Old Head

In recent years, Old Head has turned itself into a world class resort, thanks to its epic clifftop golf course, a stunning range of suites and a wellness facility with treatments, massages and a gym. This all sits on the very south coast of Ireland, with the golf course jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean on the Old Head of Kinsale.

Let’s start with the golf, and one of the most iconic layouts in the United Kingdom. Old Head Golf Links is one of the finest courses in Ireland, and one that has panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to being surrounded by water on three sides. Oftentimes, you must aim your tee shots out towards the water, only for the wind to then blow your ball back towards the safety of dry land.

There is not a hotel at Old Head, with the accommodation offered as a range of suites. Each of the 21 offerings, across the Seaview Suites and the Presidential Suites, have their own private patio or terrace, and overlook the resort and the water. On site, there is also a wellness facility, with steam room, sauna and treatment rooms, along with a fully equipped gym as well.

Visit Old Head's website here.

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The links at Old Head is one of the most unique in the world, and it is a course where you have to trust your lines – many of which off the tee which see you aiming out into the Atlantic Ocean. The course is surrounded by water on three sides, and the views are spectacular throughout, just don't let those distract you from the task at hand! The architectural genius of the routing of Old Head is that it uses the land to the maximum. It blows your mind at the start, provides you with respite through the middle of the round and builds to a climax.

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th are golf holes without comparison. They hug the Atlantic, and with a breeze off the sea, they are not for the faint-hearted. When you get to the 7th tee, the sea is back, this time to your right. From here you can fully appreciate the uncommon sliver of land that links Old Head to the mainland, before working your way across the centre of the land around the turn.

12 is a par 5 like no other, and one that is almost like something from a computer game. It is immense, bonkers and beautiful, and indeed is the signature, some might say. The tee sits atop the highest cliffs and provides you with a view that begs you to take on an impossible carry. Under strict instructions you aim further right than is plausible and blast out into an expansive fairway, leaving you a view into a green site perched like a crow's nest on the most extreme point of the course.

The closing stretch provides one of the toughest, and best, run of holes on the course. 15 might well be the last birdie opportunity, as a short par 4, before the tough par 3 16th – one which is championship in stature. 17 plays as an incredible par 5, while Old Head comes to a close with an all-time great finishing hole. Each of the final four is played along the cliff edge, making for a spectacular end to your round.

Check out our full piece on the Old Head Golf Links here.

There are no ‘rooms’ at Old Head. Instead, the accommodation all comes in the form of glorious suites. Each of the suites – of which there are two kinds – is individually designed and furnished, using Irish materials. Each of the suites comes with its own private terrace to enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean as well.

They come in two forms – the Seaview Suites and the Presidential Suites. There are 19 versions of the Seaview Suite available at Old Head, each with their own patio or terrace, while the O’Connor Suite and the Courcey Suite are the two Presidential Suite options, and the best of the best on the resort.

The wellness facility at Old Head is, as you would expect from the rest of the resort, first class. There is a thermal spa area with a sauna and steam room, along with a pair of treatment rooms for massages from qualified therapists.

As part of the wellness facility at the Old Head Resort, there is also a fully equipped gym on site as well. There are free weights, cardiovascular machines and strength machines, to allow guests of the resort to keep fit during their stay.

Where is the Old Head Resort?

The Old Head Resort is situated on the Old Head of Kinsale at one of the southernmost points of the Republic of Ireland. The Old Head juts out into the Celtic Sea, as part of the North Atlantic Ocean. Kinsale itself is a few miles to the north, while the city of Cork is 25 miles away.

What is the nearest airport and station to Old Head?

Cork is home to the nearest train station to the Old Head Golf Links, the same distance away. Trains run to Cobh and Dublin on a regular basis. The closest airport to Old Head is Cork Airport, which is between the city and the golf cub, around 20 miles from the venue.

What golf facilities does Old Head Golf Links offer?

Along with the championship venue, and the championship setting, Old Head Golf Links also has a full-length driving range with target greens at different distances. There is also a dedicated short game area and putting green as well.

What are the green fees at Old Head Resort?

The price of a green fee at the Old Head changes throughout the year, depending on the season. However, it is not readily available on their website.

Instead, non-members wishing to play can inquire about booking a tee time using the number +353 (0) 21 4778 444 or by using the inquiry/contact form on their website.

What accommodation is on offer at the Old Head Resort?

Suites are the name of the game when it comes to accommodation at the Old Head Resort. The Seaview Suites, of which there are 19, are the standard offering, though each one is individually designed and decorated. The two Presidential Suites – the O’Connor Suite and the Courcey Suite – are the creme de la creme at Old Head.

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

The only other venue on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list that sits on the south coast of Ireland is Fota Island – which is around 35 miles from Old Head. Adare Manor is the only other venue on the list within 100 miles of Old Head.