The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club
Doonbeg, Co. Clare, Ireland
The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club, Ireland's new premier luxury destination, opened in May, 2006. Located on the stunning southwest coast of Ireland, only 45 minutes from Shannon, the Lodge encompasses: Luxury suites, fine dining, spa, and golf shop. Introducing luxury to links golf, Doonbeg Golf Club combines the spectacular Greg Norman-designed course, sumptuous accommodation, picturesque location, and impeccable service to offer Ireland's ultimate links experience.
The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club completes Doonbeg's unique offering of spectacular links golf, beautiful seaside accommodations, and unparalleled service. This combination, unrivalled in Ireland, makes Doonbeg the ultimate links experience. Located adjacent to the course with sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Lodge houses the Clubhouse, 15 Lodge Suites, the formal dining room, the Members' bar, the spa, and both men's and women's locker rooms. The adjoining Garden House Suites, Norman Suites, Courtyard Suites, and Golf Shop complete the current phase of the development. An atmosphere of genuine warmth and comfort with casual furniture and furnishings envelops those entering the Lodge. Antique furniture and elegant light fixtures, collected from all over Ireland, England, and northern Europe, are combined with hand-hewn materials to convey a unique sense of calm and welcome.
Accolades:
- The Lodge at Doonbeg has become the inaugural winner of the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) award for Best Resort of the Year 2008. It is the second time that Doonbeg has received an IGTOA award, having previously won one for Golf Course of the Year in 2006.
- Elite Traveler - Doonbeg's 4-bedroom ocean view ssuite named one of "The 101 Best Suites in the World", July/August 2007. (Doonbeg was the only Irish hotel on the list)
- Elite Traveler - “Great Eight” list, 2007
- Hospitality Ireland - Awarded "Best Resort Hotel" in Ireland, 2007
- Cigar Aficionado - “Best New International Golf Resort,” 2007
- Celebrated Living - Reader’s Choice Platinum List: “Top 20 International Courses,” 2007
- Links magazine - “World’s Best Golf Vacations,” 2006
- GQ - “100 Best Things in the World,” 2006
- Golf Monthly - “Britain and Ireland’s Top 120 Courses,” 2006
- Golf Digest – “Best New International Course” Doonbeg course opening, 2002
Especially recommended for: couples, golfing foursomes, golfing groups and societies, families.
Resort golf: Doonbeg Golf Links Course
Nearby golf: Lahich Golf Club Old Course and Castle Course (10 minutes), Ballybunion Golf (1 hour)
Accommodation: Accommodations at The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club are extraordinary. Rather than simply a room with a seating area, the suites are private residences. Configured with 1 - 4 bedrooms, living room with fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen, each suite is meant to serve as a home away from home, offering all of the amenities one would expect, and more. The suites, which have been individually designed and decorated so that no two are alike, are perfect for families, couples travelling together, or groups of golfers, as guests have room to relax and entertain. Guests also enjoy the many amenities of the Lodge, including preferred tee times, 5-star dining, spa, pub, golf shop, and concierge service.
White Horses Spa: The Irish have an ages-old colloquialism for the waves that roll into Doughmore Bay, calling them white horses, as their foam resembles horses' manes and tails. Doonbeg's White Horses Spa takes inspiration from the natural environment of the County Clare coastline. Treatments are designed to relax and renew, and regenerative products use natural salts and seaweed to sculpt and nourish the skin. Facials, massages, such as the Voyager Massage, to relieve jet lag, and the Par Excellence Golfer's Massage, designed to address muscle soreness, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and make-up are offered. The spa will also offer a range of fitness opportunities, such as Pilates and yoga on the beach at sunrise and sunset.
Food and Beverage: Whether it be a quick bite in the golf shop before your round or a multi-course experience in the Lodge, your meal is sure to be delicious. Doonbeg offers several dining options, ranging from the formal (The Long Room) to the more informal (Darby's). Buffet breakfast and Doonbeg's Afternoon Tea are served daily. The dinner menu ia a la carte, changing daily to reflect that day's purchases at the local markets. Various selections of local fish, meats such as Burren and lamb, soups, and salads will be available. The wine list, which features many old favourites, will also showcase new offerings, giving guests a chance to broaden their horizons. Darby's, a pub and restaurant, is located at the golf shop. This is a place for a quick meal during the day, pints in the afternoon, a leisurely dinner and, of course, the famous Doonbeg craic.
Location: 1 hour’s drive from Shannon Airport
Back to Best Places to Play & Stay in Ireland
Photos provided courtesy
of The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club.
Photos by (top to bottom): facade - Keiran Clancy, coastline - Steve Uzell,
beach - Steve Uzell, view - Kieran Clancy, view - Steve Uzell, member’s
entrance - Keiran Clancy, bedroom - Jason Stemble, telephone desk - Jason
Stemple, dining room, sunset - Steve Uzell, Skilvileen River - Steve Uzell,
village aerial
