Fota Island will be a hive of activity over the next or so with all eyes on the East Cork five star Resort as it plays host to the Irish Open, one of the biggest sporting events in Ireland. This years event will see the return of many familiar favourites as well as a few firsts with many planning family hotel breaks so be prepared for an action packed week to be un-corked!
There will be a first at the Irish Open with the launch of an inaugural pop-up whiskey bar, where golf fans can enjoy an authentic pub experience, in the middle of Fota Island Resort.
One of Cork City’s more popular pub’s, The Oliver Plunkett, will be relocating its devoted Whiskey Bar, to the Irish Open for the week, which will offer a wide range of in excess of 50 whiskeys including whiskey cocktails along with advice from The Oliver Plunkett’s resident whiskey expert. The Oliver Plunkett’s pop up pub will be located in the tented Village and will be the place for golf enthusiasts to meet and mingle at this year’s tournament.
Golf fans won’t be stuck for choice when seeking some refreshing beverages over the course of the tournament with the Heineken Sports Bar, Irish Open’s long-standing drinks’ partners, also located in the Tented Village.
Some of Ireland’s top quality-assured golf resorts in Ireland will be hosted by Fáilte Ireland over the course of the tournament, with the clubs on hand to provide exclusive special offers and specific information about their clubs ranging from parkland to links courses around Ireland.
This impressive exhibition area will be flying the flag for golf breaks in Cork and throughout Ireland, together with the Northern Irish Tourist Board, which will also be in attendance.
Barry’s Tea and Clonakilty Food Company, two of Cork’s most iconic food producers, will be on hand to quench the thirst and hunger of golf supporters at this year’s Irish Open. The aptly named Barry’s Tee Room will feature a wide range of the tea makers product line while you can enjoy some freshly prepared al fresco sustenance from the Clonakilty Food Company stand in the Tented Village.
Cork’s outstanding reputation for food and fine dining will get a further boost at this year’s Irish Open with the arrival of the first-ever Farmers’ Market to the event, featuring a small selection of Cork’s award-winning artisan producers. From the Pro Am on Wednesday 18th June, right through to the final day of action on Sunday 22nd, visitors to the golf will be invited to sample some delicious, locally-produced food from some of Cork’s best known and best loved producers. Located in the Tented Village, a food-themed tent will entice visitors with an array of alluring smells and flavours from patês, terrines and cheeses to gluten-free and organic products, chocolates and hand made biscuits, which they can sample and purchase to take home.
Supernova Kids Zone will be the ultimate place for young people aged between 4 and 13 years of age to hang out and will be located at the main entrance at Fota Island Resort for the duration of Ireland’s greatest golfing event. Adventure, excitement and more fun than you can handle, Supernova’s Mr McCool and his pals invite youngsters to join them in their own supervised kid’s haven, whilst the adults enjoy the on course fun.
With Fota Wildlife Park on the doorstep, this is the perfect chance to combine golf and guerrillas with a visit to the park, which is set on 75 acres and home to animals, birds, flora and fauna.
A children’s art exhibition will showcase the top entries in an Irish Open schools’ art competition, which featured the theme, My Ireland, My Irish Open.
To top it off, under 16’s go free when accompanied by an adult, so it’s a great day out for all the family.
If you feel you golf coaching and fancy fine-tuning your swing, the Nike Swing Zone in the Tented Village is the place to be with Nike Nets and professionals on hand to iron out those kinks in your swing. And, the Confederation of Golf in Ireland will host an interactive golfing area by the Practice Range, so there’s no excuse not to brush up on your skills this year at Fota Island Resort.
If fashion is your thing, Wacky Trousers’ Day on Friday, 20th June is where you can strut your stuff for a chance to win a €500 Emirates voucher. Simply wear your most colourful, vibrant and interesting trousers or shorts and you could be the judges’ favourite.
Fota Island Resort and the Tented Village will be buzzing with activity with big crowds expected at the BMW Car Display where the latest models and innovations can be viewed and experienced.
Emirates will again welcome visitors to the Emirates Booth, where they will enjoy A Taste of Dubai, view live golfing action on large plasma screens and even take a red hat ‘selfie’ with Emirates cabin crew.
Tickets for the Irish Open 2014 Pro Am are priced at €10, with concession prices still available for the full Irish Open 2014 tournament until 6.00pm on Tuesday, 17th June: €30 for an Adult Day Ticket (€35 at gate) and €70 for Adult Season Tickets (€80 at gate) so hurry, it’s your last chance to pick up an advance priced ticket and enjoy up to five days of unmissable on course action.
For tickets and information www.irishopen.ie.
