Southwest Ireland Golf Courses with Absolutely Golf & Travel

Below is a list of recommended golf courses to play during your Southwest Ireland golf tour. As you can see there are more than enough fantastic courses to choose from. The photographs can only give a hint of the true beauty of this part of Ireland and spectacular playing conditions found on these world class golf courses, both links and parkland.

Use our Custom Golf Tour Planner for your personalized and free custom southwest Ireland golf tour itinerary. If you're not sure what golf courses to play then we will be happy to make some recommendations.

Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Course Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Course 11th Hole Ranked #7 in Golf Digest's 2005 Top 100 Golf Courses Outside the U.S. Ireland's most renowned links, Ballybunion Old is the most sought after tee time in all of Ireland. If Ballybunion Old is a "must play" course in your travel plans, we highly recommend planning your trip by September of the prior year so that you won't be disappointed. Tom Watson continually raves about it, and many golf icons such as Tiger Woods annually warm up here prior to The Open. The Old Course provides an extremely challenging links land with spectacular views of the Atlantic and a round where the wind is almost always a factor.

Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen Course (New) Ballybunion's Cashen Course The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is a long, difficult, spectacular links course with mammoth sand dunes. The Cashen requires you to fly the ball to the many elevated greens. While the Old course has the "world-class reputation" and is a must-play on everyone's golfing list, the Cashen is more popular with the locals, and many golfers (especially low-handicappers) prefer the Cashen to the Old. And the good news - carts are now available on the Cashen! If you were slow to book and have the Cashen while being waitlisted for the Old, don't despair, as you will experience one of Ireland's truly fantastic links.

Ceann Sibeal Golf Club (Dingle) Ceann Sibeal Golf Club, Dingle, Co. Kerry Ceann Sibeal is a links set in a spectacular setting of steep cliffs jutting out into the ocean and gently rolling dune terrain. The course is surrounded by some of Ireland's tallest mountains including Mount Brandon. This is a relatively wide-open course whose greatest difficulties are the wind, dune grasses, and a river that runs through the course. But the biggest advantage to playing Dingle -- the scenery getting to and from the course - absolutely breathtaking, arguably the most scenic and un-spoilt drive in all of Ireland.

Dooks Golf Club Dooks Golf Club If you want to experience playing an Irish links course amidst the Irish, than Dooks is the place! A lovely links course set along Dingle Bay with mountains on three sides, Dooks provides an interesting combination of features including high elevated greens on some holes, and flat expansive greens on others. There are also trees, blind shots, and some flat and clearly visible holes, all which create quite a unique combination. The 18th has a surprise finish, created by the club's members. Dooks has in 2004 & 2005 undergone major reconfiguration including the construction of a new clubhouse. A "hidden gem" surprise for most of our returning customers who continually rave about their golfing experience there.

Doonbeg Golf Club Doonbeg Doonbeg, Ireland's newest links course, was designed by Greg Norman and opened for full play in 2002. Doonbeg has now matured and has gracefully come into its own. Situated high on the cliffs along the coast overlooking the Atlantic, it is said that all that was required to create this world-class links was to lay out the holes and mow the fairways. Norman stated upon his first visit in 1997, "I am almost speechless. I have never seen a piece of land like this in all my travels." Doonbeg Golf Club is the creation of Kiawah Resort Associates/Landmark International, and those who have traveled to Kiawah Island will see the resemblance in the plush surroundings of The Lodge at Doonbeg, Clubhouse facilities, etc.

Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) Lahinch Golf Club, Co. Clare In 1892 officers of the Black Watch Regiment came upon this vast dunes land and, being good Scotsmen, knew at once they had found the perfect terrain for a golf Links. The original layout was designed by Old Tom Morris, and subsequent alterations were made in the 1920's by Dr. Alister MacKenzie. One of the best classic links courses in Ireland, the Old Course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Liscannor Bay. The links has two historic holes, the 4th hole (Klondyke) and the 5th hole (The Dell). Several holes on the course underwent major reconstruction in 2004, and today this world-class links is better than ever. Many of our returning customers comment that the improved Lahinch Old Course is the best links experience to be had in all of Ireland. Ranked #27 in Golf Digest's 2005 Top 100 Golf Courses Outside the U.S.

Tralee Golf Club Tralee Golf Club, Co. Kerry This links is majestic both for its setting as well as for the course layout itself. Twelve holes trek through the seaside sand dunes, each with a unique view. The back side has 5 holes along the ocean which are truly breathtaking. Tralee is an extremely challenging course, especially with the ever-present winds blowing in off of the Atlantic. A testing course as well, course designer Arnold Palmer deserves special credit for his use of the natural terrain without manipulating the land. Perhaps one of the most picturesque and unique links courses to be played anywhere, Tralee in 2004 consistently ranked #1 as our returning customers favorite all-around golf experience in Ireland's Southwest.

