Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion
Situated on the rugged coast of County Kerry, Ballybunion Golf Club is one of the most revered links destinations in the world. The Old Course, founded in 1893, winds through towering sand dunes, with dramatic sea views and a natural flow that tests every club in the bag. Undulating fairways, tight lies, and punishing rough create a pure links experience that has attracted golfing legends from around the globe. The challenging terrain is matched by awe-inspiring scenery, especially on the iconic par-4 11th hole that runs along the beach. The clubhouse provides top-tier service, a well-stocked pro shop, and a panoramic lounge overlooking the Atlantic. Ballybunion also features the Cashen Course, another fine links layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Playing here is not just a round of golf – it’s a rite of passage for links golf enthusiasts.
Shannon Airport
56km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
€ (Euro)
Temperature:
3°C - 20°C
Cost of a Beer:
£6.30
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£85
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Doonbeg is one of Ireland’s most dramatic links golf destinations, perfect for golfers who want Atlantic scenery, classic west-coast hospitality and a course that feels properly carved into the landscape. Set on the coast of County Clare, the village has a peaceful, traditional feel, with beaches, pubs, walking routes and the Wild Atlantic Way all close by.
The main draw is Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg, a spectacular par-72 links course set across crescent-shaped beach and sand dunes. The course spans around 1.5 miles of coastline, with Atlantic views from 16 of its 18 holes, and plays as a single loop of nine holes out and nine back. Originally created with a Greg Norman design, it has since been reworked by Dr Martin Hawtree, giving golfers a natural links test shaped by wind, dunes, firm turf and ocean views.
Away from the fairways, Doonbeg is ideal for golfers who enjoy a slower, scenic Ireland trip. Doughmore Bay offers more than 4.5 km of sandy beach and is popular for walking and surfing, while the wider Wild Atlantic Way brings sea cliffs, coastal towns, ancient sites and proper road-trip appeal.
For UK golfers, Doonbeg works beautifully as a tailor-made Ireland golf holiday, helped by Shannon Airport being roughly 66 km away by road. It can also combine well with Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee or a wider west-coast links itinerary. Hashtag Golf Travel can help plan the right route, hotels, tee times and transfers so the whole trip feels smooth, scenic and memorable.
