When visiting Fota Island Golf Resort choose from three championship golf courses – the Deerpark, Belvelly or Barryscourt.

The 2014 Irish Open is returning to the Cork club for the first time since Soren Hansen’s victory in 2002. Fota Island, which is 10 miles from Cork city, first hosted the Irish Open in 2001 when Colin Montgomerie triumphed and Dane Hansen took victory at the venue 12 months later.

Receptive greens and strategic bunkering impresses even the most experienced golf travellers.

It would appear that golf was first played at Fota Island as far back as the 1800’s. In 1993, a new course was developed at Fota Island, designed by Irish Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jr. and twice English Amateur Champion Peter McEvoy.

Well placed tee shots allow those without the burden of a faint heart to take on some daunting approaches.

Over the years the resort has seen major development with the addition of two other Championship courses, the Belvelly and Barryscourt. In addition to the courses Fota Island Hotel & Luxury Spa was built and offers guests 123 contemporary style en-suite rooms, 8 private penthouse suites with inviting and sumptuous interiors. The 5 star property is only 15 minutes from the thriving cosmopolitan city of Cork, Ireland’s second city and vibrant home to a wide array of galleries, museums and theatres.

Fota Island Hotel & Spa boasts superb views of the surrounding woodlands and championship golf courses.