Esker Hills is built on a series of glacial ridges — eskers — left by meltwater channels beneath the last ice sheet, giving this Tullamore parkland dramatic elevation changes that have no parallel in the Irish midlands. The course plays differently on every hole as the terrain rises and falls, and the fairways are consistently well-conditioned to a standard that surprises first-time visitors. Tullamore is the home of Tullamore DEW whiskey — the distillery welcomes visitors and is worth an hour if you are not driving. A genuine midlands hidden gem, and a compelling reason to stop rather than pass through on the Dublin-to-west crossing.
Highlights
- Ice Age esker ridges
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Central Ireland location
Visitor Information
Getting There
Common questions
What makes Esker Hills Golf Club unusual?
Esker Hills is built on the Esker Riada — ancient ridges of sand and gravel deposited by retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago. The terrain creates a unique inland landscape of plateaux, sweeping valleys, and natural bowls unlike almost any other course in the Irish midlands. Christy O'Connor Jnr designed the course in 1996 to work with the esker topography rather than flatten it. The result is a parkland that plays with more variety and elevation change than the midlands terrain normally allows.
Is Shane Lowry connected to Esker Hills Golf Club?
Yes — Shane Lowry, 2019 Open Champion, is a member of Esker Hills. In 2009, he made history as the first amateur to win the Irish Open in the professional era, shooting a final-round 62 at County Louth (Baltray) to win in a playoff. He turned professional the following week. Esker Hills is three miles from Tullamore in Co. Offaly, where Lowry grew up.
How do I book Esker Hills Golf Club?
Esker Hills books through GolfNow with reliable availability.
What is there to do near Tullamore?
Tullamore is the home of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey — the distillery visitor centre in the town is worth an hour. Clonmacnoise, the early Christian monastic site on the River Shannon, is thirty minutes northwest and is one of the most important early medieval sites in Ireland. The Grand Canal towpath runs through the county and provides good cycling.
Where to Stay
Books directly via GolfNow — no agent wait
Plan your full Ireland itinerary
Course Facts
Destination guide
Ireland's hidden gem courses
Courses, hotels, restaurants and things to do beyond the fairways.
Read the guide →
← All Ireland courses