Public

Barryscourt Course

Fota Island Resort

Fota Island, Cork, IE
+1

About this course

Barryscourt at Fota Island Resort is an 18-hole parkland course designed by Christy O'Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy, opening as part of the resort's expansion of golf facilities on Fota Island in Cork Harbour. The course complements the resort's original championship layout, offering a distinct routing through mature woodland and more open parkland terrain. O'Connor, one of Ireland's most prolific golf architects, collaborated with McEvoy, a decorated British amateur champion and course designer, to create a layout that balances strategic interest with playability for a range of skill levels. The routing takes advantage of the island's natural topography, incorporating elevation changes and wooded corridors that frame holes and create definition throughout the round. Water features appear on several holes, adding both visual appeal and tactical considerations. The design emphasizes positioning off the tee and thoughtful approach play rather than overwhelming length, making course management a central element of scoring well. Fota Island sits in Cork Harbour near the town of Cobh, with the resort providing accommodation, dining, and conference facilities alongside its golf offerings. The setting combines the pastoral character of Irish parkland golf with convenient access to Cork city. Barryscourt serves as an accessible complement to the resort's championship course, appealing to members and visiting golfers seeking variety during extended stays. The course reflects the broader trend in Irish golf development during the early 2000s, when resorts expanded their portfolios to accommodate growing demand from domestic and international players.

Quick facts

Location
Fota Island, Cork, IE
Access
Public
Year built
1993
Holes
18
Par
73
Length
7,362 yards
Difficulty
75.1/137

Getting there

The journey to Fota Island Resort unfolds across the Irish landscape, beginning at Cork Airport (ORK), a mere twenty minutes south of the resort by car, or via Dublin Airport (DUB) - a two-and-a-half-hour drive through the rolling countryside of Munster for those seeking a grander arrival. The final approach winds through the lush, manicured grounds of the 780-acre estate on the banks of the River Lee, where the transition from Cork's bustling streets to this verdant sanctuary feels almost ceremonial. Fota Island Resort emerges as a Georgian jewel nestled within its own private realm, the drive itself a gentle decompression into one of Ireland's most secluded golfing destinations, where the whisper of the river and the sweep of ancient parkland announce your arrival long before the clubhouse comes into view.

FAQ

Common questions about Barryscourt at Fota Island Resort

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Barryscourt was designed by Christy O'’Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy.

Yes. Barryscourt at Fota Island Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Barryscourt is 73.

Barryscourt plays 7,362 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Barryscourt is 137.

Barryscourt is a 18-hole course.

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