PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell

PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell is the sort of place golfers love because it makes life easy. You've got a proper championship parkland course on the doorstep, plus a spa, pool and three restaurants when the clubs are back in the boot. Set across a 300-acre estate in County Cavan, the hotel sits in genuinely peaceful countryside with 50 acres of lakes giving the place its character, and plenty of its golfing jeopardy.

The course is the headline act. It's hosted Irish PGA events and the North West of Ireland Open, and it's consistently talked about as one of the best inland tests in the country. From the back tees it stretches beyond 7,000 yards, so low-handicappers will get the challenge they want, but there are enough tee options for mixed-ability groups to enjoy it without it turning into a slog.

Off the course, Ciúin Spa & Wellness Centre is ideal for a post-round reset, and dining is a real strength, with The Setanta a long-time favourite for a more polished evening meal. Add in the easy access, around 90 minutes from Dublin or Belfast airports, and you've got a very straightforward base for a golf break or for exploring the best golf courses in the North West of Ireland.

Who is this for? Golf groups who want one venue that covers golf, good food and a proper spa, plus couples who want golf-with-wellness in the countryside.

Who is it best for? Mixed-ability groups thanks to multiple tees, and anyone who prefers a top inland parkland test over a links-heavy itinerary.

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From £212

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1 Night, 2 Rounds

Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at PGA National
FREE! 12 TP5 Golf Balls (RRP £50) when you Book Online. Must use code HISTORY. (Groups 4+)

Top Offers at PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell

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We found 2 offers that match your search. If you can't see the package you want, simply call 0800 043 6644 and our Golf Travel Experts can help.

From £212

per person

1 Night, 2 Rounds

Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at PGA National
FREE! 12 TP5 Golf Balls (RRP £50) when you Book Online. Must use code HISTORY. (Groups 4+)

From £307

per person

2 Nights, 2 Rounds

Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at PGA National
FREE! 12 TP5 Golf Balls (RRP £50) when you Book Online. Must use code HISTORY. (Groups 4+)

Slieve Russell

Forming part of the 300-acre Slieve Russell estate, this championship parkland course is one of Ireland's most highly rated inland layouts. It was voted best parkland course in Ireland by The Irish Golfers Guide in 2016 and ranked fourth by Golfing Magazine, and it has also hosted Irish PGA Championships and European Tour events, including the North West of Ireland Open in 2001 and 2002.

The course stretches to over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, making it a serious test for low-handicappers, but multiple teeing options mean golfers of all abilities can find a length that suits. The defining feature is water. Two large lakes, connected by a stream, wind through the property and come into play on several holes, demanding accuracy and smart course management.

The standout hole is the par-5 13th, a classic risk-reward design that bends around Lough Rud. From the tee, you're faced with a choice: play safe and lay up, or take on as much water as you dare to shorten the hole and give yourself a chance of reaching the green in two. If you're the sort who can't resist taking on a corner of water, the 13th will have your full attention. Needless to say, the lough is full of balls from players who got the calculation wrong.

The layout incorporates the natural contours of the Cavan landscape beautifully, with elevation changes, mature trees and strategic bunkering adding variety and interest throughout the round. Conditioning is consistently strong, and when conditions are dry, it can feel even longer and more demanding, especially with water in play.

For golfers chasing the best parkland courses in Ireland, Slieve Russell is a must-play. It's a championship test with tournament pedigree, set in a stunning estate with all the facilities you need on site. Whether you're here for a weekend break or a longer golf tour, it's one of the standout inland courses in the country.

Course Information
Par	72
Designed by	Paddy Merrigan
Opened for play	1992

Tees
Blue	7,001 yards	SSS 74
White	6,530 yards	SSS 72
Green	6,071 yards	SSS 70
Red	5,533 yards	SSS 73

Accommodation at PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell

Slieve Russell offers a wide range of well-appointed rooms and suites across the 300-acre estate, all designed with comfort and attention to detail in mind. Standard rooms include singles, doubles and family options, while the hotel also features 19 suites and two presidential suites for those wanting extra space and luxury. Every room comes with TV, digital entertainment and internet access, and many have views over the golf course, landscaped gardens or surrounding countryside. Corner rooms include balconies, perfect for a morning coffee or evening drink overlooking the estate.

The resort's dining is a real highlight. The signature restaurant, The Setanta, was named Best Hotel Restaurant in County Cavan by the Irish Restaurant Awards in 2012 and remains a strong option for a smarter dinner on site. The Conall Cearnach and Summit restaurants offer equally strong menus, with panoramic views over the golf course adding to the experience. Whether you're after a relaxed post-round meal or something more formal, the choice and quality are both excellent.

For golfers, the on-site location means you can roll out of bed, have breakfast and be on the first tee within minutes. After your round, the Ciúin Spa & Wellness Centre is the ideal place to unwind. Facilities include a hot tub, steam room, sauna and swimming pool, plus a full menu of Elemis treatments for men and women, including exclusive Ciúin Signature facials and body treatments. It's a proper wind-down after 18 holes, particularly if you've walked the course.

The combination of quality accommodation, award-winning food and comprehensive leisure facilities makes Slieve Russell ideal for groups or couples looking for a hassle-free golf break where you don't need to leave the estate. Everything you need is on site, the setting is peaceful and the standard across the board is high. If you're building an Ireland itinerary, Slieve Russell is an easy 'plug-in' resort stop for a couple of nights.

Address: Ballyconnell, Cavan, Ireland