menu
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Plan Your Trip

South West Golf

  • Par 71, yardage 6,651. The Old Course at Ballybunion is one of the most popular courses in the whole of Ireland. American visitors in particular just love the course and five-time Open Champion Tom Watson is a self-confessed fan of Ballybunion. Established in 1893, the course was extended to 18 holes in 1926. Due to the threat of coastal erosion - it is set in sandhills alongside the Atlantic Ocean - the order of the holes was changed in the early 1970s and you now actually start on the old 14th. Visitors to Ballybunion will undergo a stiff test from start to finish, with the 11th hole, in particular, being a potential card-wrecker. Visitors are welcome on weekdays, while a state-of-the-art clubhouse offers first-class facilities.

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women.
    Par 71, yardage 6,651. The Old Course at Ballybunion is one of the most popular courses in the whole of Ireland. American visitors in particular just love the course and five-time Open Champion Tom Watson is a self-confessed fan of Ballybunion. Established in 1893, the course was extended to 18 holes in 1926. Due to the threat of coastal erosion - it is set in sandhills alongside the Atlantic Ocean - the order of the holes was changed in the early 1970s and you now actually start on the old 14th. Visitors to Ballybunion will undergo a stiff test from start to finish, with the 11th hole, in particular, being a potential card-wrecker. Visitors are welcome on weekdays, while a state-of-the-art clubhouse offers first-class facilities.

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women.
  • Par 72, yardage 6,306. The 'second' course at Ballybunion was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is every bit as good as its big brother. There are some who go as far to say that the Cashen Course is even more dramatic and challenging than the Old Course. It certainly has higher dunes than the Old and some of the carries from the tee are demanding, to say the least. The Cashen Course finishes with two par-5s, the second of which stretches to a whopping 612 yards. The two courses share the same clubhouse and, as you'd expect at a place which is so well known all over the world, you can expect the warmest of welcomes at Ballybunion.

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women.
    Par 72, yardage 6,306. The 'second' course at Ballybunion was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is every bit as good as its big brother. There are some who go as far to say that the Cashen Course is even more dramatic and challenging than the Old Course. It certainly has higher dunes than the Old and some of the carries from the tee are demanding, to say the least. The Cashen Course finishes with two par-5s, the second of which stretches to a whopping 612 yards. The two courses share the same clubhouse and, as you'd expect at a place which is so well known all over the world, you can expect the warmest of welcomes at Ballybunion.

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women.
  • Par 71, yardage 6,799. The great Arnold Palmer was involved in designing Tralee Golf Club and, boy, is it a gem! Palmer had always wanted to design a course on the Emerald Isle and that chance came in the early 1980s, the American star working with Ed Seay to create this links masterpiece. There are some great holes on the course, notably the second, which runs along the clifftops, and the third, which has been likened to the famous seventh hole at Pebble Beach. Visitors can play at Tralee without restrictions during the week. On Saturday, they can only start between 11 AM and 1:30 PM while Sunday is out altogether.

    Maximum handicap: 28 men, 36 women.
    Par 71, yardage 6,799. The great Arnold Palmer was involved in designing Tralee Golf Club and, boy, is it a gem! Palmer had always wanted to design a course on the Emerald Isle and that chance came in the early 1980s, the American star working with Ed Seay to create this links masterpiece. There are some great holes on the course, notably the second, which runs along the clifftops, and the third, which has been likened to the famous seventh hole at Pebble Beach. Visitors can play at Tralee without restrictions during the week. On Saturday, they can only start between 11 AM and 1:30 PM while Sunday is out altogether.

    Maximum handicap: 28 men, 36 women.
  • Par 72, yardage 7,121. The incredible Old Head Golf Links, which is situated approx. 25 miles south of Kinsale in Co. Cork, is built on a 220-acre diamond of land which juts out over two miles into the Atlantic. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. The links and practice area occupy 180 acres and the remaining 40 acres of unspoiled cliff frame the course and rise in places to over 300 feet. With a minimum of six tees on every hole, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and high handicapper alike. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all 18 holes provide stunning ocean views.

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 36 women.
    Par 72, yardage 7,121. The incredible Old Head Golf Links, which is situated approx. 25 miles south of Kinsale in Co. Cork, is built on a 220-acre diamond of land which juts out over two miles into the Atlantic. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. The links and practice area occupy 180 acres and the remaining 40 acres of unspoiled cliff frame the course and rise in places to over 300 feet. With a minimum of six tees on every hole, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and high handicapper alike. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all 18 holes provide stunning ocean views.

