The splendid Narin and Portnoo golf course was recently heralded by the Irish Times golf correspondent Philip Reid- who included the course in his favourite eight venues in Ireland.

As part of Fáilte Ireland’s Official Ireland Golf Guide 2010, the 6,800 yard course sits pretty beside the likes of Ballybunion and Royal Portrush. The recognition also shows the strides that have been made there in recent years.

Golf professional at the links course, Conor Mallon, this week enthused about the positive coverage, which he feels couldn’t have come at a better time as spring’s evening stretch comes more into play.

“We were very pleased with the coverage as his opinion travels well, not just at home but across the world,” said Conor.

“We’ve always known that this course is special. Now others are finally discovering exactly what a break in these parts offers.

“Pat Ruddy was up here about three weeks ago and he was blown away by what he saw. He described the scenery as something you’d see in Pebble Beach and that was a huge compliment to Narin and Portnoo.

“He insisted that our eighth hole surpassed the seventh at Pebble Beach. The recent developments within the club house have added a new dimension to what we have to offer and the people involved there deserve great credit.

“There’s a great atmosphere there now with great food and drink. We’re very competitively priced and that’s probably the biggest plus for visitors and locals. We’re really looking forward to the next few months following the Fáilte Ireland review. It’s a global publication so it will have a very positive impact.”