The 2024 KPMG Women’s Irish Open is expected to attract substantial local and international attention as it tees off from August 29 to September 1 at the prestigious Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel. Into Kildare, the County Kildare tourism board together with fellow sponsor, Kildare County Council expect the event will not only spotlight the region’s exceptional golfing facilities but also significantly boost local tourism.
The tournament will take place on the O’Meara course, noted for its challenging layout and stunning parkland setting. The choice of venue highlights Carton House’s capacity to host major international sports events and underscores County Kildare’s reputation as a top golf destination.
Since its reincarnation in 2022, the KPMG Women’s Irish Open has become a highlight of the Ladies European Tour. The 2023 tournament saw Smilla Tarning Soenderby claim victory in a thrilling playoff. This year, Irish golf star and KPMG ambassador Leona Maguire looks to make her mark at the tournament, alongside other notable players like Georgia Hall and Anne Van Dam. The event not only celebrates these athletes’ skills but also serves as an important platform for up-and-coming talents such as Lauren Walsh.
Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare, expressed her excitement about the upcoming tournament, stating, “Hosting the KPMG Women’s Irish Open provides a tremendous opportunity for County Kildare to demonstrate our world-class golfing facilities to an international audience. This event is not just a celebration of outstanding talent in women’s golf but provides an incredible uplift for local tourism. Our rich golfing heritage, showcased by other superb courses like The K Club and Palmerstown Golf Course, positions Kildare as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a pivotal tournament to inspire young women across our county and beyond, showing them the high level of competition they can aspire to achieve.”
Eimear McManus, Managing Director at ForeFront Sports added, “The whole event will offer something for everyone. The spectator village at Carton House will offer a festival atmosphere with an array of food vendors, bars, and retail outlets, complemented by live music and family-friendly activities. Interactive experiences like long putt challenges, trackman simulators, and virtual reality golf will entertain guests and offer fabulous prizes, enriching the overall event experience. We are also proud to support National Breast Cancer Research Institute Ireland (NBCRI), our charity partner, which does important work to improve the outcomes for women with breast cancer in Ireland and across the world”
Into Kildare and Kildare County Council are both sponsors of the event and will have a prominent presence at the tournament to promote the county’s extensive hospitality and tourism attractions.
Áine Mangan further commented on the broader impact of the event, “The KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Carton House is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the dynamic and diverse culture of County Kildare. The tournament is expected to draw significant numbers of visitors, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. It also provides a perfect opportunity for local artisans and vendors to showcase their offerings to a global audience. Lily and Wild catering will have a food truck on site and will represent our next big food festival, Taste of Kildare which will take place from the 20- 22nd of September at Naas Racecourse.”
The Mayor of County Kildare, Cllr. Joe Neville said, “I want to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all the players, their families and the many spectators who will gather to watch this wonderful tournament. We hope you will enjoy your time in the county and get the chance to experience all the best of County Kildare’s famous hospitality. The very best of luck to all the competitors and congratulations to the team at Carton House, who together with ForeFront Sports have attracted the top names in women’s golf to play in this exciting tournament.”
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open takes place from August 29 – September 1, 2024. It will be played on the O’Meara Course at Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, Maynooth, County Kildare. See www.kpmgwomensirishopen.com for tickets and for further information. Visit Into Kildare for more local attractions and accommodation recommendations www.intokildare.ie
