Photo: Wikimedia CommonsFota Island Resort
Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork · Designed by Jeff Howes · Est. 1993
Fota Island Resort sits on a real island in Cork Harbour, connected to the mainland by bridge, and offers 54 holes across three courses in a setting of genuine natural beauty. The Fota course — originally designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr and Peter McEvoy and opened in 1993, later upgraded to European Tour standard — has hosted the Irish Open multiple times and is the most demanding of the three layouts. What makes Fota especially practical for visiting golfers is the combination of scope and proximity: Cork Airport is twenty minutes away, Cork city is thirty, and the resort has enough golf to fill two full days without moving base. Fota Wildlife Park, one of Ireland's best open-range wildlife parks, is on the same island — a useful extra for a mixed group.
Highlights
- Irish Open host
- 54 holes
- Cork Harbour setting
Visitor Information
Getting There
Common questions
What professional events has Fota Island hosted?
Fota Island has hosted three Irish Opens on the European Tour: 2001 (won by Colin Montgomerie), 2002 (Søren Hansen), and 2014 (Mikko Ilonen). The course was redesigned by Jeff Howes in 1999 to bring it to tour standards, then expanded to 54 holes in 2007 with a new nine designed by Howes on the eastern side of the island.
What is the setting at Fota Island Resort?
Fota Island sits in Cork Harbour between Cork city and Cobh — a scenic island estate with the main championship course, the Deerpark, covering the central ground. The Cork Harbour estuary views feature on several holes. It is one of the most attractive golf resort settings in Munster, and Cork Airport is just twenty minutes away making it very accessible.
How do I book Fota Island Resort?
Fota Island books through GolfNow with reliable online availability. The resort hotel on the island can be booked through the Fota Island Resort website. Day visitors are welcome to the course.
What else can I do near Fota Island?
Fota Wildlife Park on the island is one of Ireland's best open-range wildlife parks. Cobh — the last port of call of the RMS Titanic — is five minutes by train from Fota station and has the Titanic Experience visitor centre. Cork city is twenty minutes and worth an afternoon: the English Market, Shandon Church, and the Crawford Art Gallery are all worthwhile.
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Course Facts
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Golf in Cork and the Southwest
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