Golf in Ireland's wilds

Golf and wildlife – they are a combination that is available not only to those visiting Kruger in South Africa – but also tourists making the short journey to Ireland.

In May 2006 a new luxury wildlife and golf resort opens in the idyllic surroundings of Fota Island, near Cork, giving keen golfers and bird-watchers five-star luxury during their stay.

The Sheraton Fota Island Gold Resort and Spa is based in Ireland's only wildlife park, which is inhabited by monkeys, lemurs and wild cats, to name but a few.

The wildlife park is neither a zoo nor a safari park, but a unique entity in between, and overlooks Fota Island's lush 18-hole golf course and Cork harbour.

The resort itself will be a five star haven of relaxation, with 17 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, allowing the spouses of golfers and the weary golfers themselves to unwind and soothe away aches and pains from the demanding green.

Treatments available include affusion showers, floatation baths and a thalaxation room.

Fota Island golf course is of championship standard, so some cutting-edge treatments may be needed post-match, for the recreational golfer who has over-extended themselves on the 18th, if not the 19th, hole.

The hotel is laden with 131 new, luxury rooms, each fully equipped with a full complement of amenities, and downstairs is the Cove Restaurant, which is fully-stocked with locally-sourced seafood, meats and vegetables.

Cork, the current European Capital of Culture, is just nine kilometres away, and features myriad museums, theatres and artist workshops to enjoy.

For more information on the resort visit Sheraton Fota Island.

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