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Ballybunion Old Course

Captain L. Hewson, James McKenna

Founded

1893

Holes

Par

Length (yd)

6,598

Type

Links

Get directions Explore the local area Download Scorecard

Captain L. Hewson, James McKenna

Founded

1893

Holes

Par

Length (yd)

6,598

Type

Links

Explore the local area Download Scorecard

Get directions

Arguably the finest golf course in Ireland, visiting golfers find it hard to compare the Ballybunion experience to any other.

Located on the picturesque South West coast of Ireland, Ballybunion Golf Club is arguably the finest golf club in Ireland. With two beautifully maintained links golf courses on site, visiting golfers find it hard to compare the Ballybunion experience to any other.

“Nothing less than the finest seaside links ever seen”

The Old Course, Ballybunion

The Old Course has been described as “nothing less than the finest seaside links ever seen”. With frequent visitors from the US, the guest book boasts some of the games most prominent golfers and the occasional US president, as in 1998 when Bill Clinton stepped up to the first tee. The Old Course has played host to Murphy’s Irish Open and also the Palmer Cup more recently in 2004.

The Old Course, consistently ranked as one of the world’s top ten golf courses, features a graveyard by the first tee, which some say is a warning to golfers who breeze through the first five holes only to come face to face with the ever-challenging 6th, the fiendish 8th, the daunting par four 11th and the devilishly tricky 15th. A Breathtaking Challenge – The legendary Tom Watson described this glorious links as the best in the golf world. High praise indeed for this magnificent test of golf, which meanders menacingly through massive dunes on the shores of the Atlantic.

Highlights

The demanding 11th hole, famously known as Tom Watson’s favourite and now named after him, features one of the most thrilling settings and terrain for a golf hole you’ll ever come across.

Facilities

The club offers both a driving range and multiple practise greens to allow you to be fully prepared for your round. As an added treat, to help the body unwind after your round, steam room facilities are available.

The modern Ballybunion Clubhouse has an excellent Pro Shop, stocked with your golfing essentials and a wide range of branded gifts.

Food & Drink

If you need an energy boost during your round, there is a Tuck Shop on the front 9, serving a selection of hot and cold snacks to fuel the back 9 push.

For food, you can either visit Spikes Bar next to the putting green where you can grab a bite before teeing off. Or you can visit the fully catered Lounge and Restaurant upstairs for dinner and a pint following your round.

Tournaments

Murphy’s Irish Open
Palmer Cup 2004

Map

Image gallery

Golf course near a lake in southwest Ireland

Scenic golf course by the sea in Ireland

Links style golf course beside the Irish coast

The local area

traditional irish musicians playing in a pub

Things to do

Ballybunion beach is a popular spot for strolling among the locals and, at low tide, tidal caves will become accessible to those looking to explore the hidden coastline. These beaches are also popular for horse riding with plenty of trekking options from exhilarating beach rides to stunning woodland treks.

In the town, the traditional music scene is thriving and the town’s pubs are worth a visit for those looking to explore the best of Irish culture. The town’s theatre holds performances of traditional Irish dance, music and literature. There is an excellent selection of top bars and restaurants to choose from in the town.

For those interested in the history of international relations between America and Ireland, the first statue of Bill Clinton on public display can be located within the town streets.

Ballybunion Old Course

Ballybunion Old Course