Our next destination in Northern Ireland was the renowned Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh. Having heard exceptional reviews about this prestigious resort, we were eager not only to play its celebrated golf courses but also to experience its world-class hospitality firsthand.
A Resort Steeped in Luxury and Natural Beauty
Nestled on a picturesque 600-acre peninsula along the shores of Lough Erne, this five-star retreat is one of the premier golfing destinations in the UK and Ireland. The resort features a stunning 120-bedroom hotel, two championship golf courses, an opulent Thai spa, and a range of activities that cater to both golfers and leisure seekers alike.
Enniskillen, the nearest town, is steeped in history, with landmarks such as Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century stronghold that now houses the Fermanagh County Museum. The surrounding Lakelands offer scenic boat tours, fishing, and nature trails, making Lough Erne an exceptional destination for relaxation and adventure.
The Golf Courses: Championship-Caliber Excellence
Designed by six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, the Faldo Course is the resort’s crown jewel, offering a challenging and strategic layout that takes full advantage of the natural landscape. Ranked among the best golf courses in Ireland and the UK, it has played host to several prestigious tournaments, demanding precision, course management, and skill from players of all levels.
For those seeking a more relaxed round, Castle Hume is the resort’s second course, a picturesque parkland layout that still presents a rewarding test. With tree-lined fairways, beautifully manicured greens, and breathtaking views of Lough Erne, it provides an enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities. The on-site Golf Academy, equipped with expert coaching and state-of-the-art technology, is ideal for those looking to refine their game.
Playing the Faldo Course: A Round to Remember
Unfortunately, we only had time to play one of the courses so we chose the Faldo Course. It’s a par 72 and you have five sets of tees to choose from. The yardages range from 7071 yards to 4880 yards. we chose to play from the blue tees at 6612 yards.
The 3rd hole
The first two holes on the course are shortish par 4’s, the longest being 354 yards. The first par 3 is the 3rd, which for us was playing 158 yards. As it was warm and the breeze helping, we hit the green with an 8 iron. Two putts later we had registered our second par, after bogeying the first hole.
Disaster Hole
The 5th hole
The 5th hole was our disaster hole. We always seem to have at least one a round and this was it at Lough Erne. On the card, it said it was only 166 yards and the breeze was into and out the left. Our GPS had it as 190 yards to the back right pin so for us that’s a 3 hybrid. All I can say is that both came up short in the water and both were decent hits. No Tin Cup moment for us here, two in the water was enough and we played on…..
Nearest the pin
On the course, they have blue stakes in the fairway to signify what your line is off the tee. There are two reasons for showing you the photo above. One is to show you the first time we actually hit it on line and the second is to show you the 285-yard approach we still had on the 6th hole, after a great tee shot. We managed a par on this 535-yard par 5.
A Drivable Par 4? Eh, NO!
The 7th hole
Unless you are Rory McIlroy, who was the first person the drive the green on the 389-yard dogleg par 4, you aim left and play safe. We hit a 3 wood just short of the bunkers then an 8 iron onto the green which has the water in the background. It’s a lovely hole if you take the sensible route. P.S. There is a water hazard down the right that you can’t see off the tee.
Your approach to the 9th
The 9th hole is a three-shot hole all day every day. At 586 yards, there is no chance, unless you are the aforementioned Mr McIlroy, that you are ever reaching this in two. We hit a great drive, then a solid 6 iron short of the water hazard, then another 6 iron into the green which sits above you. We were delighted to walk off with a 5.
The Back Nine
Our approach to the 10th Green
The 10th is a beautiful short par 4 of only 315 yards with a fairway that slopes left to right. I am sure that some have tried to drive the green which would be the ultimate risk or reward. However, there is more than one way to make an eagle. We hit 3 wood off the tee and were left with a downhill, ball below the feet lie. It was 115 yards to a back pin and a sweet wedge to the middle of the green kept on rolling into the cup! No one was more surprised than we were. A great start to the back nine!
A Couple of Cracking Par 5’s
The 14th hole
The 14th is an intimidating par 5 at 580 yards. From the tee, it’s uphill to the top of the ridge then downhill to the green. Our 3 wood didn’t make it up to the top so after a quick walk up to see where we were going, we hit another 3 wood, then a 5 iron to the green. A long hole with water on the right and bunkers on the left for your third shot.
The 16th hole
The 16th is a great hole. From an elevated tee, you look down the fairway which sweeps left to right then back to the left again. We hit the driver off the tee, followed by a sensible 6 iron short of the water, then a 9 iron to the green framed by bunkers. You can go for it in two if you get a good drive away but there is water on the right. We played it sensibly and made an easy par.
Water Everywhere
The 17th hole
The 17th is another beautiful hole. A short par 4 of 322 yards the is no future if you miss the fairway right as you can see. A 3 wood on the line of the middle of the bunkers left us with a gap wedge to another green that sits in the water.
The 18th hole
The Faldo Course finishes with a par 3 of 198 yards. You have to carry the ball at least 165 yards to get over the reeds. We hit the 3 hybrid that didn’t carry the water on the 5th into the centre of the green and two-putted for par. We were delighted with our back nine of 36, one over, mainly due to that two on the 10th.
Verdict on the Faldo Course
The Faldo Course is a superb blend of beauty and challenge, featuring stunning views of Lough Erne, pristine conditioning, and strategically placed bunkers. It’s a long and demanding walk, so hiring a buggy is recommended. As a visually spectacular and technically demanding course, it’s a must-play for any serious golfer visiting Ireland.
A Five-Star Stay at Lough Erne Resort
From the moment we arrived, the resort exuded an air of luxury and warmth. The staff were welcoming, the setting breathtaking, and the ambience reminiscent of the finest hotels in the UK. Our room, complete with a four-poster bed and modern amenities, offered a perfect blend of classic charm and contemporary comfort.
Sipping a gin and tonic on our private balcony overlooking the 18th green as the sun set over the lake was an experience that will stay with us forever.
Culinary Delights at Catalina Restaurant
Dining at Catalina Restaurant, named after the WWII flying boats stationed on Lough Erne, was an experience in itself. As Northern Ireland’s first 3 AA Rosette hotel restaurant, it lived up to its reputation with impeccable service and exquisite cuisine.
Highlights included the seared Irish hake and a raspberry soufflé that was nothing short of perfection. Every course was carefully curated, from the amuse-bouche of smoked salmon tart with Bushmills whiskey to the signature treacle bread and Irish butter.
Final Thoughts: A Destination Worth Returning To
Lough Erne Resort seamlessly combines championship golf, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional dining in one stunning setting. Whether you’re planning a golf trip, a romantic escape, or a weekend of relaxation, this five-star retreat is a must-visit destination. We can’t recommend it highly enough!
At a Glance:
- 5-star luxury resort with elegant rooms and lodges
- Two championship golf courses with breathtaking views
- Award-winning dining at the Catalina Restaurant
- Extensive non-golf activities including fishing, boating, and spa treatments
- Warm and welcoming staff ensuring an exceptional experience
- Easily accessible, just under two hours from Belfast City Centre
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
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