As one makes their way from Dublin on the E20 to the golf rich region of Southwest Ireland, a slight turn northward near the journey’s end will eventually lead to the Lahinch Golf Club. Removed from the occasional glow of television cameras for much of its history, Lahinch recently had its turn in the sun as host of the 2019 Irish Open. For many this served as an introduction to the club, but Lahinch has been a mainstay on Irish golf trips for our travelers for over three decades.
Credit for the design of Lahinch belongs to Old Tom Morris, Dr. Alister Mackenzie and, more recently, Martin Hawtree, and the Good Life to be explored nearby is some of the best on the Emerald Isle.
Lahinch rightfully belongs on the itinerary of any Ireland golf vacation, and here’s just a few of the many reasons why.
The Dell
For those that enjoy a little bit of quirkiness to their golf holes, the par-3 5th at Lahinch, better known as “The Dell,” is as good as they come. The green is almost completely blind from the tee, tucked away between a pair of 30 foot tall dunes. With no real target in sight, the golfer aims over a white stone placed on the dune in line with the pin and hopes for the best. It’s the kind of hole that will bring a smile to the face of many, while leaving others utterly frustrated – which may explain why Dr. Alister Mackenzie opted to leave it untouched. Put simply, The Dell is a hole that would never be built today, and that’s precisely what makes it one of the best par-3s of Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher
Less than 4 miles as the crow flies from Lahinch lies one of the finest natural wonders the Good Earth has to offer. The Cliffs of Moher are as inspiring as they are intimidating – especially if one gets too close to the edge – and no golf trip to the area would be complete without enjoying a visit here and the other things to see in Southwest Ireland. The sunset on a clear day is a sight that few will ever forget.
The Goats
In addition to their fabulous links, the Lahinch Golf Club is home to a group of forecasters more reliable than Jim Cantorre of the Weather Channel. The small herd of goats at Lahinch Golf Club which roam the dunes are the golfer’s best indication of what kind of weather the day promises to hold. If the goats are out roaming the links, head to the tee with the assurance of fair conditions. On the other hand, if one finds the goats milling around the clubhouse, it’s probably be a good day to pack the waterproofs.
The Burren Coastal Drive
For those looking to recharge the batteries with a day off the course, The Burren and its accompanying coastal drive is the perfect choice. The Burren is a sprawling, lunar landscape left behind by the last ice age. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and ancient sites, such as the Poulnabrone dolmen. When paired with the stunning views from the coastal drive and your round at nearby Lahinch, you’ll find the best of Ireland all in one place.
The Klondyke
It’s safe to assume that Old Tom Morris saw the pair of parallel dunes that line the par-5 4th at Lahinch and dreamed of the hole he could build there. So good was the finished product that when Dr. Mackenzie arrived to Lahinch, the members of the club forbid him from touching it, as well as the Dell. To this day, the Klondyke stands as perhaps the finest par-5 on the Emerald Isle. The blind 2nd shot is but a mere preview of what awaits just one hole ahead on The Dell, and is certainly no less memorable.
The Klondyke, expertly navigated by Jacob Krugman during his H&B Expedition to Ireland.
Dough Castle
The Dough Castle has stood on the grounds of Lahinch Golf Club since 1306, when the O’Connors built the first fortification found here. The sandy soil which makes the links at Lahinch perfect for golf proved to be an unsound foundation for a stone castle. Over the years the castle was laid to ruins, not because of war or conquest, but rather collapsing under its own weight. Today just a small portion of the tower remains near the 7th hole of the club’s Castle Course.
The Nineteenth
Major Haversham fondly recalls the story of a friend who found himself at Lahinch on a day when the weather was so bad the goats were milling around the men’s locker room. As there was no golf to be played, he retired to the 19th hole on the 2nd floor of the clubhouse instead. When asked about his experience at Lahinch, the friend replied that the quality of conversation and stout at the club was so high, he could not recall the next three days.
In short, the hospitality at Lahinch is second to none, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a pint or three overlooking the links. The H&B Concierge also recommends a pub aptly named The Nineteenth if one finds themselves in search of another post-round toast in the heart of Lahinch.
For more insight on planning your Ireland golf vacation, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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