Killeen Castle Wins Best Parkland Course at 2025 IGTOA Awards
Killeen Castle was named Best Parkland Course of the Year at the 2025 Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) Awards on October 20.
The ceremony took place at The K Club in County Kildare, with the award based on customer feedback from golf tour operators.
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Killeen Castle competed against Adare Manor and Druids Glen in the category.
Previous winners include Killarney Golf & Fishing Club in 2024 and The K Club in 2023.
Customer Feedback Determines IGTOA Winners
The IGTOA Awards use customer feedback collected by the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association.
Member operators bring thousands of golfers to Ireland annually and work with courses, resorts, hotels, transport companies, guides, and caddies across the country.
Philip Rock, General Manager of Killeen Castle, said:
Being recognised at the IGTOA Awards is a huge accolade for us here at Killeen Castle. We’re incredibly proud of our team and the unparalleled excellence that we provide for every guest.
The award recognises the course’s tournament hosting record and guest experience. Killeen Castle has hosted the Solheim Cup and three Women’s Irish Opens.
The venue recently staged the DP HotelPlanner Irish Challenge Tour event.
Killeen Castle Confirmed for 2026 and 2027 Challenge Events
Killeen Castle will host the HotelPlanner Irish Challenge in 2026 and 2027. The confirmation extends the venue’s relationship with the DP World Tour’s development circuit following the 2025 edition.
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course provides the championship layout for these events. The course’s design and conditioning standards meet professional tournament requirements whilst remaining accessible for resort guests.
Rock acknowledged the competitive field in the Best Parkland Course category.
“Given the calibre of the award and the quality of golfing experiences in the country, we are truly honoured to have been recognised,” he stated.
Location and Accommodation at Killeen Castle
Killeen Castle sits 30 minutes from Dublin Airport in the Boyne Valley region of County Meath. The location provides access for international visitors arriving through Ireland’s main airport hub.
The property features 26 guestrooms in luxury lodges added to the historic castle grounds. Sixteen Restaurant serves guests after rounds, with terrace seating overlooking the championship course.
The facility includes 5 kilometres of woodland walks surrounding the golf course. Guests can access these trails as part of Stay & Play packages combining accommodation, golf, and breakfast.
Stay & Play Packages Available for 2026
Killeen Castle offers Stay & Play golf break packages for 2026. The packages include luxury lodge accommodation, 18 holes on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, traditional Irish breakfast, and access to woodland walks.
The venue reports high demand and limited availability for 2026 bookings.
Early reservations are recommended due to capacity constraints following the IGTOA recognition and confirmed Challenge Tour events.
Rock emphasised the complete guest experience at the property.
“Our Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course offers guests a premier golf experience and paired with our luxury accommodation and exquisite on-site dining options, we’re proud to offer golf enthusiasts an exceptional stay,” he said.
What This Means for Irish Golf Tourism
The IGTOA Best Parkland Course award highlights Killeen Castle’s position within Ireland’s golf tourism sector.
The recognition from tour operators who arrange international golf trips provides validation from the commercial side of the industry.
Ireland’s parkland courses compete with links layouts for visitor attention. The award distinguishes Killeen Castle within the parkland category, which includes tree-lined layouts distinct from coastal links designs.
The venue’s proximity to Dublin Airport and the Boyne Valley’s historical attractions creates a dual-purpose destination for golfers.
The region includes Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, and other heritage sites alongside multiple golf courses.
Golfers can book Stay & Play packages and tee times directly through Killeen Castle. The 2026 and 2027 HotelPlanner Irish Challenge events will provide additional visibility for the venue within professional golf.
