Bantry Bay Golf Club's 18 Hole Championship Course, open all year, towers above the head of Bantry Bay, in the Far West of County Cork. Fourteen holes immediately overlook the shore where the warm Gulf Stream first touch land on this side of the Atlantic, Fuchsias abound, and there are splendid panoramic views across the sea and islands to the Beara Mountains, Sheep's Head and the Mizen Peninsula.

Course architects Eddie Hackett and Christy O'Connor Jnr., of Ryder Cup fame, in keeping with USGA standards, have adapted some 170 acres of picturesquely undulating scenery - even the six lakes and other hazards would charm a landscape artist.

They have created a course on which the scratch golfer must thoughtfully exert himself to achieve Par 71, while the Handicap golfer, too, has fair chance of glory. Great variety, from a Par 3 of a mere 126 meters to a Par 5 of 487 meters to a two-tier green, demands skilful versatility.

Founded in 1975, Bantry Bay is a cosmopolitan club, with more than a hundred members from abroad. Categories include Overseas Life Membership. The Clubhouse Bar and restaurant are noted for their friendly informality.

If travelling from Cork (allow 1.5hrs) take the N71 via Innishannon to Bandon, from there take the R586 via Dunmanway, this road rejoins the N71, 5 miles / 7 km outside Bantry, drive through Bantry town square and Bantry Bay Golf Club is 1.5 miles / 2 km north on the N71 direction Killarney.

From Killarney (allow 1.25hrs) take the N71 via Kenmare and Glengarriff to Bantry. There are numerous hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and hostels in the area so accommodation is never a problem.