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e course itself might be young, but this dazzling slice of Cork County, Ireland has been eons in the making. With a rich history stretching back 6,000 years to the settling of the Iron Age Celts and later by the de Courcey family, whose 12th century castle remains an austere monument of the land's storied past, Old Head is an old world treasure worth discovering. Opened to play in 1997, the majestic Old Head of Kinsale, jutting out into the Atlantic, affords the fortunate player views that will impart memories of a lifetime. A par-72 stretching across 180 acres of emerald Irish turf, the course provides an edge-of-the-world feel as players navigate the cliffs 300 feet above the ocean. Every point of the course presents astonishing views of the mighty Atlantic with 9 holes, in particular, skirting the perimeter of the headland. For those impartial to rocky roads, preferring instead to arrive by chartered helicopter, the club is well- equipped with four helipads. ose weary from travel may choose to stay on site at the luxurious Old Head Suites & Spa. Greens fees at peak season in this jewel of old Ireland come in at 375 euros. Old Head Golf Links Chalk white cliffs capped in emerald turf rise from the cerulean waters of the Bay of Étretat, a breeze dris in across the English Channel, and another round of memorable golf is about to begin. Founded in 1908, with inspiration from the golf-loving Brits who summered on the French coast, Golf d'Étretat is as rich in history and tradition as any course you'll find across the pond. Here, one can bear witness to the same timeless beauty that captivated the minds of Maupassant, and painters Corot, Boudin, and Monet. e 18-hole course begins inland and slowly makes its way seaward. At hole number four, players get their first look at the open sea and oen their first brush with the salty breeze. From the green on 10, players catch a glimpse of the famous Falaise La Manneporte (Manneporte Cliff ), towering up from the water. From ten to fourteen, the course takes players along the sublime alabaster cliffs to make the game truly unforgettable. With greens fees at 80 euros in peak season, this round of golf will make a worthy and memorable addition to your Normandy visit. Complete the journey to this charming corner of France with a stay on campus at the historic Dormy House hotel. Golf d'Étretat VUE ON | LIFESTYLE VUENJ.COM 55

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