€160 million Carrigglas Development

One of the most important developments ever to take place in Longford was launched recently at Carrigglas , one of the finest walled parkland estates in this country comprising of 600 acres. The Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. performed the official Sod-turning Ceremony and the Drive-Off for the commencement of the new Championship Golf Course was performed by World No. 3 Golfer, Retief Goosen. The golf course is being co-designed by Retief Goosen, winner of the US Open 2001 and 2004, and Jeff Howes Golf Design. Jeff Howes was involved in the design of Mount Juliet , the Heritage, Fota Island and Gowran Park . The Carrigglas Golf and Country Club enjoys what is surely one of the most dreamlike golf sites in Europe .

Blending seamlessly into its surroundings, and sympathetic to the native ecology of the 18th century estate, Carrigglas is set to be a memorable experience, enticing players from all around the world to return again and again. Retief Goosen stated “ it is a dream come true for me to be designing for such an amazing site. I love these lush, parkland settings, and this one is just so full of history and charm, I cannot wait to play the finished course.” The landscape and existing buildings of Carrigglas lend themselves beautifully to its sensitive re-creation as a golf course, country club, hotel, spa and residential development. Bounded by old stone walls and a river, the golf course at Carrigglas will be a superb addition to Ireland ’s parkland courses. It will be Goosen’s first golf course in Europe .

The accompanying Tennis courts, play areas for children, Equestrian centre, Leisure centre and Spa, with a 25 metre pool, will make Carrigglas a family orientated resource for members, visitors and those from the locality of Longford to enjoy all year round. There is also an established 3 mile woodland walk, which is being restored and which will have lighting from dusk.

A four star, 96 bedroom Hotel with a stunning glazed atrium giving views of the parkland and golf course is being built on site, while the Gothic manor house will become 19 special five star standard suites with a charm and character all their own.

Set on 600 acres of lush pastures, rolling meadows and mature woodlands filled with ancient oaks, beeches, ash trees and sycamores, Carrigglas is one of the last remaining walled estates in Ireland . With its celebrated avenue and Palladian courtyards designed by James Gandon who also created the Custom House and Four Courts in Dublin; and a magnificent Victorian Gothic manor house by Daniel Robertson, who was responsible for the famous Italian gardens at Powerscourt.

Work has just commenced on the project and the hotel is due to open in the Summer of 2007. The work on the golf course is due to be completed by April 2007 and it should be playable by early 2008.