PLENTY POPPING UP AT THIS YEAR’S IRISH OPEN

PLENTY POPPING UP AT THIS YEAR’S IRISH OPEN: Two firsts and an action-packed schedule

POP-UP PUB
It’s a first for the Irish Open with the launch of the event’s inaugural pop-up whiskey bar, where visitors to golf’s great event can enjoy an authentic pub experience, in the middle of Fota Island Resort.
Cork city’s great pub, The Oliver Plunkett, will transport its dedicated Whiskey Bar, Cork’s first, to the Irish Open, which will feature a choice of over 50 whiskeys including whiskey cocktails along with advice from the pub’s resident whiskey expert, to help guide the pallet. Located in the Tented Village, The Oliver Plunkett will be the place to meet and mingle at this year’s Irish Open.

Spoilt for choice, sports fans can also enjoy the Heineken Sports Bar where the action will be complemented by a chilled brew from one the Irish Open’s long-standing drinks’ partners.
GOLFER’S PARADISE

Fáilte Ireland will be hosting some of Ireland’s top quality-assured golf clubs from around the country, with the clubs lined up to provide some special offers and specialised information about their clubs and the golfing experience in parkland and links courses around the country.

This impressive exhibition area will be flying the flag for golfing holidays on the island of Ireland, together with the Northern Irish Tourist Board, which will also be in attendance.

FARMERS’ MARKET
Two of Cork’s finest legacy food producers, Barry’s Tea and Clonakilty will have a very special presence at this year’s Irish Open and visitors can drop by the Barry’s Tee Room or enjoy some al fresco sustenance from Clonakilty, freshly prepared on their stand in the Tented Village.

Cork’s outstanding reputation for food 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.

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Supernova Kids Zone will be the ultimate place for young people aged 4 – 13 years 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.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
If you 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.

FASHION FORWARD AT FOTA
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.

FLY-DRIVE WEEKEND
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.

ADVANCE TICKET PRICES UNTIL 17TH JUNE
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