Perched on the banks of the River Liffey in the heart of Leixlip village, The Court Yard Hotel is a cracking base if you want Dublin on tap without staying right in the middle of it. You're around half an hour from the city centre by car (traffic depending), while The K Club, Carton House and Castleknock are all an easy run away, which means more time on the course and less time staring out of a minibus window. Always a win, in my opinion.
The hotel hits that handy middle ground between rural calm and city convenience. Head into Dublin for a big night, a decent meal or a bit of sightseeing, then retreat back to Leixlip for a quieter night's sleep by the river. On-site, Arthur's Bar is a local favourite for live music and a lively pint, while The River Bank Restaurant covers the Irish classics, from steaks and seafood to comfort-food staples that do the job nicely after 18 (or 36).
The location is the real draw for golfers. The K Club, host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, is a short drive away. Carton House, a former Irish Open venue, is even closer. Add Castleknock, Luttrellstown Castle and a host of other top-drawer Dublin courses to the mix and you've got a week's worth of quality golf without spending half your trip in the car. Well served by bus and train links, the hotel also makes a sensible base if you're planning to venture further afield into Kildare or north towards the links of the Irish Sea coast.
Who is this for? Golfers or groups looking for a convenient, well-priced base within easy reach of Dublin's championship parkland courses and the capital's nightlife, pubs and restaurants.
Who is it best for? Societies and small groups who want a mix of serious golf, lively evenings and the flexibility to explore both rural Ireland and the city without changing hotels mid-trip.
