Tee Off in Tipperary – A Complete Guide to Cahir Park Golf Club and the Best Nearby Courses
Introduction
County Tipperary is a golfer’s paradise. Rolling parkland, dramatic mountain backdrops and the gentle meander of the River Suir create a setting that feels tailor‑made for a round of golf. At the heart of this landscape lies Cahir Park Golf Club, an 18‑hole, Eddie Hackett‑designed parkland course that has become a favourite stop for locals, visitors and touring professionals alike.
Whether you’re staying in Cahir for a weekend break, planning a corporate golf day, or simply looking for the best courses a short drive away, this guide covers everything you need to know about Cahir Park and the surrounding top‑rated clubs. You’ll find up‑to‑date scorecards, green‑fee structures for 2025, booking details, practice facilities and nearby accommodation options – all in one handy reference.
1. Cahir Park Golf Club – The Home Course
1.1 Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Cahir, Co. Tipperary (5 min from the town centre, 5 min from M8 Junction 10) |
| Course Type | 18‑hole parkland |
| Designer | Eddie Hackett (opened 1965) |
| Par | 71 |
| Length | 6 461 yards (Blue tees) |
| Course Rating / Slope | Blue: 71.6 / 461 White: 70.1 / 136 |
| Scenic Highlights | River Suir frontage, views of the Galtee, Knockmealdown & Comeragh Mountains |
| Phone | +353 (52) 744 1474 |
| Website | https://cahirgolfclub.com/ |
| Booking | Online via the “Members” and “Visitors” portals on the website, or by calling the clubhouse |
1.2 Green‑Fee Structure (2025)
| Day | Visitor Green Fee | Member Green Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | €25 | Included in membership |
| Friday – Sunday | €35 | Included in membership |
| Buggy Hire | €25 (full day) | €12 (full day) |
| Cart & Club Rental | €8 (if needed) | €5 (if needed) |
Special rates are offered for societies, corporate groups and classic tee‑off packages – contact Kate in the office (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) for a customised quote.
1.3 Facilities
- Practice Area – 7‑hole short‑game practice green, driving range with 6 ball‑launch bays, and a bunker practice zone.
- Pro Shop – Full range of clubs, apparel, balls and accessories; on‑site club fitting by the club professional.
- Clubhouse & Dining – Modern restaurant serving locally sourced Irish cuisine, a bar with a selection of Irish whiskeys, and private function rooms for events.
- Accommodation – Partner hotels within a 10‑minute drive: The Cahir Hotel, The Courtyard Cahir, and several B&Bs in the town centre.
1.4 How to Book
- Online – Visit the “Visitors” portal: https://cahirgolfclub.com/visitor_home.php and select your preferred tee time.
- Phone – Call the clubhouse (above) during office hours (Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00).
- Walk‑In – Subject to availability, a limited number of walk‑in tee times are released each morning.
Tip: Book at least 48 hours in advance during peak summer months (June‑August) to secure a preferred tee time.
2. Other Top‑Rated Courses Within a Short Drive
All the courses listed are reachable within 30 minutes (≈ 30 km) of Cahir, making them perfect for a day‑trip or a multi‑course golf tour.