Waterville Golf Club Waterville Golf Club Located at the half-way point of the famed and stunningly beautiful Ring of Kerry, Waterville was founded in 1889 and redesigned in 1973 by Eddie Hackett and John Mulcahy. Waterville is one of the longest links in Europe totaling 7,311 yards in length. Scenic views include cottages dotting the adjacent hills, Ballinskelligs Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The greens are mildly undulating and spacious. While the front 9 are fairly flat, the back nine is full of large sand dunes. Look for the fascinating story on a sign at the Mass Hole (12th). Consistently ranked as one of the top links courses in Ireland, Waterville has undergone many changes and improvement in the last year, making play on this links an even more enjoyable golf experience. Ranked #92 in Golf Digest's 2005 Top 100 Golf Courses Outside the U.S.

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort, Co. Limerick This top-notch facilities own Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed parkland course boasts four sets of tees on each hole, providing a true test for all skill levels. Set among gorgeous lakes with the Maigue River winding throughout, mature trees, castle ruins, and the majestic Manor itself towering above you, Adare Manor is an idyllic and absolutely beautiful setting for a relaxing round. The 18th, well, you just have to visit and play to experience for yourself.

Beaufort Golf Club Beaufort Golf Club Founded in 1995, this par 71 championship parkland course, part of the Churchtown Estate, is surrounded by the famous McGillycuddy Reeks Mountains providing wonderful views from every hole. The 12th Century Castle Core ruins dominate the back nine. Course features include generous fairways and tees, and large contoured greens. Beaufort is a good second round venue or a day off from the links.

Cork Golf Club (Little Island) Cork Golf Club (Little Island) Designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1927, this is a mature parkland course with many stands of old-growth trees and numerous patches of gorse. The course has a rolling to slightly hilly tract that works its way to and from the River Lee. Several holes are affected by the famous Cork limestone quarry, including the 7th which is actually on the floor of the quarry.

Dromoland Golf & Country Club (at Dromoland Castle) Dromoland Golf & Country Club (at Dromoland Castle) Located on the grounds of the renowned Dromoland Castle Resort approximately 15 minutes from Shannon Airport, this parkland course has been in existence since 1962. However during the last two years Ron Kirby and J. B. Carr were hired to team up and re-vamp the course. A great afternoon out of golf, or a second round after Lahinch or Doonbeg, especially if you are Castle residents thus can avail of the reduced resident's greens fee.

Fota Island Golf Club Fota Island Golf Club, Co. Cork Originally founded in 1883, the course reopened in September 1999 following an 18-month program during which all 18 greens were rebuilt, and 8 of the holes were redesigned. Fota has hosted the Murphy's Irish Open in 2001 and 2002, one of the most prestigious events on the European Tour. This is a lovely parkland course where water plays a significant role. Fota is a terrific second round while staying in the Cork area, or a day out if you want a day off from the Southwest's links.

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - Killeen Course Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - Killeen Course Host to the Irish Open in 1991 and 1992 and the Curtis Cup in 1996, Killeen is a challenging parkland course layout including intelligent use of bunkers, stands of old-growth trees, and many water hazards. Most of the greens are large and undulating, and many of the holes follow the shores of Lough Leane with the majestic mountains of Kerry rising in the distance. Please note: Killarney's Killeen will be closed throughout the 2005 season for course reconstruction, and is currently scheduled to re-open in August 2006.

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - Mahoney's Point Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - Mahoney's Point While the shortest of the three courses making up the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Mahoney's Point is an excellent parkland course with great views of the Lakes of Killarney and the mountains in the distance. Most of the course plays through stands of old-growth forest, challenging golfers to keep it in the fairway. Picturesque lakes along with old estate charm make for a stunningly beautiful Irish golf experience. A great first-day warm up round or second round experience. Note: While still in its infancy, the latest addition to the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Lackabane, is proving to be quite a challenge for the visiting golfer. The design is good, with lakes and streams running through the course, adding to the beauty while adding danger to crooked shots.

Old Head Golf Links Old Head Golf Links Golf at Old Head will be a visual memory that will last a lifetime and a test of your game if the wind is blowing. Called the "Pebble Beach" of Ireland, this course has incomparable views. Designed by a group of Ireland's golfing greats (Ron Kirby, Eddie Hackett and Joe Carr) and built in 1997 atop the Old Head Peninsula, this seaside course will stun you with its beauty and breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and the caves below which provide refuge for hundreds of species of birds. Facilities include a full-service modern clubhouse/restaurant/bar. On all but the calmest of days, the constant wind and seaside weather will provide a true test of your game.

Ring Of Kerry Golf & Country Club Ring Of Kerry Golf & Country Club The Ring of Kerry Course, one of Eddie Hackett's last designs, is an example of the lengths golf architects will go in attempting to build a "links-like" course. Thousands of tons of sand were distributed over the entire course. Much of the soil was stripped away to create a course playable year-round. Overlooking the beautiful Kenmare Bay and nestled between the Caha Mountains and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the panoramic views here are wonderful including the dramatic tee shot on the 6th hole "Ladies View" and the stunning backdrop of the 13th "An Neidin". A great afternoon round en route back to Killarney after playing Waterville in the morning.

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