Golf in Ireland 2023
Golf in Ireland
Though it seems a long way off the popularity of these courses have grown and grown and with the continental market back in town it really is quick off the blocks to reserve your’e tee time.
Rugged, amazing vistas across the Atlantic, weather and winds to test the best golfers. All this done on some of the top links courses in the world.
It doesn’t matter about the weather, the test comes from the weather and the amazing natural layout of the predominantly links courses.
It’s hard to go to Ireland and not want to get involved in the craic, and why not. So a great base here is Killarney, some lovely hotels and restaurants and fantastic views across the lake.
So the golf courses on the South West/North West Coast of Ireland are just a joy to play. I have played a few but many more to get ticked off.
Of the ones I have played these are my thoughts:-
Dooks Golf Club
You turn up in the car park and you get the normal, very enjoyable feel of an Irish golf course. It feels like you are miles from nowhere. The clubhouse is absolutely fine, fits the surroundings perfectly. It’s not a big statement like at a lot of clubs.
You play the first hole, long straight par 4, nothing too testing, until you get to the green and then you firmly know you are on a very good links course.
Come off that green, walk through the sand dunes to the second and wow, you are hit by an amazing vista of the Bay and the golf course laid out in front of you. This course used to be known as a ‘hidden gem’. It isn’t hidden now but it is certainly still a gem.
Dooks Golf Club
Dingle Golf Club
The most westerly golf course in Europe is Dingle or Ceann Sibeal Golf Club’s claim to fame.
If a golf course was rough and tough then this would be Dingle. You can look at it and say this course could be meek and mild, play it and you can come off bloodied and bruised. There is little margin for error on a lot of the holes so accuracy is important here, as it should be on a links course.
The views around the course are pretty amazing, as is the drive to get there, you are seeing Ireland at its most beautiful and rugged.
Dingle/Ceann Sibeal Golf Club
Tralee Golf Club
To quote Arnold Palmer… ”I may have designed the first nine but surely God designed the back nine”.
My experience here was arriving on a coach, walking around the front of the clubhouse then picking my jaw off the floor. What a view, what a golf course unfolds in front of you. This golf course is in my top few golf courses ever played.
Just absolutely awe inspiring. There are other courses of the same magnitude and indeed may well be better, but I can assure you you will not be disappointed.
If you want to tick one of the best links courses off your list then lets get you to Tralee.
Tralee Golf Club
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
On the banks of the famous Killarney Lakes Killarney Golf and Fishing Club boasts two golf courses, Mahoneys point and The Killeen.
The Killeen is the course I have played and what a wonderful parkland course it is. It has hosted the Irish Open on four occasions so that in itself shows you the quality of the course.
Everything about the club oozes quality with an exceptional clubhouse with wonderful views across the course and the finishing par 5 18th.
Killeen Golf Course @ Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
All the above courses would grace any Irish itinerary. There is more though, ones I haven’t played….yet!!!
Ballybunion
THE OLD COURSE
Ranked in the top 100 golf courses in the world! Do we need to say more?
The club was founded in 1893 and has stood the test of time. Relatively unknown for many years, apart from the locals, the fame and fortune of the course has risen since the 1960’s.
It is a wonderful piece of land and shows off the very best in links golf.
THE CASHEN COURSE
Another piece of wonderful land to create a masterpiece was provided to Robert Trent Jones. It is a stand out links course, one that would, if it stood on it’s own be seen as a true great.
It is a harder course than the Old Course, possibly more spectacular, and definitely more punishing if your game is off. A wonderful day is had though on this links course.
Waterville Golf Club
Again in the Top 100 golf courses in the world Waterville is a stand out golf course with amazing facilities.
In its recent history it has been redesigned and modernised by Tony Fazio the renowned designer who made a number of tweaks to the already amazing layout.
It is on many peoples bucket list, don’t miss out on this one, it is an absolute beaut!
Waterville Golf Club
Accommodation
Great Southern Hotel Killarney
What a wonderful property this is. It had recently been refurbished when I visited, the refurb is to an extremely high standard.
I have nothing but glowing accolades for this hotel, the food, the warmth, the excellent team.
Just a wonderful place to stay and enjoy.
The Great Southern Hotel Killarney
If you want to stay somewhere other than Killarney then Tralee itself is a buzzing little town. The Rose of Tralee is an excellent hotel within walking distance of the centre.
The Rose Hotel Tralee
And if you want somewhere with unbelievable views of the Killarney Lakes the luxurious Cahernane House is the place to stay.
Beautifully situated on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park, the luxury four-star hotel is located just twenty minutes’ walk from Killarney town centre.
Cahernane House Hotel provides a perfect place for relaxation and peacefulness.
Cahernane House Hotel
So for a wonderful golfing and indeed life experience this part of Ireland, the South West/North West Coast will provide lasting memories.
Get those bucket list items ticked off!
