Ballybunion Golf Club — Old Course

Why is Ballybunion Old Course considered one of the best in the world?

Ballybunion occupies raw Atlantic dune land on the north Kerry coast, where the sea has carved the terrain over thousands of years into something no architect could have designed — massive dunes, clifftop fairways, and holes that hang above the ocean. Tom Watson — five-time Open Champion — has called it the finest links he has ever played. The back nine, running along the cliffs above the Atlantic, is among the most dramatic stretches of golf anywhere.

Do I need a handicap certificate to play Ballybunion?

Yes — a handicap certificate is required. Men should have a handicap of 24 or under; women 36 or under. Book directly through the Ballybunion Golf Club website. Peak season slots (May–September) fill quickly — three to six months ahead is advisable for morning tee times.

Should I play the Old Course or the Cashen Course?

If you can only play one, play the Old Course. It is the course that made Ballybunion's reputation. The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, is wilder and in some opinions more demanding — it plays through massive dunes with very little flat ground. On a two-day Ballybunion trip, play the Old in the morning and the Cashen in the afternoon.

Where should I stay when playing Ballybunion?

Most golfers base themselves in Killarney (one hour south) or Tralee (forty-five minutes southeast). Shannon Airport is one hour north, making Ballybunion a practical first or last round on a Kerry-Clare trip flying from the west. Some golfers stay in Ballybunion village itself — accommodation is limited but the atmosphere on a summer evening is hard to beat.