The countdown is on to the Irish Open 2014 at Fota Island Resort and one of Ireland’s biggest sporting events of the year.
The Irish Open takes place from 19th – 22nd June and with around 100,000 visitors expected to travel to Cork by car, train and bus, the European Tour has worked closely with An Garda Síochána to help ensure that getting there couldn’t be easier.
With free parking on site for up to 8,000 cars, Fota Island Resort also benefits from easy access from Fota Island Train Station, with direct access to the golf course. Fota Island Resort is located on its own private Island, near to Cork City, in the historic area of Cobh and the well known area of Midleton.
GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Fota Island has its own Railway Station, which is just thirteen minutes by train from Kent Station, Cork, or ten minutes by train from Cobh. From Fota Station a special entrance to the golf course has been built by the European Tour making access just a short stroll away.
Visitors travelling from Belfast, Dublin, Limerick or Kerry can travel by train direct to Kent Station, Cork and transfer to the frequent Cork-Fota-Cobh commuter train. Visitors can book tickets directly from Dublin to Fota with web fares starting from €14.99* each way.
Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is increasing its frequency of trains and adding additional capacity on the Cork-Fota-Cobh commuter line in order to cater for the expected demand wishing to attend this year’s Irish Open.
Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is also offering free car parking at its East Cork Commuter Stations – Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Glounthaune and Little Island.
Midleton Station is twelve minutes and Carrigtwohill Station is only five minutes by train to Glounthaune, where passengers can change trains and hop on another connection to Fota Station, which is only three minutes away.
For further information please log ontowww.irishrail.ieor call Low call 1-850-366222
BY CAR:
From Cork or Dublin:
Traffic travelling from Dublin via the M8 will join the N25 at the Dunkettle Interchange.
Traffic travelling from Cork will travel via the N25, exit at Junction 3 only and proceed onto the R624 for Cobh.
All public traffic will enter via the main Fota Island Resort gate (please follow event signage) into the grounds.
Note: there will be no access to Cobh from Junction 3.
From Waterford/Wexford/South East:
Traffic travelling from Waterford, Wexford and the South East via the N25 will exit at Junction 3 only and proceed onto the R624 for Cobh. All public traffic will enter via the main Fota Island Resort gate (please follow event signage) and will be directed to the designated public car park in the grounds.
From Cobh/Cross River Ferry:
Traffic travelling from Cobh/Cross River Ferry on the R624 will be diverted to the Fota Wildlife Park gate and will be directed to the designated public car parks in the grounds. Parking here is free. Cobh traffic cannot enter the event via the main Fota Island Resort gate from the R624.
From Cobh to Cork City / East Cork:
Traffic travelling from Cobh to Cork City / East Cork will be diverted off the R624 on the orbital route to Carrigtwohill. Cork City will be accessed via the slip road at the Barryscourt Roundabout (Junction 4). Traffic travelling to East Cork and the South East will access the N25 via Carrigtwohill village. Gardai will be on duty on the orbital route and signage will be in place to assist the free flow of traffic.
Drivers are advised to follow all event road signs and directions from An Garda Síochána and Championship Stewards, rather than using Sat Nav for the duration of The Irish Open.
Disabled Parking:
Disabled parking is located within the grounds of Fota Island Resort. All public traffic will enter via the main Fota Island Resort gate (please follow event signage) and will be directed to the designated public car park in the grounds. Blue Badge holders are asked to follow the signs to the Public Car Parks and once on site, follow directions to your dedicated car park.
Bus Parking:
All buses travelling to the event will enter via the main entrance and designated parking is provided within the grounds.
Taxi Parking:
There is a designated taxi drop-off point in the grounds.
Traffic Management Plan Reversal:
At approximately 3pm each day, in order to facilitate the flow of traffic, An Garda Síochána will reverse the Traffic Management Plan and all vehicles parked in Fota Island Resort will exit via the Main Entrance Gate in the direction of the N25. Traffic parked in Fota Wildlife Park will exit via the Wildlife Gate. Directional signs will be in place to assist.
Traffic wishing to attend the Golf after the implementation of the Traffic Reversal Plan will do so via Junction 4, off the N25 (both directions) and will be directed by Gardaí and appropriate signage to the Green Gate entry point off the R624.
Exiting Golf prior to Traffic Plan Reversal:
Traffic wishing to exit Fota Island Resort prior to the Traffic Management Plan Reversal at approximately 3pm, will do so via the Green Gate onto the R624.
Cork / Dublin traffic will follow the orbital route to junction 4 - N25
East bound traffic (Midleton / Waterford) will follow the orbital route via Carrigtwohill Village.
Cars parked in Fota Wildlife Park will exit via the Wildlife gates as normal.
Disabled Facilities:
A viewing area will be created on the 18th green and all Tented Village facilities will have ramps for access. There will be disabled toilet facilities at all public restroom locations and those with special requirements should consult the Irish Open Website athttp://www.irishopen.ie/for further information.
About The Irish Open
The Irish Open will take place the week after the US Open Championship and will welcome two former US Open champions in Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy, as well as fellow Major winners Darren Clarke, John Daly, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie and José María Olazábal. The UK’s Paul Casey will return to Ireland to defend his title, which he won last year at Carton House whilst Shane Lowry will be looking to secure a second win on home turf.
Visitors to this year’s event will enjoy a number of new features including a farmers’ market with a number of local artisan producers showcasing and selling their products; a children’s art exhibition; Supernova Kids Zone and Wacky Trousers Day will take place on 20th June with prizes awarded to visitors with the most colourful attire.
Irish Open tickets are still available online priced at €30 for an Adult Day Ticket (€35 on the gate) and €70 for Adult Season Tickets (€80 on the gate). Children under 16 go free.
For tickets, prizes and information check outwww.irishopen.ie
*Fares subject to availability, quotas, transaction and credit card fees apply. Online Terms & Conditions apply.
