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The Irish Golf Guide
Connaught Introduction
Connaught The province of Connaught (Connacht) lies in the West of Ireland with its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The counties of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Galway and Roscommon are within its boundary. Historically, Connaught has retained its rich Gaelic heritage and today still has communities where the Irish language is spoken. These regions are collectively called the Gaeltacht. Connaught has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside to be found in Ireland, including the spectacular mountainous landscape of Connemara. The primary business centre of Connaught, and most densely populated area, is the thriving city of Galway to the south of the province. Galway is the capital of the West of Ireland. The streets and buildings of this ancient town have many interesting features, and its position on
the edge of the Gaeltacht makes it the gateway to magnificent areas such as Connemara, Corrib country, and the Aran Islands. The city itself is a continuing centre of growth with its University, Institute of Technology, Theatres, Cathedral, Castle, Hotels, Docks, Industries as well as other interesting attractions. As for golf, the dramatic scenery and splendour of the Connaught region has created wonderful natural landscapes for golf course designers to hone their skills. Like all areas in the west of Ireland, the first obstacle to a good score is Mother Nature herself. The golfer will find that he or she will not alone have to contend with the cunning and guile of architect allied to the terrain, but must adjust for what is benignly known in local parlance as the “westerly breeze” coming straight across three thousand miles of Atlantic Ocean.
“Some of the most beautiful & unspoilt countryside to be found in Ireland...”