Farnham Estate - Cavan - Ireland

The 18-hole layout at Farnham Estate Golf Club is a stunning contemporary course that came directly from the design studio of Kilkenny-based Canadian architect Jeff Howes.

The front nine holes opened in 2008 and they are laid out on open meadowland whilst the back nine – which opened for play a year later – has been carved though dense woodland.

A wandering stream and a number of lakes – plus a fairy fort and wishing well – make an appearance along the way so there’s plenty to engage the golfer during a round here.

The designer’s favourite hole is the 450-yard, left doglegged 4th where the green is protected by water to the right hand side and at the rear. Little wonder this hole is ranked stroke index one on the card.