A recent trip to Southern Ireland allowed me a short stay in Kinsale, Co.Cork. I opted to dine at Crackpots on Cork Street and wanted to tell you a bit about it.
It is a small, but incredibly warm and inviting restaurant with a twist…it is also a working pottery with many fine ceramics and paintings for sale on site. The restaurant offers an ever-changing menu which flows with the seasons meaning produce is always fresh and caters for all predilections.
Many of PerryGolf’s clients who are traveling to South West Ireland opt to play Old Head Golf Links, and with less than a 30 minute drive to Crackpots, I thoroughly recommend you consider finishing off your day with dinner there.
Links Magazine recently published its list of the top 10 most spectacular courses in world golf; and it makes for interesting reading with Old Head Golf Links in Ireland finishing in top position. Located just south of Cork, Old Head stands on cliff tops in a remote location that’ll make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. Another notable course on the list is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, China which is an 8,500 yard course built 3000 feet above sea level. I had the pleasure of playing it in 2008 and, whilst it’s the longest course I’ve ever played (by some distance), the altitude meant I’ve never hit drives so far in my life…which made for great fun! The top ten as positioned by Links Magazine is:
Old Head Golf Links, Ireland
Cypress Point Club, California
Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
Black Mesa Golf Club, New Mexico
Pebble Beach Golf Links, California
Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
Weihai Point, China
Pinnacle Point, South Africa
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, China
Cabo Del Sol, Mexico
By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
Old Head Golf Links has gone througha massive refurbishment over the past few years; transforming into a beautiful five star resort. With 15 brand new suites, all overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the golf course, or both, it’s proving to be one of the most charming golf resorts in Ireland. I was privileged to be invited to stayovernight shortly after the suites opened…and what a visit it proved to be. The rooms are as good as any you’re likely to find in Ireland; tastefully decorated, and extremely spacious with everything (and more) that you’d expect from a five star hotel. The highlight for me was the relaxing in the bath while enjoying watching golf on the bathroom’s flat screen TV…the perfect way to finish the evening after a mouth watering seafood platter in the main restaurant.
Old Head Golf Links
Having never played the course before, it made the trip even more special as it’s a fantastic links, and possibly the most spectacular I’ve ever played. It stands at the top of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 9 holes play directly along the cliff tops and all 18 have views out to sea. Add that to the beautiful lighthouse at the far end of the course, and you have an awe-inspiring view no matter which way you’re facing. Don’t be fooled though, as the Old Head Golf Links is much more than just an exceptionally scenic course – it’s a great test of golf, with some mind blowing holes. It’s also an immaculately looked after course and so tends to be in absolutely perfect condition all season. Even the weather was exceptional and my golf was up to the test for once, having carded a gross 75…so it was a great trip all round. If you’ve never been to Old Head before, be sure to add it to the list of ‘must plays’. With the fantastic new suites, it’s got to be considered a ‘must stay’ as well.
By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
