The Glasson Hotel and Golf Resort
Only ninety minutes by car from Dublin lies a part of Ireland that some call “hidden Ireland”, the Midlands. As the name implies, it’s the center of Ireland, so expect to see a thousand shades of green and feel a real peacefulness that’s hard to find in the touristy spots. You definitely won’t see the usual souvenir shops and will experience what I felt was the “real Ireland.”
The village of Glasson in County Westmeath is known as the “village of the roses” and there were roses everywhere when we arrived even though it was late October. Hugging the shores of Lough Ree, it’s a picturesque town that has retained an old world charm and beauty. As we turned into the gates of the Glasson Hotel and Golf Resort the view was incredible. A former farm that dates back to 1780, it’s family owned by Breda and Tom Reid who had a vision 20 years ago to turn the property into a 4 star golf resort. Today the manor house with 65 rooms and suites many with balconies and fireplaces overlooks the lake on a positively sublime golf course with water views everywhere. The course, which opened in 1993, was designed by Christy O’Connor Jr., and has earned an international reputation as one of the most challenging courses in Ireland hosting many tours and championships. Ranked one of the top 30 courses in the country by Golf Digest, each and every hole has a postcard view.
Céad míle fáilte is a Gaelic Saying meaning a hundred thousand welcomes and that’s just what you get when you check into the Glasson. We were greeted by the owners and their staff who have made an art out of providing a refined level of comfort that almost makes you feel like a cherished friend. Nothing is too much trouble. Their suggestions as to where to go and what not to miss set us on a clear course to make some discoveries of our own. Our spacious room was elegantly furnished in a contemporary theme and even included a tea brewer, a nice touch that invited a hot cup with delicious biscuits, too.
We took some time out to have a drink in the Lakeview Bar beside a warming fireplace just to enjoy those panoramic lakeside views. A little later at dinner in their Killinure Restaurant our Maitre’d, Des, suggested an Australian Shiraz to accompany the farm to table cuisine. The service was friendly and professional and the food delectable, using the freshest Irish produce. I’m sure we tasted the best Irish brown bread ever.
Morning coffee on the balcony with the sun shining on the lough was easy on the eyes and mind. We watched golfers teeing off promising ourselves that we’d somehow fit a round into our few days here. The Glasson’s site lets you download “101 things to do in Athlone” and certainly the town itself is a must. This entire region has a lot to offer in fact; it’s as if a little bit of the magic of Ireland is at your fingertips. We had our own personal guide each day in Breda who would help us along. One day she showed us a sculpture made from bog oak and in her Irish lilt told us the story of it. Bogwood is a rare timber left over from the great forests that once covered the central plains and has been preserved from decay for thousands of years buried in peat bogs. Artists have transformed the rough wood into elegant forms creating beautiful sculptures and two of the artists had a workshop further west in County Longford. She suggested we might enjoy a visit there since we were heading in that direction. I’ll never forget the sight of Michael and Kevin Casey’s studio, their gallery piled high with their inventive interpretations. It was as if they had responded to the landscape, removing art from the hands of nature and giving it life. The experience was moving and we felt like we’d found a part of Ireland that was our very own.
Our opportunity to finally play the Glasson’s course came on the last day in County Westmeath. We rode in Tom’s cart and were in awe of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. There was even a little pond with swans creating an almost surreal atmosphere. I watched as my traveling companion contributed one too many balls into the lough but at least he’d be able to say he’d golfed in Ireland. I think the best part of staying at The Glasson was the sense of having access to what I’ve said is the real Ireland, the people. Their ways seem natural and very different from ours giving you a sense of peace and contentment. Perhaps it’s all that greenery. We didn’t want to leave our home away from home but as we all know very well, good things don’t last forever. Slainte! (Cheers!)
The Glasson Hotel & Country Club
Killinure, Glasson, Athlone
County Westmeath, Ireland
353 90 648 5120 www.glassongolf.ie
www.bogwood.net
*Brides Alert: Looking for a place to stage your perfect fairytale wedding?
With destination weddings the latest trend, this is the spot. I could just picture a horse drawn carriage coming down the drive. Think how happy the men would be golfing while the women shopped in Athlone (there’s a boat right on the Lough Ree to get them there). Another option for them would be to spend the day being pampered at the Temple Spa and Retreat not far away in Horseleap which epitomizes what a spa experience should be from start to finish (go to Ask Anya About … on the home page for full info).