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 36 women.
  • Par 72, yardage 7,225. It is hard to believe that Waterville Golf Club was only built in 1973. It's the type of place you feel that has been there forever. Jack Mulcahy, an Irish-born American, had the vision for this links gem and, after returning to Ireland to live, he handed the task of designing the course to the legendary Eddie Hackett. His creation is widely regarded as one of the top links courses in the world and Americans in particular flock to Waterville in the thousands every year.


    While the front nine is good, the inward half is even better and make sure you take a minute or two to enjoy the view of Mulcahy's Peak at the par-3 17th. Yes, it is easy to see why this place is so popular.

    Par 72, yardage 7,225. It is hard to believe that Waterville Golf Club was only built in 1973. It's the type of place you feel that has been there forever. Jack Mulcahy, an Irish-born American, had the vision for this links gem and, after returning to Ireland to live, he handed the task of designing the course to the legendary Eddie Hackett. His creation is widely regarded as one of the top links courses in the world and Americans in particular flock to Waterville in the thousands every year.


    While the front nine is good, the inward half is even better and make sure you take a minute or two to enjoy the view of Mulcahy's Peak at the par-3 17th. Yes, it is easy to see why this place is so popular.

  • The Championship Course, founded in 1892, was originally designed by Old Tom Morris and further enhanced by the world-renowned course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, in 1926. It was returned to its natural beauty, in more recent times, by the current course Architect, Dr Martin Hawtree. It is a true links with many towering dunes, overlooking Liscannor Bay. The ever-changing Atlantic weather provides a variety of golfing challenges and enjoyment to golfers but is also worthy of respect. 

    The Championship Course, founded in 1892, was originally designed by Old Tom Morris and further enhanced by the world-renowned course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, in 1926. It was returned to its natural beauty, in more recent times, by the current course Architect, Dr Martin Hawtree. It is a true links with many towering dunes, overlooking Liscannor Bay. The ever-changing Atlantic weather provides a variety of golfing challenges and enjoyment to golfers but is also worthy of respect. 

  • Par 72, yardage 6,885. Doonbeg Golf Club plays along 1.5 miles of beach and dunes. The ocean is visible from the green, fairway or tee of 16 of the 18 holes.

    "This is a course I want to be identified with, one I will be able to say with pride - I did that one. I am the luckiest designer in the world...because of the uniqueness of the site. I have designed the course around the 15th hole, a magnificant par-4 of 440 yards to a funnel-shaped green surrounded by the highest dunes on the course. Landing a ball on the front edge of the 150-foot-long green and wondering if it will stop before running off the far end (into perdition), is far more of a challenge to me than the target golf of hitting behind the flagstick from 187 yards and spinning it back six inches." --- Greg Norman

    Par 72, yardage 6,885. Doonbeg Golf Club plays along 1.5 miles of beach and dunes. The ocean is visible from the green, fairway or tee of 16 of the 18 holes.

    "This is a course I want to be identified with, one I will be able to say with pride - I did that one. I am the luckiest designer in the world...because of the uniqueness of the site. I have designed the course around the 15th hole, a magnificant par-4 of 440 yards to a funnel-shaped green surrounded by the highest dunes on the course. Landing a ball on the front edge of the 150-foot-long green and wondering if it will stop before running off the far end (into perdition), is far more of a challenge to me than the target golf of hitting behind the flagstick from 187 yards and spinning it back six inches." --- Greg Norman

  • Par 72, yardage 7,123. The flagship of the three courses, Killeen is truly one of the greatest courses in the country. It will certainly challenge the longest of hitters and with water on almost every hole accuracy is essential. Killeen played host to the Carroll's Irish Open in both 1991 and 1992 and proved to be a stern test for the pros. For the 1991 Carroll's Irish Open, only three players finished under par for the tournament. Killarney also hosted the Curtis Cup in 1996, when Great Britain & Ireland defeated the USA.

    With an impressive list of international tournaments such as these, you will not be disappointed with what Killeen has to offer.

    Par 72, yardage 7,123. The flagship of the three courses, Killeen is truly one of the greatest courses in the country. It will certainly challenge the longest of hitters and with water on almost every hole accuracy is essential. Killeen played host to the Carroll's Irish Open in both 1991 and 1992 and proved to be a stern test for the pros. For the 1991 Carroll's Irish Open, only three players finished under par for the tournament. Killarney also hosted the Curtis Cup in 1996, when Great Britain & Ireland defeated the USA.

    With an impressive list of international tournaments such as these, you will not be disappointed with what Killeen has to offer.

  • Par 72, yardage 6,744. Golf has been played in Killarney since 1891, originally on a nine hole inland course. Then in 1939 it was expanded to an 18-hole course. The expansion brought the course to the lakeside and added outstanding beauty. This superb course, situated beside the famous lakes of Killarney, is a good test for golfers of all skill levels.

