The present club, The Heath GC, was founded in 1930 and was a 9 hole course until it was extended to 18 holes in 1971. The course is situated on a site called the Greatheath close to the town of Portlaoise. Subtle features dot the course and influence play on many holes.

An upgrading of the course was desired in the years after World War I and an invitation was extended to none other than Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The Good Doctor's course opened in 1925.
A wonderful club to visit for a game.

The course in Little Island began with 4 holes, saw and extension to 9 holes by Scottish professional David Brown in 1901, and was extended to 18 holes in 1911 with contributions from Brown again and also the great Harry Vardon.

The terrain packs plenty of interest, and the holes flow dramatically. You're awarded long vistas towards Lough Corrib in the distance along with plenty of views of the 800 year old castle. A little bit of tlc on the conditioning side of things would really help.

The course today retains much of their routing, with some green complexes sitting artistically into the landscape. The greens pack plenty of interest and are always in excellent condition. A widening of the playing corridors and green expansions would enhance the design.

The course was extended to 18 holes between 1936 and 1938 and was visited by Simpson and Gourlay. While the land does not possess huge changes in elevation, changes in direction are plentiful and there’s some nice short 4s (2nd, 5th and 18th).

The club was founded in 1896 and, similar to the beginnings of many clubs, changed location several times. The club moved to its present location of Newtown in 1923 and 9 holes opened for play in 1924.

I have played pre CDP renovations and loved it. Understated and elegant with strategic decisions plentiful. Classic out and in links routing of which there aren't many among the links of Ireland. Doonbeg and Rosslare have a similar walk.

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Another enjoyable piece of content

Some nice drone footage of the golf course can be found in the video below courtesy of Azure aerial Ireland.
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"Donie’s father, Donal, had farmed the land for many years and the boy Donie had walked over it almost daily, hitting golf balls and imagining how it might be laid out as a golf course".
Taken from the written history of the club.

blessingtonlakesgolfclub.com/our-history/

I wouldn't have guessed it! Must get back there soon. Such a glorious course and I think I read somewhere that it holds up very well during the winter.

Wonderful. Trying to figure out what hole is proving difficult. My guess would be the green on the 15th?

Their changes ensured the course became one of the finest inland golf courses in Ireland. Striking landforms, strategic variety, and a fine set of greens are to be enjoyed when you visit.