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Southwest Ireland, Ireland
Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course)
A historic links on Ireland's County Clare coast, shaped by Old Tom Morris and later Alister MacKenzie.
Course overview
Lahinch Golf Club's Old Course occupies a links site along Liscannor Bay on the County Clare coast, with the Atlantic Ocean bordering the western holes. Old Tom Morris laid out the original course in 1892; Alister MacKenzie substantially redesigned it in 1927, restoring natural links character by routing holes through the existing dune ridges. Known informally as the 'St Andrews of Ireland', Lahinch has hosted the South of Ireland Amateur Championship since 1895 and the Irish Open in 2019. Visitors are required to play with a caddie or forecaddie.
The essentials
- Architect
- Old Tom Morris; Alister MacKenzie (redesign 1927)
- Established
- 1892
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,460 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–26
- Location
- County Clare, Ireland
Character & atmosphere
MacKenzie's 1927 redesign restored natural dune character to a course that resists power in favour of creativity — the routing through Liscannor Bay's duneland rewards players who work the ground and read the prevailing Atlantic wind.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Old Tom Morris; Alister MacKenzie (redesign 1927), opened in 1892.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
Signature Hole
6
The Dell
A completely blind par-3 played over the crest of a sandhill to a green hidden from the tee. A white-painted stone on top of the ridge indicates the pin position — the sole piece of information available before the shot. Alister MacKenzie deliberately preserved The Dell in his 1927 redesign as an example of pure links character, and it remains one of the most debated and celebrated blind holes in world golf.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Shannon Airport is the most practical gateway; the drive to Lahinch via Ennis takes around 70 minutes. Kerry Airport is also an option for those combining a Clare and Kerry golf itinerary. Car hire is recommended as public transport to Lahinch is 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.