Our series highlighting the various regions for golf across the pond moves from Northeast Scotland to the historic links Southwest Ireland. It’s here that the traveling golfer can plan a week-long Ireland golf trip, playing a different world-class course every day, and never play the same course twice. It’s here that those who leave the clubs at home can fill the same itinerary with a never ending supply of the Good Life. And it’s here that Memories that Last a Lifetime are made in abundance.
The Golf
Working our way from north to south, we begin at Lahinch and find a links designed by both Old Tom Morris and Dr. Alister Mackenzie. Two of Ireland’s greatest holes are found in succession here. The par-5 4th, known as Klondyke, and the blind par-3 5th known as the Dell. Old Tom laid out both holes and the Good Doctor left them untouched.
A piece of advice regarding Lahinch: If their famous goats are lingering near the clubhouse, pack your rainsuit.
From Lahinch we head to the relative new kid on the block in this part of the country: Doonbeg. Originally designed by Greg Norman, the first version of the Doonbeg links suffered, at least partially, due to a range of environmental restrictions. An easing of those constraints allowed Martin Hawtree to unlock the course’s true potential in his recent redesign.
Next up is Ballybunion Golf Club, regarded by many as the jewel of Southwest Ireland. Tom Watson is a proud member of that crowd, once proclaiming “Nobody can call themselves a golfer until they’ve played Ballybunion. You would think the game originated there.” Ballybunion repaid the kind words by renaming their famous 11th hole after the five-time Champion Golfer of the Year.
Making our way down the coast, we head for the shores of Tralee Bay and Arnold Palmer’s links by the same name. Tralee Golf Links was The King’s first course in Europe and, in typical Arnie fashion, he knew how to make an introduction. Although he made a point to not take all of the credit: “I may have designed the front-9, but surely God designed the back.”
After Tralee we have a choice: continue hugging the coast for a round at Dooks, or head to the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and arguably the best inland course in Ireland. The fact that we have such a win-win proposition just further illustrates the greatness of Southwest Ireland as a destination for golf.
Regardless of which we choose, the Ring of Kerry will lead us to Waterville Golf Links and our final stop on true linksland. In a part of the world where there is no fast and easy way to get from Point A to Point B, Waterville will prove worthy of every extra minute it took to get there. The view from the 17th tee – known as Mulcahy’s Peak – is by itself worthy of crossing the ocean.
Speaking of spectacular views, for our final round we turn east to the Old Head of Kinsale. On a jagged outcrop of land that pierces its way into the Atlantic, we find a collection of showstopping views that’s unrivaled in the game. If this is your final round of the trip, leave plenty of extra time to enjoy a beverage on the clubhouse patio and soak it all in.
As you can see, there is such an abundance of outstanding golf in Southwest Ireland, it will likely take two trips to the region to do it all justice. Especially when one takes into account the other equally important component of any golf trip across the pond…
The Good Life
One of the things that separates Southwest Ireland from every other region for golf across the pond is the incredible natural beauty found at nearly every turn. Most notably, the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO site found just a mid-iron away from Lahinch. The Cliffs are Ireland’s 2nd most visited tourist attraction each year – the 1st being the Guinness Storehouse – and for very good reason.
Those looking to fill a day-off of golf with some sightseeing should look no further than Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. Two places which showcase Ireland’s stunning landscape on a grand and unforgettable scale. In addition, one can’t go wrong with a late-afternoon stroll through the town of Killarney. And if you should happen across Murphy’s Ice Cream, take our advice: order some.
While we’re on the topic of food, and very much like the golf itself, the options for outstanding cuisine in Southwest Ireland are so numerous that we could never do it justice in a single blog post. Hence why our Concierge, Tara Ryals, becomes a good friend to many during the planning of their Expeditions. You’ll just have to take our word that you won’t be going hungry.
Of course, all of this Golf and Good Life requires exceptional accommodations to match. From the exquisite comforts of Doonbeg in the north, to the views from the suites at Old Head in the south, with the award-winning Killarney Park in-between, there’s no shortage of the Good Life to be enjoyed at the great hotels of Southwest Ireland.
When it comes to the great regions for golf across the pond, Southwest Ireland makes a very strong case as the leader of the pack. Which probably explains why so many of our Members of the Forces come home anxious to return.
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