Golf

Athlone Golf Club. An 18-hole parkland course, founded in 1892, Athlone is one of Ireland's oldest clubs. The course stretches along the shores of Lough Ree at Hodson Bay with stunning views of the Shannon. Tree-lined fairways, sandy greens, and undulating terrain make for an idyllic location that visitors hold in high regard. A fertilizer program has improved the quality of the fairway and rough by producing a thicker sward—resulting in a much more playable course. The club hosts national and provincial competitions, and the resident head pro, Irish golfer Kevin Grealy, offers lessons to players of all abilities and specializes in tuition on the short game. Every Wednesday, throughout the year, the club holds popular "Open Wednesday" competitions, as well as open competitions on bank holiday weekends. Hodson Bay, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. 090/649–2073; www.athlonegolfclub.ie. Weekdays €30, weekends €35.