Golfing Hotel on the Stunning Sligo Coast
‘The most important shot in golf is the next one’ – Ben Hogan
Ireland’s rich golfing heritage has long been documented. In fact, we are now one of the nations with the highest number of golf courses per capita in the world. Irish golf is booming and, with the wealth of emerging Irish golfing talent we have at present, that is something that seems to be set to continue well into the future.
However, we don’t just watch golf here in Ireland, we play it too. Are you searching for premium golf hotels Ireland? The Ocean Sands Hotel in the pretty coastal village of Enniscrone can offer you all you need for your next golf holiday. Located near some amazing world-class golf courses, our family-run hotel also provides a warm and welcoming base for golf enthusiasts to relax and unwind after a busy day teeing off.
Your New Favourite Hotel Golf Resort
Looking for golf hotels in Ireland? We are in a prime position for accessing several excellent courses, including the highly-rated Enniscrone Golf Links which is located a mere 10 minute walk from the hotel. However, we don’t just provide great golf, we also offer outstanding food and service to our visitors as well as comfortable rooms to help ensure that you wake refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for another day’s putting. Our award winning Wild Atlantic hospitality is guaranteed to be just what you will need after a busy day out on the greens.
Irish Golf (Sligo Style)
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to golfing options along the Wild Atlantic Way. Here at The Ocean Sands Hotel we are delighted to recommend three exceptional courses in particular for you to sample during your stay with us.
Enniscrone Golf Links
A mere ten-minute stroll from the hotel, you will find the popular Enniscrone Golf Links, a stunning championship links course in an unbeatable seaside setting. Offering 27 holes across 400 acres of premium links land, Enniscrone is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of a traditional Irish links courses.
Featuring the stunning par 73 Dunes Championships links course which has been voted ‘Best in Connacht’ by Golfers Guide to Ireland as well as the splendid Scurmore course, Enniscrone is suitable for both the amateur and the more experienced golf enthusiast. The Dunes has been repeatedly ranked in the Golf Digest’s top 15 links courses as well as in Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in the British Isles. Described as a ‘must play’ by American golf novelist, Tom Coyne, it is sure to delight golfers with both its stunning location and several challenging holes. Founded in 1918 and redesigned by Donald Steel in 2001, we are proud to have this fine example of an authentic Irish golf links right on our doorstep here in Enniscrone.
County Sligo Golf Links, Rosses Point
Less than an hour’s drive from the village of Enniscrone, right at the entrance to Sligo Harbour, is the pretty seaside village of Rosses Point and there you will find one of the oldest and best-known links courses in Ireland. The County Sligo Golf Links at Rooses Point was founded back in 1894 on land leased from Henry Middleton, who happened to be an uncle of W.B Yeats (those Yeats connections are everywhere!). Designed by Harry Colt, the traditional links layout has been incorporated seamlessly into the natural contours of the dune-covered landscape which makes for an unparalleled and thrilling golfing experience.
The links are set out on what must surely be one of the most scenic locations in Ireland. To the West lies the stunning Atlantic Ocean with the imposing figure of Sligo’s famous mountain, Benbulben dominating the northern skyline. Glencar Valley and the Dartry Mountains can be seen to the East with the cairn of stones marking the grave of the Warrior Queen, Maeve of Connacht, just visible at the peak of Knocknarea to the South. This spectacular course guarantees another really memorable golfing experience on the stunning West Coast of Ireland.
Carne Golf Links, Belmullet, Co Mayo
Another exceptional course which has also been incorporated beautifully into the surrounding landscape is the 6,700-yard Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, Co Mayo. This championship golf course is just an hour’s drive away from The Ocean Sands and has been expertly built in amongst a beautifully unspoiled series of sand dunes overlooking the wildness of Black Sod Bay.
The last links course ever designed by the late great Irish golf course architect Eddie Hackett, many of those who have played it believe it must have been the most challenging project of his entire career. The man himself, at the time of its completion back in 1993 stated that “ultimately, there will be no better links course in the country, or, I doubt, anywhere”.
You will be amazed and delighted to see the minimal disturbance the building of the golf links has caused to the wild and ancient landscape surrounding it. This particular course offers some really stunning views over the mighty Atlantic and the Inis Gloire and Inis Geidhe islands. As with any coastal course, the wind plays its part in play but it does not detract in any way from what is an exhilarating and unique golfing experience.
Wild Atlantic Way
If you can manage to tear yourself away from the golf course for an afternoon, you might like to discover a couple of the beautifully picturesque towns and villages which populate the Sligo coast and form part of the world famous Wild Atlantic Way.
Some highlights include Mullaghmore Head, Strandhill and Streedagh which are all popular with surfers and walkers alike. Coney Island gets its name from the large number of rabbits that call the island their home and is also worth a visit. Visitors to the island will spot landmarks including a faerie ring, St Patrick’s Wishing Chair and the remains of many structures dating back to famine times.
The charming village of Easkey also has much to offer including another spectacular beach while Rosses Point is beautifully set against the dramatic background of Sligo Bay and the Dartry Mountains. There is also a great selection of challenging mountain walking trails in the county which are just waiting to be explored.
And Relax
After all that exercise, you are likely to be yearning for a little downtime and relaxation. The Ocean Sands Hotel is located just two minutes from the pristine Enniscrone beach which has 5km of sandy shoreline and is just perfect for relaxing evening walk before dinner. Sea-swimmers will also be in their element with the waters of the Atlantic Ocean sure to sooth away any aches and pains caused by a long day out golfing.
If you prefer a little more luxury in your daily swim, you will be glad to know that the Waterpoint Aquapark is located a few minutes walk from the hotel and offers a full range of premium facilities including indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, gym, health suite and leisure centre. It has everything you need to help you unwind on your own terms.
Also ideal for soothing sore muscles and restoring balance in the body and mind is the famous Kilcullen’s Seaweed Bath House which has been providing invigorating seaweed baths to locals and tourists for over a hundred years. Seaweed baths have long been lauded for their unique therapeutic qualities and will provide a novel and memorable method of relaxation during your time with us here in Enniscrone. You will be glad to know that the baths are also located just minutes from the hotel.
Gourmet Dining Options
The Ocean Sands Hotel is proud to offer the best breakfast for miles. With an extensive selection available including continental and full Irish breakfast, you are sure to be well set up for the day. Any dietary needs will be accommodated where possible – just enquire with a member of our friendly waiting staff team.
Because we know you will have built up an appetite after your days golfing, we are delighted to be able to present you with two great in-house dining options. The Ocean Bar and Restaurant and Dunes Dining Room both offer a great selection of locally sourced, delicious meals to guests including Atlantic Ocean seafood, when available. A private dining room is also available for larger groups. We don’t think there is a more stunning dinnertime setting than looking out over the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. After a relaxing nightcap in the bar, all that will be left to do will be to retire to the comfort of your room and dream about doing it all again tomorrow.
Ireland Golf Packages
Your next golf break is sure to be a good one at the Ocean Sands Hotel and we are delighted to offer a great selection of stay and play golf deals. Visit our offers page to see our latest golf trip deals and prepare to enjoy some quality golfing and dining on the stunning West Coast of Ireland.
