For once it gave a great Irish writer solace and inspiration, Castle Dargan now gives golfers a privileged journey over the same crumpled countryside backed by a sweep of wild hills. Today a golfer can revel in the magnificence of the immaculate fairways and greens, and be challenged by the punishing bunkers, glimmering lakes and winding streams. But also, the eye is seduced by majestic trees, and the encroaching wildness of the gnarled rough criss-crossed with stout stone walls. The castle ruins up by the tee of the signature 3rd hole, can be spied from most other holes, and provides a calming but eerie presence on the horizon and adds to the soulful atmosphere of the resort that has everything. One hundred and seventy acres of peace and serenity mixed with the verve and panache of a bold and beautifully presented course gives all golfers a rare treat.