Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0
Southwest Ireland, Ireland
Waterville Golf Links
Eddie Hackett's masterpiece on the Iveragh Peninsula — a remote Atlantic links in southwest Kerry, consistently ranked among Ireland's finest courses.
Course overview
Waterville Golf Links occupies a remote stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula on the Ring of Kerry coast, with the Atlantic Ocean and Ballinskelligs Bay framing the course on multiple sides. Designed by Eddie Hackett, widely regarded as Ireland's greatest course architect, Waterville has been ranked among the top courses in the world and has attracted an international following since opening. Tom Watson played and championed the course repeatedly, and Payne Stewart was a regular visitor. The combination of remote Kerry setting, dramatic dune topography, and prevailing Atlantic wind creates one of the most complete links experiences on the island of Ireland.
The essentials
- Architect
- Eddie Hackett
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,718 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–24
- Location
- County Kerry, Ireland
Character & atmosphere
A remote Atlantic links where Hackett's routing uses the natural dune topography and ocean exposure to create sustained strategic variety — the back nine in particular demands accurate driving and committed approaches in wind that changes character from hole to hole.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Eddie Hackett.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
Signature Hole
17
Mulcahy's Peak — a par 3 played from an elevated tee above the Atlantic, named after club developer John A. Mulcahy. The exposed clifftop position and ocean backdrop make it one of the most memorable short holes in Irish golf.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Kerry Airport is the nearest gateway. Waterville is on the Ring of Kerry; the drive from the airport takes around 90 minutes through some of Ireland's most scenic mountain and coastal roads. Car hire is essential.
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.