treatment rooms, with massages, body detoxes, skin rituals, facial treatments and massages and experiences for pregnant women all available.

Where is the Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?

The Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is situated in the eastern half of the Republic of Ireland, in the Kilkea Demesne of County Kildare. It sits just a mile or so from the M9, and halfway between the towns of Athy and Castledermot. Carlow is ten miles south of the venue, while the Irish capital city of Dublin is around 50 miles to the northeast.

What is the nearest airport and station to Kilkea Castle?

With that, Dublin Airport – the nation’s largest and busiest international airport – is also the nearest to the Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort. It sits to the north of the city, just over 50 miles from the venue. Carlow – ten miles south – is home to the closest train station to the resort. Services run through Carlow towards Kildare, Dublin Heuston and Waterford.

What golf facilities does Kilkea Castle offer?

Along with the glorious parkland course, Kilkea Castle is also home to a wonderful practice area, which has both a driving range and a short game area. There is also a putting green in front of the clubhouse.

What are the green fees at the Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?

The price of a green fee at Kilkea Castle changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay and play offers at the resort as well.

For more information on current green fees at Kilkea Castle, visit their booking website here (opens in a new tab).

What accommodation is on offer at the Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort?

The Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort gives you the opportunity to spend the night in a 12th Century castle, with rooms in the castle itself. There are also the Castle Courtyard Rooms, along with Deluxe and Superior Rooms in the Lodges that overlook the golf course.

What other venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list are nearby?

There are plenty of stunning venues on the NCG Top 100s GB&I Golf Resorts list in this part of Ireland. Mount Wolseley and The Heritage are both within a 20-mile drive of the Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, while The K Club, Mount Juliet, Carton House and Druids Glen are all within 50 miles.

Visit Kilkea Castle's website here (opens in a new tab).

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