2.1 Nenagh Golf Club – “The Alister MacKenzie Classic”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Cahir | 75 km (≈ 1 hr 10 min drive via N52 & M7) |
| Course Type | 18‑hole parkland (designed by Alister MacKenzie, Eddie Hackett & Patrick Merrigan) |
| Par / Length | Par 72 – 6 458 yards (Blue) |
| Rating / Slope | 71.6 / 605 (Blue) |
| Green‑Fee (2025) | €30 weekdays, €45 weekends (societies 10 % discount) |
| Facilities | 9‑hole practice range, short‑game area, full pro shop, licensed clubhouse with function rooms. |
| Booking | https://nenaghgolfclub.ie/ (online tee‑time system) |
| Why Play Here? | Classic MacKenzie routing, mature beechwood, and a challenging yet fair layout that tests both accuracy and strategy. |
2.2 Tipperary Golf Club – “The Historic Gem”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Cahir | 21 km (≈ 20 min via N24) |
| Founded | 1896 – one of Ireland’s oldest courses |
| Course Type | 18‑hole parkland with gentle undulations |
| Par / Length | Par 71 – 6 300 yards |
| Rating / Slope | 71.4 / 124 (Blue) |
| Green‑Fee (2025) | €28 weekdays, €38 weekends; reduced rates for seniors and juniors |
| Facilities | Driving range, putting & chipping greens, on‑site restaurant serving “Tipperary stew”, and a historic clubhouse with memorabilia from the early 20th century. |
| Booking | https://www.tipperarygolfclub.com/ (online & phone) |
| Why Play Here? | Rich history, immaculate conditioning, and a friendly atmosphere that welcomes families and first‑timers. |
2.3 Portumna Golf Club – “The Galway Border Challenge”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Cahir | 34 km (≈ 35 min via R639 & N65) |
| Opened | 1999 – a modern parkland layout |
| Par / Length | Par 71 – 6 400 yards |
| Rating / Slope | 71.2 / 124 (Blue) |
| Green‑Fee (2025) | €32 weekdays, €42 weekends; corporate group packages start at €30 per player. |
| Facilities | 6‑bay driving range, dedicated practice bunker, on‑site restaurant with a “Portumna catch” fish dish, and a well‑stocked pro shop. |
| Booking | https://portumnagolfclub.ie/ (online tee‑time portal) |
| Why Play Here? | Scenic views over the River Shannon, strategic water hazards and a reputation for fast, true greens. |
2.4 Ros Crea Golf Club – “The Slieve Bloom View”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Cahir | 45 km (≈ 45 min via N24 & R689) |
| Course Type | 18‑hole parkland with a backdrop of the Slieve Bloom Mountains |
| Par / Length | Par 71 – 6 350 yards |
| Rating / Slope | 71.5 / 131 (Blue) |
| Green‑Fee (2025) | €30 weekdays, €40 weekends; “Family Day” Tuesdays – €20 for two adults + two children. |
| Facilities | 8‑hole practice range, 3‑hole short‑game area, licensed clubhouse with a terrace overlooking the course. |
| Booking | https://roscreagolfclub.ie/ (online) |
| Why Play Here? | A challenging layout that rewards strategic play, plus the chance to combine golf with a visit to the historic Ros Crea Castle ruins. |
2.5 Quick Comparison Table
| Course | Distance (km) | Par | Rating / Slope | Typical Green‑Fee (Weekday) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cahir Park | 0 | 71 | 71.6 / 461 | €25 (visitor) | River Suir frontage |
| Nenagh | 75 | 72 | 71.6 / 605 | €30 | MacKenzie design |
| Tipperary | 21 | 71 | 71.4 / 124 | €28 | 1896 heritage |
| Portumna | 34 | 71 | 71.2 / 124 | €32 | Shannon river views |
| Ros Crea | 45 | 71 | 71.5 / 131 | €30 | Slieve Bloom backdrop |
3. Practical Tips for Golfers Visiting Cahir
3.1 Getting There
- By Car: Cahir sits on the M8 (Junction 10). From Dublin, take the M8 south; from Cork, take the M8 north. All the surrounding courses are reachable via the N24, N52 or regional roads.
- Public Transport: Bus Éireann routes 221 and 222 serve Cahir. The nearest train station is Cahir (Limerick‑Kilkenny line), about 5 km from the town centre. Taxis and local hire‑car services are readily available.
3.2 What to Pack
- Dress Code: Collared shirt, golf shoes with soft spikes, and appropriate trousers or golf shorts. No denim or athletic wear.
- Weather Gear: Irish weather can change quickly – pack a waterproof windbreaker and a hat.
- Tee‑Time Confirmation: Print or have a digital copy of your booking confirmation.
