Killarney
Phone: (064) 31034
Killarney, an “American-style”
course, is a popular first stop among tourists. Located
a stones throw away from Shannon Airport, it's easy
for visitors to arrive in Ireland in the morning and
tee off at Killarney by the afternoon. Killarney is
nestled into one of the most scenic areas in Ireland.
Set against the sparkling Lakes of Killarney and the
majestic Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest
mountains, the course is enchantingly picturesque.
Killarney features three courses: Killeen, Lackabane
and Mahoney's Point. Mahoney's Point is the oldest
of the group and is a favorite among tourists. Every
one of the holes at Killarney is complemented by woods,
greenery, and views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Nearby the golf course sits The Lost Ball, a comfortable,
family run bed and breakfast that is an ideal place
to spend the night after a day of hitting balls at
Killarney.
Ballybunion
Old
Phone: (068) 27146
Undoubtedly the
most famous course in the Southwest, Ballybunion is known for its riveting terrain.
Located on the Shannon estuary, Ballybunion is a true seaside golf course. The
magic of the Old Course is that it appears to have undergone virtually no man-made
construction: the links fit perfectly into their surroundings, weaving around
sand dunes and rolling with the grass. It does not seem improbable that the Old
Course has existed since the 10th century (though in reality, the course was founded
in 1893). Golfers around the world have sung the praises of Ballybunion – Tom
Watson considers it “the best in the world.”
Ballybunion
New (Cashen Course)
Phone: (068) 27146
Ballybunion
New is the highlight of any Ireland golf vacation. Built in 1984 to be a blockbuster
golf course, Ballybunion New (also known as the Cashen Course) dazzles and delights
with its spectacular terrain. With the ocean on one side and a river on the other,
the course tumbles and undulates to the rhythm of the water. As with its older
counterpart, many of the holes on the Cashen Course were carved by nature. If
you're planning on hitting the links at Ballybunion, consider staying at Teach
de Broc. Located just across the road from the golf course, the guest house combines
modern amenities with the elegance of a time gone by.
Lahinch
Phone: (065) 708-1003
Lahinch is a golf
enthusiast's paradise. No where else in Ireland is there a community that loves
the sport so dearly and takes to the links with such zeal. Dubbed “the home of
Irish golf,” Lahinch has been challenging golfers since 1892. Lahinch was naturally
shaped by the waves and dunes of Ireland's west coast. Over the years, architects
have reinvented the course to make the most of the changing coastal terrain. Lahinch
was recently revamped and now features firm and fast greens and fairways. The
sixth hole of the course is particularly memorable – the green is positioned spectacularly
on the verge of the Atlantic Ocean. After a round at Lahinch, retreat to the Cloverfield
Bed and Breakfast, just a short walk away from the links.
