Photo: Wikimedia CommonsCork Golf Club
Little Island, Co. Cork · Designed by Alister MacKenzie (1920s) · Est. 1888
Cork Golf Club at Little Island is one of Ireland's oldest clubs, founded in 1888 — but its reputation rests on the architect who reworked it in the 1920s: Alister MacKenzie, who went on to design Augusta National and Cypress Point. The course sits on a small island in Cork Harbour, and its defining stretch plays through and around a disused limestone quarry on the shore of Lough Mahon — walled, dramatic, and unlike anything else in Irish parkland golf.
It plays to par 72 over 6,730 yards. The quarry holes and the lough-side holes are the signature; the remainder winds through the kind of strategic, naturally contoured parkland that made MacKenzie's name. The club hosted the Irish Open in 1932 and has long been among the most respected members' clubs in Munster.
Little Island is about fifteen minutes east of Cork city and the same from Cork Airport, which makes Cork Golf Club one of the most convenient quality rounds in the southwest — and far better value than its pedigree suggests.
Holes worth knowing
- 1The quarry holes (around the turn) — a run of holes cut through and along a disused limestone quarry on the shore of Lough Mahon, framed by sheer stone walls. The feature that makes Cork unique among Irish parkland courses.
Highlights
- Alister MacKenzie design (architect of Augusta National)
- Dramatic holes through a disused limestone quarry
- Irish Open host 1932 — 15 minutes from Cork city
Good to know
- →Little Island is 15 minutes from both Cork city and Cork Airport — an ideal first or last round on a southwest trip, or a change of pace from the Kerry links.
- →Fota Island Resort is on the next island over in Cork Harbour; the two make a natural Cork parkland pairing for a two-round day.
- →Cobh — the Titanic's last port of call — is fifteen minutes away, with St Colman's Cathedral and the harbour waterfront worth an hour before or after golf.
- →The course is walkable and members-club in feel; weekend visitor access is limited, so weekday mornings are the surest bet.
Visitor Information
Getting There
Common questions
What makes Cork Golf Club special?
Its architect. Alister MacKenzie — who went on to design Augusta National and Cypress Point — reworked the course in the 1920s, and its defining stretch plays through and around a disused limestone quarry on the shore of Lough Mahon. The walled quarry holes are unlike anything else in Irish parkland golf, and the course sits on a small island in Cork Harbour.
How old is Cork Golf Club?
It is one of Ireland's oldest clubs, founded in 1888 at Little Island. It hosted the Irish Open in 1932 and has long been among the most respected members' clubs in Munster. It plays to par 72 over 6,730 yards.
Can visitors play Cork Golf Club?
Yes — it is a members' club but welcomes visitors, mainly on weekdays, with limited weekend access. Book through the club directly. For the quality of the MacKenzie design, it is far better value than its pedigree suggests.
Where is Cork Golf Club and what is nearby?
Little Island is about 15 minutes east of both Cork city and Cork Airport. Fota Island Resort is on the next island over in Cork Harbour, making a natural two-round Cork day, and Cobh — the Titanic's last port of call — is 15 minutes away.
Where to Stay
Book directly with the club — no agent, no waiting
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Course Facts
Destination guide
Golf in Cork and the Southwest
Courses, hotels, restaurants and things to do beyond the fairways.
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