Dermot fallon, a sligo businessman, purchased castle dargan golf resort in 2000 and set out on a quest to convert a run-down piece of property into one of the finest suburban golf resorts in the north west of ireland.

Six years later, the owner's dreams has come true with the completion of a 4-star luxury hotel and spa, approximately 50 apartments, and, of course, a new 18-hole parkland golf course.

The golf course at castle dargan is the result of a partnership between renowned irish architect patrick merrigan and budding designer darren clarke. it is located in the heart of "yeats land," inside a 170-acre wooded estate to the south of sligo town.

The first and last three holes are particularly good, with the downhill par three 3rd serving as the card's signature hole. It's a nice little short hole with a big but shallow green and a sentinel beech tree protecting the entrance.