Planning granted for Old Head clubhouse extension and relocation of cigar room

Exclusive course aims to take advantage of extra Ryder Cup visitors

Computer-generated image of the proposed clubhouse extension at the Old Head of Kinsale.

Planning permission has been granted for a significant extension to the clubhouse at the exclusive Old Head of Kinsale golf links.

The owners of the course, Ashbourne Holdings Ltd, have been approved for the addition of eight new guest bedrooms that will bring the overall number of bedrooms to 28.

According to the plans, four will be located at lower ground floor level in place of the previously permitted spa area, with another four at the first-floor level to replace a permitted roof garden.

The plans include the retention of other changes such as the reduction in size of the overall footprint of the bar and restaurant, the relocation of the permitted cigar room and the reconfiguration of the pro-shop, members bar and lounge and changing rooms.

The Old Head golf links, opened in 1997, is widely regarded as one of the top golf courses in the world. Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods and a host of other celebrities and sports stars have played the links. In June, NFL sports star Tom Brady spoke about playing the course when he joined Roy Keane on the Stick to Football podcast.

The course operates for 200 days a year, attracting 20,000 golfers each year, 80% of whom are from abroad, with half coming from the US. According to the most recent accounts, the course recorded a turnover of just under €15m in 2024 and an operating profit that year of €5.07m.

In the planning application, the owners point to the Ryder Cup in Adare next year as an opportunity for Ireland to consolidate its position as a premier golf destination. 

"The event is expected to attract a substantial influx of high-spending international visitors, particularly from North America, while also generating extensive global media exposure for Ireland's golf offering, the application states.

"By expanding the quality and range of onsite hospitality offerings, Old Head aims to encourage longer dwell times, transforming what might otherwise be a transient visit into an overnight or multi-day stay. This is particularly relevant in the context of Ryder Cup-related travel, where demand for premium accommodation and exclusive experiences is expected to exceed supply in the immediate vicinity of Adare."

This week, Cork County Council granted planning permission for extensions, imposing five conditions, including a development contribution of €35,584.05.

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