Golf

Heath Golf Club. From early spring the dazzling blaze of yellow furze—also known as gorse—decorates the open heathland at this 18-hole course. The area has a colorful history, too, as the popular Irish politician Daniel O'Connell held meetings here in the mid-1830s. They've been playing golf on the Heath since the 1890s and the club dates from 1930. The course, open to the public, incorporates three natural lakes and is referred to as an "inland links." Good-value deals for visitors include special rates combining golf with a meal; or you can settle for a drink in the friendly "19 Hole" bar. The Great Heath of Maryborough, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. 057/864–6533; www.theheathgc.ie. Feb.–Jul., Oct., and Nov., weekdays €15, weekends €20; Aug., Sept., Dec., and Jan., weekdays €17, weekends €22.

Heritage Golf Resort. Millions of dollars were spent on developing this 18-hole championship course—and it shows. A challenge for the pros but somehow forgiving to the amateur at the same time, Heritage has second-to-none facilities including a 38,000-square-foot clubhouse. A life-size bronze of Seve Ballesteros (by the renowned sports sculptor Paul Ferriter) greets you at the entrance to the course he designed here, which is noted for its mix of challenging doglegs and water traps (including five on-course lakes). Add four demanding par-5s to the mix and the result is a truly world-class parkland course. It's known for its 96 beautifully arranged bunkers set amongst 7,000 trees—during 2019 several bunkers were reshaped on the 14th. The development of luxury on-site accommodations has also increased the club's attractiveness to the visiting golfer. Killenard, Co. Laois. 057/864–2301; www.heritageresort.ie. Apr.–Oct., weekdays €45–€65, weekends €60–€85; Nov.–Mar., weekdays €40, weekends €45.