BLESSINGTON

Blessington is a small city 18 miles (28 km) south of Dublin in county Wicklow past the Dublin mountains on Blessington Lake and home of Avon Ri Resort, where the reception is being held and where we are reserving 3-bedroom homes for our guests.

The Avon Ri resort is a former adventure resort based on the Blessington Lake and caters to sailing, kayaking, tennis, etc. so there are plenty of those sorts of activities available-here is a link to the activities page of their website. The Dublin & Wicklow mountains are nearby and are great for a drive and stopping for hiking too.

There are some nice local pubs like in town like The West Wicklow House, The Lakes, Tudor Inn, Mileys, Hennesseys, Mick Reids (if you want to meet some real locals); there are also some nice drinking establishments around the lakes and in the mountains which would be a good place to stop & have a pint (just as long as your designated driver doesn’t have too much!) There are a couple of supermarkets in town to help you stock your kitchens too. If you have some free time, you can visit Russborough house nearby, an 18th century Palladian villa.

The Annex Day Spa is a well-recommended spot for those who are looking for some relaxation on their trip.

There are some golf courses around too if you are interested in a golfing vacation-some very expensive courses as well as some more affordable ones too. Take a look at a local + Irish golf guide courtesy of Mike Kelley:

Tulfarris (on the lake - 10 minutes from Avon Ri) - top class parkland course around the Blessington Lakes - played it a few years ago before the new clubhouse development - stunning views of lake, great course well kept, managed by previous pro at Old Head in Kinsale. It was about 50-80 euro per round last year depending on weekday vs weekend.. http://www.tulfarris.com/

The K-Club in Straffan where the Ryder Cup was played - I have played the 2nd course (not the Ryder Cup Palmer Course - general consensus is to save your 300euro and spend it on Guinness). http://www.kclub.com/

PGA National - typical 'parkland' in the middle of Ireland http://www.palmerstownhouse.com/index.html

Carton House - near Maynooth - top class hotel / spa / golf - two courses, one is Colin Montgomerie design - they have played the Irish Open there - Valerie says hotel is great place for group party. http://www.cartonhouse.com

South County Dublin - just off N81 outside Brittas - growing reputation, pretty good course for about 50euro.

Roundwood GC - considered one of the best 'local' courses - parkland layout played throughout the Wicklow mountains, great views for about 50euros

Rathsallagh House - nice parkland course - a very long walk up and down hills, probably about 75euros per round in summer, very nice facilities plus hotel on site http://www.rathsallaghhousehotel.com/

Druids Glen (and Heath) - stunning golf courses just south of Greystones. The Glen is parkland style witha number of copycat holes from othe course (Augusta), there is a four star -Marriot associated with the courses - they offer combined golf and spa packages which is probably best deal, it thinkit about 150-200 per round. The Heath is the new 2nd course - nice but not to standard of the Glenyet http://www.druidsglen.ie/resort/hotel.htm

European Cub - near Brittas Bay, the only lynx style course on the east coast - world class course, 180euro in the summer, bring alot of balls http://www.theeuropeanclub.com/

There are number of other good course around the Greystones / Enniskerry area - Powerscourt / Old Conna / Delgany / Charlesland, sometimes you can get deals here http://www.teetimes.ie/

The Glencullen Golf Club is across the street from Johnnie Fox's - 9 hole course but full size holes - very well kept, great views, might be a good option for those less serious but want to have a go. I think it was about 15euro for a round. Very good value.

The other big name courses, Old Head, Ballybunnion, Lahinch, Doonbeg etc are on the west coast, the are all significant quantities of euros and well worth a round, might be best to book through a tour agency to ensure tee times and travel/accomodation, can be good 'craic' with other golfers in a tour - this site looks pretty good http://www.valuegolfireland.com/

Most course say they require a minimum handicap letter - but no one asks once you hand over the money.