Photo: Luther1968 · Public Domain
Southwest Ireland, Ireland
Ballybunion Golf Club
A clifftop links above the Shannon Estuary — one of the world's great courses, with towering Atlantic dunes and cliff-edge drama throughout 18 holes.
Course overview
Ballybunion Golf Club was founded in 1893 on clifftop terrain in County Kerry where the Shannon Estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay redesigned the course in 1937, creating the routing across towering sand dunes and exposed clifftop ground that stands today. The Old Course has been ranked among the top ten courses in the world and is regarded as one of the finest links experiences in golf — Tom Watson championed the course internationally in the 1980s and helped establish its global reputation.
The essentials
- Architect
- Tom Simpson; Molly Gourlay (redesign 1937)
- Established
- 1893
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,219 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–26
- Location
- County Kerry, Ireland
Character & atmosphere
A clifftop links where towering Atlantic dunes and exposed cliff-edge fairways define every hole — the routing demands creativity and course management as wind conditions in Kerry can change dramatically within a single round.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Tom Simpson; Molly Gourlay (redesign 1937), opened in 1893.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
- One of our highest-rated courses for scenery.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
Signature Hole
11
A short par 3 played across a coastal valley with the Atlantic and cliff face as backdrop — the most photographed hole at Ballybunion, requiring a precise iron to a green perched above the ocean with no margin for error on the short side.
GolfTrip Score breakdown
Editorial scoring framework — not an official course rating.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Kerry Airport offers the shortest drive and is well suited to regional connections. Shannon handles more international traffic and is also a practical option. Car hire is strongly recommended as public transport to Ballybunion is very limited.
Where to stay
Killarney is the most practical touring base for Southwest Ireland's links circuit. The town is well-supplied with accommodation and restaurants, and its central position reduces drive times to the spread-out course locations.
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Ireland
Explore Southwest Ireland
Kerry, Clare and Limerick's Atlantic golf corridor, including Ballybunion, Lahinch, and the resort golf of Adare Manor.