Greener than the Emerald City, Ireland is a land of rugged beauty and stunning scenery with a warm, welcoming culture. A wide selection of luxury golf hotels and miles of lush countryside make Ireland one of the world's top destinations for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Despite a wealth of "green" to choose from, County Cork, in the southernmost part of Ireland, has always attracted golfers in particular. But anyone can appreciate the natural majesty  Golf coaching trips of the land, with 1, 000 kilometres of unspoilt coastline ringed by rushing rivers, golden sands and imposing mountain ranges.

Where to Stay: Luxury Golf Hotels in Cork

Castlemartyr Golf club: This 17th-century manor house is situated next to the ruins of a 100-year-old castle. One of Cork's premier luxury golf hotels, Castlemartyr features an 18-hole, inland links golf course designed by renowned architect, Ron Kirby; it's the perfect blend of modern luxury and historic elegance for your stay in County Cork.

Ballylickey Manor House: This 300-year-old manor house has been lovingly restored into a luxury hotel hidden among the inlets of Bantry Bay. The charming hideaway has the familiar ambiance of a family home with all the amenities of a luxury golf hotel. There are two golf courses within a few miles of the hotel: 18-hole Bantry Park and the hilly nine holes at Glengarriff, each providing the perfect country setting for a day of outdoor sport.

What to do

Blarney Castle: Just eight kilometres from Cork City, the historical, Tudor-style village of Blarney has plenty to offer visitors from shopping to sightseeing and recreation. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the Blarney Castle to, quite literally, bend over backwards in pursuit of the legendary "gift of the gab" at the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone will be blessed with instant eloquence.

Ballycotton Cliff Top Walk: Break away from the golf course for a bit to explore some of County Cork's natural beauties. The Ballycotton Cliff Top Walk takes you along the Atlantic Coastal path from Ballycotton to Ballytrasna and on to Ballyandreen. The breathtaking route is part of the East Cork way and is rich in scenery and wildlife.

Fishing in Ballylickey: In addition to hiking and golfing, Cork is also widely known for its angling facilities. Ballylickey, a charming town in west Cork, offers seasonal sea angling in Bantry Bay and excellent salmon and sea trout fishing in the Coomhola and Ouvane rivers.