This blog isn’t here to give you the "top ten luxury courses with valet parking and foie gras at the turn." This is for the lads and ladies packing the clubs into the boot of the 12-year-old golf, sipping lukewarm coffee and being one minor inconvenience away from turning your post round pint into a night on the tiles. Nevertheless, this week we ventured down to our local, Rosslare Golf Club. Let's go!
Best Coffee: Karoo Farmshop, Killinick
Our day began with a spin through the backroads of Wexford before landing at Karoo Farmshop, tucked away in the village of Killinick. This place feels like a hidden gem, but judging by the steady queue on a sleepy Saturday morning, the secret might be out. The flat whites don't disappoint — smooth, rich and just the right amount of kick to get the eyes open. If you're in the mood for a pre-round snack, the breakfast bagel never disappoints and almost had us forgetting about the golf altogether. Coffee came in well under the €4 slap in the face you're used to in Dublin, with food options aplenty if you're not in a rush. — A solid start to the day.
The Course: Rosslare Golf Club – Pure Links, Pure Class
Rosslare Golf Club is the only true links course in the southeast, and it wears that badge with pride. Situated right on the edge of the Irish Sea, this place is a time capsule of old-school golf — no fuss, no frills, just raw linksland and wind that doesn’t care how good your warm-up was.
We played the Old Course, which dates back to 1905 and has all the charm you’d expect from a track that’s been battered by sea air for over a century. The layout is classic out-and-back links, and if you get a southerly breeze like we did, you’re either flying or fighting — no in-between.
The opening few holes ease you in nicely, but don’t get too comfortable. The back nine bites, particularly 14 through 17 where the dunes close in and the wind shows its teeth. Our pick of the bunch? The par-5 7th — a proper postcard hole. Elevated tee, views for days, and a green that looks bigger than it plays. Miss short and you're scrambling.
Condition-wise, Rosslare punches well above its weight. Firm fairways, pure roll on the greens, and that unmistakable seaside turf underfoot. Green fees vary throughout the season but expect to pay around €70-€90 for a weekend round — and worth every cent if you're a fan of real links golf.
Post Round Meal: La Vista @ Rosslare Golf Club
There’s no better feeling than kicking off the shoes and heading straight into the clubhouse for a feed, and La Vista does not disappoint. We were well ready for a feed and the Buttermilk Chicken Burger came to the rescue — Coming in at €15, this and the whole menu really offer good value for money. There are lighter options for those feeling fragile after a tough round, but we’re not here to judge. Service is friendly, the portions are generous, and the pint of Guinness post-feed might’ve been the highlight of the day.
Verdict:
Rosslare is a pure throwback to what golf should be — simple, challenging, and memorable. Sea air, good grub and narrow fairways - you’ve got yourself a proper away day. If you're chasing birdies, links purism or just a break from the parkland norm, stick this one on your list. Just remember: bring a few extra balls — the dunes don’t give many back.
