Lough Erne Golf Club

Lough Erne has experienced ups and downs in recent years but is now firmly one of the best golf courses in Ireland.

Golf World was one of the first to experience Lough Erne when it opened in 2007. It’s had a mixed life so far, hosting Rory McIlroy and the G8 one minute then suffering in Ireland’s financial strife the next.

It was taken over by new American owners in 2014 and things have looked up since then – and when we last visited we were impressed in every respect.

The Nick Faldo-designed course flows over the lakelands of County Fermanagh. 

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Spacious, elegant and enchanting, the course has a lazy rhythm that starts in the forest before breaking out into the open where the holes stretch into the distance over tumbling, water-laced terrain. 

It harnesses the natural beauty of its setting on a 600-acre peninsula – with views aplenty of Fermanagh’s Lakelands from the course.

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Given its inland location, the course was in sensational condition when we visited in early spring. Its scenic setting, presentation and clever test make it definitively a GB&I Top 100 contender.  

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With its glamour and five star hotel this is a luxury retreat with all the quality (and course maintenance) you could ask for.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap