Golf Offers

The ABC of Ireland’s top golf courses and nearby luxury hotels

Adare Manor Golf   Ballybunion Old Course Baltray   Carton House Hotel  
Druids Glen Wicklow       K Club Kileen Course     Lehinch 
Portmarnock    Portmarnock    Royal County Down   Royal Dublin
The Heritage Golf     The Island Dublin Tralee Golf Club    Waterville

 

Starting with A for one of Ireland’s leading 5 star castle hotels, Adare Manor. The resort is set on a magnificent estate in the heart of the pretty village of Adare, Co. Limerick and within putting distance of Shannon Airport (okay that was an exaggeration).  You will be in good company at one of Ireland’s top golf resorts and home to the JPMcManus Pro-Am.

 

B on the west coast of Kerry overlooking the Atlantic Ocean finds two wonderfully unique and challenging links golf courses at Ballybunion – the Old Course and the Cashen. Whichever you choose will present you with a challenge at every hole, sand dune, hazard and every shot, an experience shared by a Mr William Clinton not too long ago.

 

C is for Carton House.

 

As a reward for his help with the Normans, Maurice Fitzgerald was appointed Lord of Maynooth and handsomely rewarded with the townlands that now include Carton House. This historic house is still at the centre of vast private parklands with no less than two championship golf courses, a leisure centre with all the trimmings and more.

 

Dashing right on through to Waterville, which is rated as among the top five courses in Ireland and the top 20 links courses in the world,.no mean feat for a course that’s over 100 years old. And plenty of choices on where to put up your feet after a long day on the green including Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Ballygarry House Hotel and Hayfield Manor

 

Take a trip through our guide to those 5 star luxury hotels of Ireland which will make your golfing trip even more special.

 

 

Upcoming rugby and hotels Dublin

Posted by on Feb 19th, 2014 in Sports | 0 comments

Upcoming rugby and hotels Dublin

Looking to keep  the men in your life occupied while you check out the shopping and hotels Dublin or Limerick have to offer? Check. Or searching for a distraction for the women in your life while you get stuck into the rest of the rugger season? Check, check. Whetting your appetite ahead of some April foolery in France in the Heineken cup, you can catch some Leinster fixtures in the RaboDirect Pro12 (the elite professional clubs in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy to the more ignorant amongst us).  At their home turf in the RDS, Leinster face Glasgow Warriors on the 1st of March in RDS (beware the ides of March). And again on home ground they face Italian side, Zebre, on the 21st of March. Old rivalries will no doubt come to the fore later on the 29th of March, IF you are lucky enough to grab tickets. Munster travel to Dublin to take on Leinster at the Aviva. Throw in a dogmatic Munster (aka thorn in Leinster’s side), a home Dublin crowd and voila some world-class rugby! Running, as they do, into the quarter final of the Heineken Cup (three is not enough) Leinster face French side, Toulon, on April 6th  in la belle France. Over in Munster, if you fancy the experience of 30,000 silent reverent fans awaitng a conversion, check out the Thomond experience when Munster face Benetton Treviso on the 22nd of March. Munster remain strong and competitive and look to be back on form, topping the table in the RaboDirect Pro12 and are unbeaten in the Heineken Cup. They face Toulouse in Thomond Park on the 5th of April.  There, you too can join the Red Army. On the international stage, Ireland stands sixth in the world rankings and mid battle in the Six Nations with both opening two games under our belt against Scotland and Wales, Ireland will hope to repeat the Grand Slam achieved by the team of ’09. We face England in Twickenham on the 22nd of February (check out our London site for guides). Our last home international game of the season follows on the 8th of March as we face the passionate Italians in the Aviva. After this, yoo can follow them to Stade de France in Paris,a trip that would be well rewarded were they to pull off a victory. Check out our fantastic range of hotels Dublin has to offer, including The Westbury, The Merrion, The Schoolhouse, The Conrad. And for some of the hotels Limerick has to offer, check out The George Boutique, The Savoy,  No.1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa, the Limerick Strand, Clarion Hotel or it absolutely has to be the riverside Absolute Hotel . Come the day and come the hour. Come the power and the glory. We have come to answer…. you know the...

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Spring offers and hotels Galway

Posted by on Jan 20th, 2014 in 5 Star Luxury Hotels, Sports | 0 comments

Spring offers and hotels Galway

Like ducks to water, join the hens at Delphi as they paddle on the edge of the wild Atlantic Way and later take comfort in home made cocktails to recover. Just one of the many great breaks you can avail of at Galway hotels this Spring.   So lift the duvet and take your first gentle steps out of hibernation before hurtling forward into 2014 with some fantastic events and activities in Galway this Spring.   Set amidst some of the most breathtaking  Connemara scenery, Delphi Mountain Lodge lays on a menu of activities and pure luxury with mid term break activities for the kids, kayyaking hen parties, pedal and paddle weekends, coasteering hen breaks, mad March midweek escapes, Spring weekend breaks and Bike n Hire not  to mention Valentines by Assleagh falls,   Choose from an a la carte of Prosecco and chocolates, wet suits and buoyancy aids, kayaking, cocktail making classes and coasteering. Which apparently is a combination of adventure swimming that takes you along the base of sea cliffs, stopping en route to experience the rise and fall of the ocean waves and the movements of the swell while traversing and scrambling the lower levels of sea cliffs above deep water and climbing the cliffs to jumping locations. A doddle.   Just make sure to watch those manicured nails as you go.   Less adventurous breaks at the G include 2 night breaks with a third night free and Feel Good Fridays.   Over at The Meyrick, love is in the Eyre with a luxurious 2 night break at this gorgeous 4 star Hotel. Or if Your man’s thoughts don’t turn to love, there’s always. The Mother.   Later this Spring celebrate Mothers Day with a Meyrick Special.   And if that fails, step it up a generation and  try the Chair Affair-Craft Package, an Up-cycling workshop, in conjunction with The Gaiety Antique & Vintage Store, also at The Meyrick.   Park House offers a personalised Valentines Cupcakes on arrival and choice of Valentines cocktails while Galway Bay currently has a room sale for select nights in January through March. Rosleague Manor has a selection of offers.   If you have any energy left from any of the above and can run like a mad March hare, check out the Kinvara Rock and Road Half Marathon and 10K through the beautiful Burren scenery on March 1st.   Just before St Patrick’s Day you can blow away the cobwebs at the Connemara Four Seasons Spring Walking Festival and get the chance to explore the highlands and islands of beautiful Connemara. Guided walks available from March 14th to 16th around Clifden, Co. Galway. This Easter Saturday, just after Saint Patrick’s Day take part in Cleasathon Inis Oírr’s annual 10K adventure, 10K road or 5K road runs over the boulder strewn, rocky tracks and grassy, sandy trails of the spectacular Aran Island on Inis Oírr, Galway. Boats also depart to Craggy Island  from Doolin, so they will. You just need to check the weather forecast so you can get back. Otherwise its into those kayaks. Again. Cocktails optional in O’Connor’s Doolin after.   For these and more, check out the fantastic hotels Galway has to...

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Summer in Dublin; Ukes, GAA, keelboats and more

Posted by on Aug 16th, 2013 in 5 Star Luxury Hotels, Festivals, Music, Sports, Theatre | 0 comments

Summer in Dublin; Ukes, GAA, keelboats and more

 A varied mix of events to keep you in that summertime mood when living is easy this August in Dublin and as the (dare we say it) kids go back to school.   You can add another string to your bow and tiptoe through the tulips this August at the Ukulele Hooley by the Sea in Dun Laoghaire at a two day gathering of a different kind. From baritone to soprano, grab your four stringed uke and enjoy the fun   Music galore continues at the Steeple Sessions in Dublin city centre’s Unitarian church with Mick O’ Brien and family, Chicago based whistle and flute player Laurence Nugent and more   And  if you can’t make it into the city, check out the Bodhran Sessions every Thursday Night in Monkstown, Co. Dublin   Far from its American Indian roots, lacrosse makes a Celtic appearance this August which sees the Celtic Cup 2013 International Lacrosse Tournament take place in Dublin with teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France   Towards the end of the month, the BMW J24 World Championships 2013 (a J24 is a five-person sailing keelboat to you and me) takes place around Howth, Co. Dublin   August sees fever pitch return to Croke Park with the GAA Hurling All Ireland Championship Semi-Finals with all four provinces battling out for supremacy   Take a back seat at the Back Loft Theatre and see Mr Joyce Is Leaving Paris, by Tom Gallacher until the end of August 2013 right in the heart of the Liberties in Dublin City centre   For all your 5 star luxury hotel needs in and around Dublin check out our collection of 5 star luxury hotels Dublin                                    ...

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Hotel of the Week Jul 15th

Posted by on Jul 15th, 2013 in 5 Star Luxury Hotels, Sports | 0 comments

Hotel of the Week Jul 15th

  Record breaking temperatures prevailed at the record breaking victory at Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds this Bastille Day.   After 17 years drought, a representative of the O’Grady clan lifted the spirits of over 40, 000 sunburnt faces, 80,000 arms and 80,000 legs at the Gaelic grounds with Cork and Limerick cheers that could be heard all the way out to Adare.   And it is to the manor born that you can head with offers from eur155 pps for midweek and weekend luxury breaks at Adare Manor, that will see your sunburnt bodies wrapped, massaged, covered in mud, oils and all manner of creams at Lavender cottage during your stay.   As you drift off to sleep with warm memories of those hurling moments still fresh in your mind, you can wake up refreshed in the heart of Munster feeling like a new man (terms and conditions apply).   Just enough to leave you re-energised in time to make the tea and ham sandwiches for the semi final in a month’s time.   Let them eat cake.     For up to date offers check here.      ...

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Golf and Spa breaks in Ireland this summer

Posted by on Jun 27th, 2013 in Golf, Sports | 0 comments

Golf and Spa breaks in Ireland this summer

For a His n Hers deal, check out Fota Island Hotel and Spa with their offer of B&B with Golf or Spa. Just need to decide who gets the round of golf on the championship-standard courses and who gets the relaxing spa treatment. You can of course opt for two rounds of golf or two spa treatments. Now you’re talking. But if the spa doesn’t do it for you and you prefer a good walk spoiled, The Stay, Play & Dine package which includes a round of golf on the day of your arrival, dinner in the Clubhouse Spike Bar to relate tales of those eagles, birdies and holes in one, overnight bed and breakfast and yes, another round of golf before you head away may be for you. Clontarf Castle Hotel offers its Royal Golfing in partnership with Championship Links Golf Club to bring you 2 night’s accommodation, a hearty Irish breakfast and of course a round of Golf in the Royal Dublin. At Kellys Resort Hotel in Wexford, you can go even further and opt for a 3 Day Golf Midweek Break with your choice of links at Rosslare or St. Helen’s. And to get you into the swing of things, enjoy the indoor/outdoor facilities or simply relax and unwind in the SeaSpa.   Mount Juliet has a Stay & Play Break which includes a leisure activity of your choice. You can choose from; a round of golf, a spa treatment, clay target shooting, horse-riding or archery. The inclusive dinner is 3 courses in either The Lady Helen or Kendal’s restaurant.   The Golf Break at Mount Juliet 1 Night stay includes a round of golf on the championship Jack Nicklaus designed course. For enthusiasts, you can step this up a notch to 2 rounds of golf. If you prefer a good walk that isn’t interrupted by putters and irons, take the Mount Juliet Tales and Trails 2 Night break which includes a guided tour of the estate and its 5 walking trails in the grounds.   The Lodge at Doonbeg has a 1 Night B&B and 1 Round of Golf deal where you can take time this year to play one of the finest links courses in the world. Also on offer is a Nights B&B and 2 Rounds of Golf on the renowned Greg Norman Links Golf Course.     At the Ice House Hotel and Spa you can enjoy one of The Great Outdoors 2BB1D packages and spend two nights in a luxurious room overlooking the River Moy then choose from horse riding at the Iceford stables, surfing in Enniscrone with 7th Wave or a relaxing boat trip around the bay followed by dinner from the Table d’Hote Menu. Under your own steam you can take a coastline drive taking in Rosserk Abbey, Dun Briste Sea Stack & the World Heritage listed Ceide Fields. Or you can chill out with a 30min spa treatment in The Chill Spa and turn up the heat at the Thermal Suite.   Waterford Castle has a midweek Golf Special where you can enjoy overnight accommodation in a Luxury Island Garden Lodge and a round of golf on the 18 hole Championship Golf Course designed by Des Smyth.   Adare Manor’s Leading Stay & Play offer includes two nights luxurious accommodation...

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Bats, headless horsemen and underwater Polo this summer around Ireland

Posted by on Jun 18th, 2013 in Sports | 0 comments

Bats, headless horsemen and underwater Polo this summer around Ireland

Test your biceps, triceps and the rest of your physique at the Cavan Kayakarun Endurance Event this August in Cootehill. You can participate individually or as part of a team.   And if you fancy some wriggley, squiggely, moving, swimming creatures of the fishy, mollusc or similar genetic kind then look no further than Loop head (okay next stop is Newfoundland) and the Rocky Shore Exploration event which lets you explore your squishy side during early August at low tide among the bountiful seaweed laden rock pools of the Clare coast  For nearby 5 star luxury check out Combining sports of the physical and social kind is the Kilkee Beach Tag Festival this August where you can play tag on the horse shoe shaped beach all day and around the many pubs and cafes around town later, all in the best possible taste of course. Fun for all in this west Clare town   And if that’s too tame for you check out the Hell of the West Triathlon in Kilkee, Co Clare at the end of June while inland towards the end of June you can sample the craic at the ancient Spancilhill only a stone’s throw from Dromoland castle.           Not quite of the Jaws proportions but definitely there are sharks in them there waters off the south west coast and Baltimore, Co Cork in particular and you may even catch one at the Baltimore Deep Sea Angling Festival in late August. Need to be suitably attired and equipped for this one though it is open to all   Not quite escape from Alcatraz but the Escape from Cork‘s Spike Island Endurance Event mid August does take quite a bit of stamina and determination with a choice of a sprint of difficult and really difficult. Mine’s a pint with binoculars   Now this sounds like my kind of maritime festival, indoors, dry and warm at The Fastnet Maritime and Folk Fest in Ballydehob, Co Cork with sea songs, shanties, dance and craft displays. Okay so maybe I could be tempted outside with the busking and outdoor music in the pubs but no sign of an oar, rod, snorkel or wheel in sight   Celebrating the arrival of thousands to Youghal each year, the inhabitants of the town welcome some more slippery visitors to the Cork shores with frying pans, grills and ovens. The O’Mackerel family, that is. Admission is free, safety cannot be guaranteed but all in a good cause. Finger licking good   For the first time, the International Federation for Disabled Sailing World Championships takes place off the Irish coast this year with over a hundred disabled participants from nearly 20 countries expected at the end of August in Kinsale, Co. Cork   Just need to check that the road bowls have all been collected and it’s ready steady go for the Dunmanway 10K Road Race this June in the heart of West Cork or stick your oar in over at the Cobh People’s Regatta with a festival of yachting, rowing and much more this August in Cobh, Co. Cork   Times are tough so with the inevitable cutbacks, the World Mini Games featuring  football 5 a-side, 7s rugby, 6s cricket, 9 hole golf, one legged races and more (okay I made...

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Get your bells on for the Jingle Bells run and much more in Ireland this December

Posted by on Dec 3rd, 2012 in Sports | 0 comments

Get your bells on for the Jingle Bells run and much more in Ireland this December

Check out the 18th annual Jingle Bells run in the Pheonix Park in Dublin. Don some Christmas clobber and off you go! Or join thousands of others in the Killarney 5km Santa Run with Spot prizes for best dressed Santas! More serious athletes should take part in the Waterford Half Marathon for fun runners and serious athlethes to run through one of Ireland’s oldest cities, or the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, which is a great event to keep everyone fit in the dark days of winter! If you’re looking to get out and about on Christmas day, don’t miss out on the Goal Mile at one of the 83 Goal Mile events throughout the country. Or take part in a Christmas Day swim. The annual plunge is growing in popularity every year with thousands taking part at bathing places around the coast such as the 40 Foot in Dublin and the Guillamene in Tramore. If you’re a rugby fan, you’ll know Ireland is one of the best nations in the northern hemisphere. And club rugby is flourishing on the Emerald Isle, with Munster and Leinster opening up their RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup campaigns with home fixtures against Glasgow, Saracens and Ulster in Thomond Park and the against Zebre, Clermont Auvergne and Connacht in Aviva Stadium respectively. Sea Safari is an exciting and fun-filled sea tour of Dublin Bay.  What better way to explore and take in the spectacular sights and attractions of Dublin Bay and its wonderful surroundings.  Experience the thrill of these specially designed speed-boats as they battle the Dublin waves, take in the sights, wildlife and marine life on this highly recommended tour whatever the weather!  ...

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November Sports in Ireland

Posted by on Oct 31st, 2012 in Sports | 0 comments

November Sports in Ireland

The Gaelforce Turf Guy Race is more than just running in the mud! With a top class course this event is a mental and physical challenge and lots of fun. The course is  10km long but will involve cold November water temperatures, energy sapping obstacles, terrifying cliff jumps and much, much more. The Turf Guy takes place on the banks of Killary Fjord, Leenane, Co. Galway. The Glendalough Trail in aid of Fighting Blindness, now in it’s third year, is a 15k off-road challenge suitable for joggers and runners of all abilities. The course takes a spectacular route through the beautiful Glendalough Valley area of Wicklow Mountains. The Annual Sea2Summit Adventure Race takes place on Saturday the 3rd of November in Westport, County Mayo. The race is a unique event based in the adventure capital of Ireland. The race will take in all the thrills that Westport has to offer, Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay, the Sheaffry Mountains and the new Greenway. The Mo Running 10km. is a run with a twist. As part of the Movember celebrations everyone is encouraged to run sporting a moustache (including the girls!) to raise awareness of men’s health issues. The Kinnitty Castle Half Marathon course has been designed to reduce impact of hills and add to the enjoyment of the event which caters for joggers, walkers as well as the elite. For something a bit different, don’t miss out on the Paddy Games in Cork. Categories include athletes running backwards, three-legged, blindfolded, wearing wellington boots, competing with broken legs and even crawling. Other events included the pogo stick high jump, the high dive belly flop, and the crawling relay. If you’re a rugby fan, you’ll know Ireland is one of the best nations in the northern hemisphere. And club rugby is flourishing on the Emerald Isle, with Munster opening up their RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup campaigns with home fixtures against Zebre, Clermont Auvergne and Connacht in Aviva Stadium...

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September Sports in Ireland

Posted by on Aug 30th, 2012 in Sports | 0 comments

September Sports in Ireland

The biggest date of the GAA calendar arrives in September, with the All-Ireland Football and Hurling finals. The world’s oldest field sport reaches its conclusion in Croke Park on two electrifying days in the capital. You will do well to get a ticket though, you’d probably have to sell your granny in order to get one! Nonetheless, two of the biggest days on the Irish calendar can be enjoyed in pubs around the country. If you’re a rugby fan, you’ll know Ireland is one of the best nations in the northern hemisphere. And club rugby is flourishing on the Emerald Isle, with Munster and Leinster in particular very attractive sides to watch. Both sides will open up their RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup campaigns with home fixtures in Thomond Park and the Aviva Stadium respectively. Looking for some soccer on your travels? The League of Ireland runs right through the month of September, with games available all over the country. Watch the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Galway United and Cork City battle it out for honours in a stadium near you. As ever, Horse Racing is the provided of entertainment in Ireland, with two racing festivals taking place in county Kerry. Killarney and Listowel are the hosts in September for two race meets in one of the most picturesque counties in the country. Full of beer, banter and fashionable women, they are not to be missed. The Great Pink Run is a 5k/10k challenge to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer in Ireland. Dublin’s quayside will be awash with pink as almost 1500 participants run, jog and walk the race beside the Liffey. The track is flat and manageable, so take part and raise some money for a very worthy cause. Looking for another big physical challenge? Why not try the Wicklow Way Relay, which consists of walking the 132km mountain route in under 32 hours. All you need is a driver and at least 3 other participants, and bucketfuls of energy! The Relay raises money for UNICEF Ireland and helps getting you fit. We’ve got plenty more where that came from. Think you have what it takes to complete an Ironman challenge? Then head over to Galway for the race which takes you around the scenic city and stunning countryside. What about a triathlon in Blacksod, Mayo or a marathon in Dingle, both massive events. Then you have the Achill Roar Adventure Race. The challenging event includes a swim or kayak, a beach and mountain run and then a cycle on the Atlantic Coastal route. Fancy a walk? Then head on over to the Burren Peaks Festival. Three family friendly walks of various difficulties are on offer where walkers can enjoy the amazing views from the Burren peaks. For the more adventurous types, tackle the Trailtekker challenge for teams of four. The 100km event starts in Co. Down and finishes in Co. Louth. Need to relax after all that walking? Drop by the Cork Harbour for the Cork Small Boats Festival. The angling takes place in the sheltered waters behind the harbour and new competitors are welcome. Then head across the county to Kinsale for the Dragon Gold Cup, where professionals will compete in the event before socialising on the shore. If it’s more fishing you’re after, check...

