Golf

Faithlegg Golf Club. A perfectly manicured, 20-year-old, 18-hole parkland course, Faithlegg is set in the mature landscape of a 200-acre estate on the banks of the River Suir. Problematic doglegs, blind shots, and nasty sand traps make it a lot trickier than it seems on first glance. The difficult finishing stretch, with Faithlegg House as the backdrop, can catch out the overambitious golfer. Faithlegg House, Checkpoint, Co. Waterford. 051/380–587; www.faithlegggolfclub.com. Nov.–Mar., weekdays €30, weekends €40; Oct., weekdays €35, weekends €50; Apr.–Sept., weekdays €40, weekends €50.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Club. Claiming to be Ireland's only true island course, Waterford Castle is completely detached from the mainland on a privately owned 310-acre island. Designed by Irish golfing great Des Smyth, the tricky but playable 18-hole course winds through mature woodland and features four internal water features in addition to the encroaching sea. There are plenty of opportunities to hit one into the drink. The Island, 2 km (1 mile) south of Waterford, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford. 051/871–633; www.waterfordcastleresort.com. Nov.--Mar., weekdays €25, weekends €30--€35; Apr.--Oct., weekdays €50, weekends €55--€60.