    Mahony's Point is the shortest of the three courses, but with a combination of well undulated greens, well positioned bunkers and water hazards, wayward shots will often find big trouble. The 18th, the signature hole, is a stunning par-3 over the lake which measures 196 yards from the back tees, and with the wind coming in from the lake usually playes even longer. The par-5 13th is a great hole with an approach shot to an elevated green, which is very difficult to hold.

    Par 72, yardage 6,744. Golf has been played in Killarney since 1891, originally on a nine hole inland course. Then in 1939 it was expanded to an 18-hole course. The expansion brought the course to the lakeside and added outstanding beauty. This superb course, situated beside the famous lakes of Killarney, is a good test for golfers of all skill levels.

    Mahony's Point is the shortest of the three courses, but with a combination of well undulated greens, well positioned bunkers and water hazards, wayward shots will often find big trouble. The 18th, the signature hole, is a stunning par-3 over the lake which measures 196 yards from the back tees, and with the wind coming in from the lake usually playes even longer. The par-5 13th is a great hole with an approach shot to an elevated green, which is very difficult to hold.

  • Par 70, yardage 6,010. Dooks Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Kerry, having been founded way back in 1889, when the game was introduced to locals by Army officers who were visiting a nearby artillery range. The links course is located on the Ring of Kerry road and sits on three stretches of sand dunes at the head of Dingle Bay. At every turn you'll be treated to a stunning view, the sights on offer including the Slieve Mish and Dingle mountains and the fishing village of Cromane. Many visitors to Dooks pick out the 13th as their favorite hole and that's probably because the saucer-shaped green makes putting a real adventure.

    Visitors are welcome on every day except a Sunday.

    Par 70, yardage 6,010. Dooks Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Kerry, having been founded way back in 1889, when the game was introduced to locals by Army officers who were visiting a nearby artillery range. The links course is located on the Ring of Kerry road and sits on three stretches of sand dunes at the head of Dingle Bay. At every turn you'll be treated to a stunning view, the sights on offer including the Slieve Mish and Dingle mountains and the fishing village of Cromane. Many visitors to Dooks pick out the 13th as their favorite hole and that's probably because the saucer-shaped green makes putting a real adventure.

    Visitors are welcome on every day except a Sunday.


  • Par 72, yardage 7,139. Adare Golf Club was designed by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and offers a magnificent parkland layout. From his first perception of Adare Manor as having all the flavor of Augusta National, he has created a true masterpiece and one of the leading parkland courses in Ireland. The Maigue River comes into play on three holes with a dramatic finish at the par-5 18th hole. And, if you are struggling a bit with your game, then don't worry as the beautiful surroundings will ensure that you still enjoy a visit here. The ruins of the Desmond Castle, built in 1200, are a magnificent backdrop to the 1st and 15th greens, while the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey, built in 1464, dominate the centre of the course.

    *All golfers must use a caddie when playing this course.

     


    Par 72, yardage 7,139. Adare Golf Club was designed by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and offers a magnificent parkland layout. From his first perception of Adare Manor as having all the flavor of Augusta National, he has created a true masterpiece and one of the leading parkland courses in Ireland. The Maigue River comes into play on three holes with a dramatic finish at the par-5 18th hole. And, if you are struggling a bit with your game, then don't worry as the beautiful surroundings will ensure that you still enjoy a visit here. The ruins of the Desmond Castle, built in 1200, are a magnificent backdrop to the 1st and 15th greens, while the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey, built in 1464, dominate the centre of the course.

    *All golfers must use a caddie when playing this course.

     

  • Par 72, yardage 6,845. Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club has been in existence since 1962 and golf has been played over the lush rolling tree lined landscape that drains into Dromoland Lough with the Castle as a backdrop. The course has been entirely revamped over the past two years at a cost of over 5 million euros. The course architects, Ron Kirby and J.B. Carr teamed up again following their success at the Old Head of Kinsale. The result is nothing short of spectacular and places Dromoland at the vanguard of "must play" golf destinations on the island of Ireland.

    Already, the course has earned a reputation equalling that of Adare and Mount Juliet and the quality of the greens and tees is compared very favorably to the very best worldwide.

    Par 72, yardage 6,845. Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club has been in existence since 1962 and golf has been played over the lush rolling tree lined landscape that drains into Dromoland Lough with the Castle as a backdrop. The course has been entirely revamped over the past two years at a cost of over 5 million euros. The course architects, Ron Kirby and J.B. Carr teamed up again following their success at the Old Head of Kinsale. The result is nothing short of spectacular and places Dromoland at the vanguard of "must play" golf destinations on the island of Ireland.

    Already, the course has earned a reputation equalling that of Adare and Mount Juliet and the quality of the greens and tees is compared very favorably to the very best worldwide.