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Gaelic Games and much more in Ireland this August

Posted by on Aug 1st, 2012 in Sports | 0 comments

Gaelic Games and much more in Ireland this August

Witness the skill, speed and class of the GAA in August. The Championship moves into the quarter and semi finals in the world’s oldest sport. For exciting action, an electric atmosphere, and plenty of action, be sure to hit up Croke Park during your stay. If the GAA isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite, you should check out Ireland’s domestic soccer league. Wherever you stay, you won’t be far from a game. Shamrock Rovers against Sligo is definitely worth a look, in the newly built Tallaght stadium. A fan of the English Premier League? Then don’t miss the Dublin Super Cup in the Aviva Stadium, where an English side and two of Europe’s finest will compete for honours with Derry City. Man City, Celtic and Inter showcased their talent last year, so expect more big names this year. World’s best players, brand new stadium. Unmissable. For some more soccer action, check out the Umbro Galway Cup. With six competitions over three age groups, high quality teams such as Ireland, Celtic and Newcastle compete for honours. With the chance to check out future talent, join 10,000 other spectators for the week long competition, recognised as one of Europe’s best underage tournaments. You’ve heard it straight from the horse’s mouth; you can’t miss the Dublin Horse Show. Massive crowds descend on the capital for the competition which has been on the go since 1868. Its tradition its unquestioned and so too is its quality where the world’s best show jumpers and horses compete for honours in the Emerald Isle’s leading equestrian event. For fun, fashion and great hospitality, don’t miss out. How are ya fixed for some more horses? Ireland hosts some of the world’s best racing festivals in August, in picturesque towns like Killarney, Bellewstown, Cork and Tramore. So for fashionable women, beer, betting and plenty of craic, check out the festivals on offer in Ireland this summer. If golf is your sport, then you can’t miss the Ladies Irish Open in Killeen Castle. Enjoy the festival of world-class golf as Europe’s finest battle it out to be crowned the Queen of Killeen Castle. For something different, you can’t miss the Wexford Hooked Kitesurfing Festival. Held on Duncannon beach, Ireland’s best kiresurfers compete in course racing action, so come and witness their wonderful skills and enjoy live outdoor music and a BBQ, with plenty of kids activities to boot. For more seaside fun, check out the Regattas in Cobh and Baltimore, with plenty of watersports on show to keep you entertained. Dublin makes a splash with the arrival of the Tall Ships Festival in late August. Hosted for the first time in 14 years, over one million people are expected to descend on the capital for the event. Experience the truly impressive ships up close as over 100 magnificent ships from all over the world descend on the capital, bringing Dublin back to the days when the Vikings ruled the harbours. And if you have the mettle for a Triathlon, why not travel down to Fermoy in Cork for the Blackwater Triathalon. For those willing to push themselves to the edge and back, it includes a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 6km run to boot. Over 500 people will attend this year, as the Blackwater continues to be one of...

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