Great Value

Athlone Golf Club

Athlone, Co. Westmeath · Designed by J. McAllister / Fred Hawtree / Eddie Hackett / Eddie Connaughton

Athlone takes its name from the Irish Baile Átha Luain — "Town of Luan's Ford" — after a ferryman named Luan who guided travellers across the Shannon crossing around 900 AD. The ford was strategically vital: south of Athlone the Shannon is impassable until Clonmacnoise, and north it opens to Lough Ree. Athlone Castle, built for King John in 1210, guarded this crossing; the 1691 Siege of Athlone during the Williamite Wars was a pivotal engagement in Irish history. Seán's Bar in the town holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest pub in the British Isles, established c.900 AD — 10th-century coins were found in its walls during 1970 renovations.

The club was founded in 1892 as the Athlone Garrison Golf Club and moved to its current location at Hodson Bay on Lough Ree in 1938, designed by J. McAllister of Portmarnock. Fred Hawtree modified it in 1972, Eddie Hackett in 1990, and a three-year redevelopment under Eddie Connaughton completed in 2006. The course is bounded on three sides by Lough Ree — Ireland's third-largest lake — making it unique among Irish parkland courses. The 16th hole, flanked by the lake from tee to green, is the signature, with panoramic views over the lough and its wooded islands. Pádraig Harrington won the Senior Scratch Cup here in 1994, shortly before turning professional.

Clonmacnoise (25 minutes south) is one of Ireland's most important early Christian monastic sites — founded by St Ciarán in 544 AD at the intersection of the Shannon and the east-west Esker Riada route. Three high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches, and two round towers survive. The Hodson Bay Hotel immediately adjacent to the course has an award-winning restaurant and lakeside bar.

Holes worth knowing

116th — flanked by Lough Ree from tee to green, offering panoramic views over the lake and its wooded islands. The lough is not just visible but directly in play — errant shots go in the water and there is no recovery.

Highlights

Course bounded on three sides by Lough Ree — unique in Irish parkland golf
16th hole: flanked by the lough from tee to green with panoramic island views
Pádraig Harrington won the Senior Scratch Cup here in 1994 before turning professional
Founded 1892; Hodson Bay location since 1938 — shaped by Hawtree, Hackett, Connaughton
Clonmacnoise (25 min): 544 AD monastic city, three high crosses, two round towers

Good to know

→Clonmacnoise (25 minutes south, Co. Offaly) is one of the great early Christian sites of Europe — founded 544 AD, with three original high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches, and two round towers. Heritage Ireland site; guided tours available. Allow 1.5 hours.
→Seán's Bar in Athlone town (5 minutes) holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest pub in the British Isles (est. c.900 AD). The building was renovated in 1970 and 10th-century coins were found in the wattle-and-daub walls. Worth visiting for the historical atmosphere alone.
→The Hodson Bay Hotel immediately adjacent has L'Escale Restaurant (award-winning) and a Waterfront Bar with lakeside views — the obvious post-round choice without having to drive anywhere.

Visitor Information

Getting There

1h 15min drive

Common questions

What is Athlone Golf Club like?

Athlone Golf Club is a parkland course on the shores of the River Shannon — the great river that divides Connacht from Leinster at Ireland's geographic centre. It is a welcoming, affordable club that suits golfers crossing Ireland between the east and west coasts or spending time in the midlands. A good-value local course rather than a destination in itself.

How does Athlone Golf compare to Glasson nearby?

Glasson Golf on Lough Ree is the more notable course in the Athlone area — a Christy O'Connor Jnr design with lake views and a stronger championship pedigree. Athlone Golf Club is the local member club: more affordable, more relaxed, and a good complement for golfers spending two days in the area.

How do I book Athlone Golf Club?

Online through GolfNow. Easy to book at short notice — no need to plan too far ahead.

What should I do in Athlone?

Athlone is the most active town in the Irish midlands and has developed a good food scene. Athlone Castle gives context on the Norman and Elizabethan history of the crossing. The Sean's Bar, which claims to be the oldest pub in Europe (dated to 900 AD), is in the West Bank area. Lough Ree is five minutes north with boat trips in summer.