Promoting the west of Ireland as a leading European golfing destination can play an important part in the State’s economy, according to Labour senator Lorraine Higgins.
The Athenry senator said Ireland is “the heart and soul of European golf this year” with the country having produced four major winners in McIlroy, Clarke, McDowell and Harrington.
Sen Higgins outlined her views while being interviewed on the popular radio show The Golf Club which is syndicated on four different radio stations in the US and Hawaii.
“As a golfing destination, Ireland is very well serviced with regional airports,” she said. “For instance you can fly into Galway where there are numerous golf courses within 20 miles like Athenry, Gort, Galway Bay, Galway, Cregmore, Loughrea, Gort, Portumna, and Tuam. That should keep any avid golfer busy for a week!”
She said Shannon Airport remains the “ideal base” for North American tourists to explore the west of Ireland.
“There are 300 golf courses operating in Ireland so there’s a suitable venue for everyone,” she said. “A lot of luxurious resorts popped up in recent years and they are all available to play now at competitive rates. We have a great tradition of developing great links courses which cannot be matched
