Thomastown, County Kilkenny (15 mins drive from Kilkenny).

Opened in 1991 with a match featuring golfing legends Christy O'Connor Snr. and Jack Nicklaus, the beautiful and challenging Mount Juliet course has established itself as a premier golfing venue for Top Professionals and leisure golfers worldwide. Mount Juliet has hosted many major golfing events and this year again welcomed the World's Top 50 golfers to play in the World Golf Championship - American Express Championship. The event was a fantastic success yet again with the crowds turning up in their thousands. The holder, Tiger Woods, survived an early injury scare to put up a sterling defence of his title but he and the remainder of the field had to acknowledge the brilliance of South African golfing superstar Ernie Els who finished with a stunning 18 under par total of 270 to edge out Thomas Bjorn on the last green.

Other events include the Irish Opens of 1993-95 along with the Shell Wonderful World of Golf match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples in 1998. The par 72, 7300 yard layout boasts rolling fairways, many feature water hazards and contoured greens, all superbly blended into the spectacular setting of this famous old Irish Estate. Chosen as the first and only Jack Nicklaus signature course in Ireland, the "Golden Bear" was meticulous and pain-staking in his design and overseeing of the construction of his great creation, sited 12 miles south of the medieval city of Kilkenny. Feature holes abound on the course, but the 3rd hole, a stunning par 3 from an elevated tee to a green guarded by a natural stream and lake is one that golfers always remember. The par 5 10th hole with its copse of trees which tests the golfers strategy is also a favourite. The final hole, a long par 4 with water all down the left and a narrow approach to the green has decided many a tournament result.

There are 32 bedrooms at Mount Juliet House and each room is individually designed, in keeping with the concept of a private, family home. Each room is also named, drawing inspiration from the history of the state. To compliment all of the services provided by the staff of the house, all guest rooms have fresh fruit and flowers, while in the evening as you prepare for dinner, the beds are turned down, the lamps are lit and the drapes drawn. Awarded AA Hotel of the Year in 1999, Mount Juliet Conrad provides the highest international standards in food and service in a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming way. In the clubhouse, golfers can meet friends in The Spike Bar, unwind in The President's Bar overlooking the practice area or enjoy the relaxed surroundings of Kendals Restaurant.

The leisure centre at The Hunters Yard provides an opportunity for exercise or gentle relaxation. Work out in the fully equipped gym, swim in the pool, ease away tensions in the steam room or take the time to unwind in the sauna at the end of a day's activity. Mount Juliet also has a top class spa providing a wide range of both traditional and alternative health and beauty treatments. As well as full body massages, holistic healing, facials and various beauty treatments, the Spa also features such rooms as The Dead Sea Discovery Floatation Room to help you unwind.