Fota Island Resort

Fota Island Resort is located a few minutes drive from Cork City with its international airport and passenger ferry terminal. It lies in the heart of a 780 acre estate which is included in, "The Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland". The splendid woodlands are woven into a challenging, par 71, championship course which is very much in the traditional mode, featuring pot bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. The Clubhouse incorporates the creative conversion of some beautiful stone buildings and features the "Spike Bar" and "Niblicks Restaurant".

Fota Island was named "Course of the Year 2002" by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA). The prestigious award was voted on by the tour operators and by nearly 100 "industry partners" such as hotels, car hire companies, airlines and other golf courses. The commendation reads in part, "In consideration of the standards of excellence achieved within the industry which constantly sets new goals for attaining customer satisfaction." A further accolade was received when Sky Sports (U.K.) golf commentator, Ewen Murray, named Fota Island as "Golf Course of the Year on the PGA European Tour".

The Resort boasts a 5 Star Hotel and residential development. The Hotel has 131 luxury rooms including private penthouse suites, a specialty restaurant and a Whiskey Bar. The hotel also has an award winning Spa designed by the internationally respected Spa Designer, Dr. Christian Jost which is unique in what it offers by way of specialised treatments to both the discerning golfer and all visitors to Fota Island. The development also includes 250 residential lodges. These luxury properties are strategically located throughout the estate and radiate unsurpassed style both inside and out.

In 2006 the new Golf Academy at Fota Island opened its doors. The Academy boasts over 4000 sq. meters of first class turf to practice clean crisp iron shots with a separate chipping green surrounded with bunkers. There is also a new gently undulating outdoor putting green and as the short game is so important a new pitching area with various targets up to 100 meters away. The Academy features two large teaching rooms with the latest hi-tech video and computer systems and a full array of teaching aids. It also includes ten covered driving & practice bays and an indoor putting green. Certified & experienced Teaching Professionals are on hand to guide you through the GASP (swing analysis) computer system and the SAM Puttlab, a putting analysis & training system.

Jeff Howes continues his association with the Resort with the design of nine new championship holes in keeping with the existing course. The nine holes feature a world class layout with some very challenging features to test the most competitive golfer and opened in Spring 2007. Fota Island is located in the heart of one of Ireland’s great golfing centres. Cork is a wonderful base for golfing holidays with no fewer than eleven courses within a few minutes drive of the City.

Fota is unique. I hope you come to Fota Island to see for yourself. Visitors are most welcome everyday. You’ll find a warm welcome and great golf!

“It is not a piece of land, it is a place. It deserves the best.” British Walker Cup Captain, Peter McEvoy

“For a breath of true golfing air, Fota Island is the very place. Fota eschews the Schwarzenagger-like brutality... in favour of guile and subtlety... it makes you think. It’s real golf.” Golf Digest

“Some of their innovations evoke other times and other values, in particular, shot values. Purists will delight in their old fashioned features... you’ll stand in wide eyed admiration.” Golf Monthly

“Pick of the bunch.” Golf World

“I don’t think you can get a more beautiful golf hole. The setting is gorgeous and the challenge in a golfing sense is such that it’s ideal for tournament play” Padraig Harrington