THE BEST GOLF CLUBS IN KILLARNEY, KERRY & CLARE
Where to play on a southwest Ireland golfbreak.

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

“Only a man devoid of soul could not rapture in the splendour and tranquility of Killarney Golf Course.”   Henry Longhurst.

A recently remodelled course (it was closed for most of 2005/6), Killarney's Killeen course is now enjoying a renewed flush of popularity following its starring role in the Irish Open  The course winds its way around Lough Leane and is a joy to walk for the scenery alone.  The course itself is a strong parkland test with good bunkering and Greens that are fast yet receptive.

The original Killarney test and many people's favourite - although the debate rages the full length of Killarney every night...  Mahony's Point is the shortest of the three Killarney courses, but demands thoughtful play to attack the well guarded Greens.  The course builds to a climax with the three closing holes alongside the lough lingering in the memory - particularly the par three 18th with its Green jutting into the water.

Recently reduced to nine-holes around the golf Academy (and beside the Liebherr factory).

The scenery en-route gives you some idea of the treat in store. About as far West in Ireland/Europe as you can travel, but the trip is more than worth it to tee it up on this magnificent natural links.  Undoubtedly one of the world’s great courses.  A favourite of the late, great, gentleman Payne Stewart.

A pure links course, constantly in the World Top Ten and rated by Tom Watson as “the best in the world”: what more could we possibly add?
N.B.  Day ticket (Old + Cashen) is very good value, if you have the courage and the strength!

The "other" course at Ballybunion, which many agree is the tougher of the two with its snaking fairways and hidden Greens. Somewhat overshadowed by the praise that has been lauded upon the Old Course; 'tis a shame to come to Ballybunion and not experience the delights of both courses.

The huge dunes of the back nine catch your eye as you head down the first, but don’t be distracted as you will need all your golfing wisdom to make it through the front nine that runs down and around the estuary to make it to the turn. Once in the dunes, hang on to your hat as it is wild and beautiful country in there!

It seems that the holes at Dooks have been selected rather than designed with greens and fairways falling naturally amongst the humps and hollows of the medium-sized rolling dunes. One of the world's finest settings for golf, against the backdrop of Dingle Bay and the Slieve Mish mountains; Dooks should not be overlooked if you are golfing in this part of the Emerald Isle. The lovely old Clubhouse has now been replaced by a more modern design, yet is still as warm and friendly as ever.

A parkland course in another wonderful setting, made all the more enjoyable by oftentimes looking down on the surrounding landscape. Quite a hilly course so a buggy worth considering.  If you have heard stories about the unplayable contours on the Greens, rest assured that these were dug up and re-laid in 2001 (frankly, they needed it!). Ring of Kerry is now a very proper golf course.

Encircled by MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the pretty Beaufort course enjoys a setting that is pure Kerry.  A small, very friendly, Club that is just outside Killarney where you will be made most welcome.  Beaufort makes a good place to loosen-up your swing before taking on some of the tougher challenges that Kerry has to offer.

And up in County Clare...

The next county north of Kerry, County Clare, is well known for many things: beaches and music would be the main two attractions but there are a couple of rather fine golf courses too!  It's a bit of a stretch from Killarney to play in Clare (there's a ferry to take on the way) but possible from Ballybunion.  To get the most out of these two golfing beauties, we would recommend staying up in County Clare for a couple of nights and enjoying a few seaside frolics in Lahinch or the market town of Ennis.

Possibly the most fun of all the Irish links courses; thanks to Old Tom, Lahinch has a lot of amusing quirks for a very serious golf course.  The layout runs alongside the Ocean for half the holes with the others just on the inland side or along the estuary.  The scenery is fantastic and the course highly entertaining with some big dunes, a few blinds shots and the odd section of vertical Green!  Expect to have fun at Lahinch - you most certainly will (before, after and during!).

A second 18-holes at Lahinch over the road across flatter terrain so gentler going but still a very good course as you play out-and-back to the Castle overlooking the river at the far end of the course.

Greg Norman's first opus in Europe - and what a flying start.  Admittedly he had almost the perfect tract of land to play with, but he has added a lot and subtracted nothing from the original wild beauty of this stretch of bracing coastline.  Now owned by a certain Mr. D. Trump.

Other courses to consider:

A no-nonsense parkland course that offers well cared for, inexpensive golf and some good views from the elevated Clubhouse of the hills around. An embryonic Club, with very reasonable Green-fees, where you will meet a selection of truly local golfers.

On the tip of the Dingle peninsula, Dingle is a savage beauty. Here you feel locked in a battle with Nature itself as you tread the pure links turf between the mountains and the sea.

Very handy if you are flying from Shannon airport.

Close to Limerick, has recently enjoyed a multi-million pound overhaul in a bid to become the most perfectly preened parkland golf course in Ireland.  There is also luxurious accommodation in the impressive Manor (more of a castle really!) and in the plush apartments around it.