Golf

Mount Juliet Golf Course. Attached to a magisterial country-house hotel, this Jack Nicklaus–designed championship parkland course, 19 km (11 miles) from Kilkenny Town, includes practice greens, a driving range, and, for those who feel a little rusty, a David Leadbetter golf academy. The heavily forested course has eight holes that play over water, including the wonderful 3rd hole—a par-3 over a stream from an elevated tee. The back nine present a series of difficult bunker shots. Greens fees are above average, and although visitors are always welcome, a weekday round is best, since it's often crowded with members on weekends. Mount Juliet Estate, Off L4206, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. 056/777–3010; www.mountjuliet.ie. May–Sept., daily €95–€115; Nov.–Mar., daily €50–€60; Apr. and Oct., daily €75–€90.