Minister Peter Burke attended the launch of the new extended website for Golf In the Hidden Heartlands.

The launch was held at the Glasson Lakehouse Hotel on Monday, 25 March, and officials from all clubs were in attendance.

Michael Dolan, Chairman of the Golf Hidden Heartlands, introduced the Minister alongside Mr Paddy Matthews, the Head of Hidden Heartlands.

Michael spoke at length about the quality of the courses situated within the Hidden Heartlands and the world-class golf experiences that domestic and overseas visitors can expect.

“As world-class ambassadors to our region, these are the courses where Leona Maguire and Shane Lowry spent their youth and developed their golf game,” Mr Dolan said.

“The launch of our website today will be of great benefit to the golf course industry in our region and the wonderful accommodation it provides.  We have been very lucky to have Failte Ireland providing support and backing to this group. “

Minister Peter Burke addressed the launch and was very enthusiastic about it and how it will benefit the economy, as tourism is our second natural resource.

The Head of Hidden Heartlands, Paddy Matthews, spoke at length about tourism in the region, which has now been extended to run from Leitrim to North Tipperary and down through the country, and what the golf industry attributes to it.

Highlighting the funding that helped complete the project now means the Hidden Heartlands has a complete offering for the golfer worldwide.

The director of Golf from Glasson Golf Club, Lynn McCool, was the final speaker and introduced the website. She took time to commend Chairperson Michael Dolan for his persistence over the last number of years to finally make this happen.

Lynn expressed that this was a day of celebration, as collectively, now there is a website that has all the golf clubs in the Hidden Heartlands, accommodation providers, and restaurants working together to showcase this wonderful region.  

The Golf Booking Tee Times system allows us to identify our visitors and helps us to know who to market to.

For instance, Europeans are the leading visitors to the region for overseas golf rounds. With this website, we can present to Tour Operators from around the world including all IAGTO operators who specialize in the European Market.

The clubs collaborated to showcase these magnificent parkland golf courses of different styles.

Many have hosted high-profile PGA and Golf Ireland events, and this website will allow people to check out where they next want to Play & Stay. This is also a great site for the domestic market to check out where to book their next Golf Getaway.

The website showcases the full listing of golf courses and hotels with links to their websites. Each club within the region or hotel is invited to get visibility on the site.

To find out more information contact Treasurer / Secretary Kathleen McDonald via the website www.golfinirelandshiddenheartlands.ie