North Cork golfing membership choices are many and varied

While many golfers are yet to take out the clubs for the first time in 2026, now is the ideal time to look into membership options if you are interested in joining a club. 

Golf in Cork boomed in the past five years and while membership rates are at a historic high, many clubs still have open positions for new members. 

Several clubs have very attractive offers in place and there are many options in north and east Cork, home to around a dozen clubs.

Kanturk Golf Club might be just outside of the reach of golfers based in the city, but the course is a great option for anyone based in outside the northern suburbs. 

Full membership in Kanturk is €650 per year and the club have a new members rate of €400. 

New members get a second year of reduced subs, paying €525 in year two before moving to the full rate in year three. 

The committees and staff in Kanturk Golf Club have been working hard over the past five years, helped by Ken Kearney who has designed several new features and greens. 

It features a new 13th green and 18th green, and the club rebuilt the putting green and short game area. The clubhouse is also home to the restaurant, Bobs on the Green.

Fermoy is another North Cork club that has been progressively improving through the hard work of staff and members. 

The club is well over 130 years old and provides a great product for members and guests. 

Over the past few years the facilities in Fermoy have had a major upgrade, including the clubhouse area which now ranks among the best in Cork. There are only a limited number of memberships available in Fermoy and the rate for new joiners is €934 inclusive of all fees.

Aside from the large local membership, its proximity to Cork has meant that Fermoy has always attracted a large number of golfers from the city and suburbs. 

The quality of the course in Fermoy is renowned. Last year the club also opened a simulator room giving members the option of indoor practice during the winter months.

Mallow Golf Club is another highly rated golf course in North Cork, and was awarded the Munster Hidden Gem from the Golfers Guide two years ago. 

The new member rate is €100 but for new members aged 35 and under the rate is a very competitive €725. 

Mallow recently some refurbishment work on the course including Similar to Fermoy, Mallow’s closeness to Cork means that they have a large number of members from Cork City. Uniquely, membership in Mallow includes access to tennis, squash and snooker facilities.

Mitchelstown Golf Club also have an attractive new member offer available. Former members and new members joining from another club can join for €744 which breaks down as €62 per month using the clubs direct debit payment option. 

New members will also benefit from reduced fees in the second and third year of membership. 

Full membership in Mitchelstown is €948 but there are a number of concessions for those under 31 and 41 and for those living outside 40km from the club.

Youghal Golf Club is on the easterly border of the county and the club is ideally situated high above the town with great views from several holes. Youghal is another club that boasts a large local membership along with a cohort of golfer who live near Cork city. 

Introductory membership in Youghal is €700 for the first year, providing a saving of over €100 on the annual fee.

Cobh Golf Club moved to Marino in 2009, and since then the course has matured into a wonderful golfing experience. Set high over the harbour, the Martin Hawtree signature design is extremely playable while providing a good test of golf. 

Cobh’s membership has increased over the past two years and full membership is €950 per year with intermediate and student categories at lower rates.

Joining a golf club also means you become a Golf Ireland member, giving you access to a handicap index and the opportunity to play in open competitions at other clubs. 

Details, including terms and conditions are available from each of the clubs.