3.3 Accommodation Options
| Hotel / B&B | Distance from Cahir Park | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cahir Hotel | 2 min walk | €95‑€150 | Central location, on‑site restaurant |
| The Courtyard Cahir | 5 min drive | €80‑€130 | Modern rooms, free parking |
| Ballycahill House B&B | 7 min drive | €70‑€110 | Family‑run, breakfast with local produce |
| Moycarkey House (near Nenagh) | 1 hr 10 min drive | €120‑€180 | Luxury boutique, spa facilities |
3.4 Dining Recommendations
- Cahir Park Clubhouse Restaurant – “Suir River Trout” with locally harvested herbs.
- The Old Bridge Bar (Cahir) – Traditional Irish stew and a selection of craft beers.
- The Castle Hotel (Tipperary) – Fine dining with a “Tipperary lamb” tasting menu.
3.5 Group & Corporate Golf Packages
All the courses listed offer society rates and corporate packages that include:
- Dedicated tee‑off times (often early morning for the most relaxed round).
- Use of the clubhouse meeting rooms for post‑round debriefs or awards.
- Catering options ranging from a simple sandwich buffet to a full three‑course dinner.
Contact the club’s societies officer (Cahir Park: Kate – (052) 744 1474) at least two weeks in advance for the best rates.
4. Seasonal Highlights & Events (2025‑2026)
| Season | Event | Course | Dates (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cahir Park Easter Open (amateur stroke play) | Cahir Park | 10–13 April |
| Early Summer | Nenagh MacKenzie Classic (members & visitors) | Nenagh Golf Club | 22 June |
| Mid‑Summer | Tipperary County Championship (regional qualifier) | Tipperary Golf Club | 15 July |
| Late Summer | Portumna River Challenge (charity event) | Portumna Golf Club | 3 September |
| Autumn | Ros Crea Harvest Cup (senior competition) | Ros Crea Golf Club | 25 October |
| Winter | Indoor Golf Week – swing analysis & fitness workshops (held at Cahir Park’s practice centre) | Cahir Park | 2‑5 December |
These events are great opportunities to watch high‑level play, meet fellow golfers and even try a “pro‑day” session with the club professionals.
5. Planning a Multi‑Course Golf Tour from Cahir
5.1 Sample 3‑Day Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Lunch | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tee off at Cahir Park (Blue tees) | Clubhouse restaurant – “Suir Trout” | Practice short‑game at Cahir Park | Stay at The Cahir Hotel |
| Day 2 | Drive to Tipperary Golf Club (20 km) – play the classic layout | Picnic on the 9th tee (self‑catered) | Finish round, then visit Tipperary Town for a stroll | Dinner at The Castle Hotel |
| Day 3 | Early tee at Nenagh Golf Club (MacKenzie classic) | Lunch at Nenagh’s The Abbey Hotel | Return to Cahir for a relaxed 9‑hole “Par‑3” challenge at the club’s practice course | Celebrate with a drink at The Old Bridge Bar |
5.2 Transport Tips
- Hire‑Car – Most visitors find a compact car (e.g., VW Golf) most convenient; all courses have free parking.
- Group Shuttle – For corporate groups, Cahir Park can arrange a minibus shuttle for a fixed daily fee.
Conclusion
Tipperary’s golf landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful. Cahir Park Golf Club offers a stunning riverside parkland experience right in the town, while the surrounding courses – Nenagh, Tipperary, Portumna and Ros Crea – each bring their own unique history, design pedigree and scenic backdrop. With competitive green‑fee rates, excellent practice facilities and a range of accommodation options, the region is perfectly equipped for a day‑trip, a weekend getaway, or a full‑blown golf tour.
So grab your clubs, book a tee time online, and discover why the Golden Vale of Tipperary is fast becoming one of Ireland’s most cherished golfing destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual weekend player, the fairways, greens and hospitality awaiting you in and around Cahir are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories – and a strong desire to return. Happy golfing!