Photo: Wikimedia CommonsGolf in County Clare
Lahinch · Doonbeg · The Clare Coast
At a glance
- Key courses
- Lahinch Old · Doonbeg · Kilkee
- Best base
- Lahinch village or Ennis
- Best months
- May, June, September
- Nearest airport
- Shannon (SNN) — 45 min to Lahinch
- Suggested length
- 3–4 nights
The Clare coast
County Clare sits on the western edge of Ireland, facing the full force of the Atlantic with nothing between it and North America. Two courses here belong in any conversation about the world's finest links. One is the oldest, most storied. The other is the most dramatic. Both are within an hour of Shannon Airport, making Clare one of the most accessible golf counties in Ireland.
Lahinch Golf Club — Old Course
Clare Coast · Championship links
Alister MacKenzie redesigned Lahinch in 1927 and called it one of his finest works — this from the man who also built Augusta National and Cypress Point. The Old Course plays across duneland above the Clare coast, featuring two famous blind holes — the Dell and the Klondyke — that divide opinion and delight repeat visitors.
Lahinch hosted the Irish Open in 2019 and is among the half-dozen courses that define Irish links golf. Visitors can book online through the club's own system. The club's goats have been predicting weather for over a century — when they shelter near the clubhouse, rain is coming.
Doonbeg Golf Club
Clare Coast · Resort links
Greg Norman built Doonbeg in 2002, threading fairways through an enormous natural dune amphitheatre on Doughmore Beach. The course occupies one of the most spectacular pieces of links terrain in Ireland — a crescent of duneland with holes running between ridges 40 feet high. Now Trump International Golf Links Ireland, the ownership is what it is; the golf is exceptional regardless.
The rest of Clare
Supporting courses
Kilkee Golf Clubis a seaside links on the Loop Head Peninsula with clifftop holes above the Atlantic. Charlotte Brontë holidayed in Kilkee; the 4th tee drives over a cliff edge. Worth the extra hour's drive.
Shannon Golf Club is a 1966 parkland ten minutes from Shannon Airport on the Shannon Estuary — the practical warm-up or wind-down course for visitors flying in or out.
Ennis Golf Club is a compact par-70 parkland in the county town — narrower and trickier than the yardage suggests, and excellent value as an inland base between links rounds.
Getting there and where to stay
Shannon Airport (SNN) is the gateway — direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and several US cities. Lahinch is 45 minutes, Doonbeg under an hour.
Lahinch village is the obvious base — three pubs, good restaurants, and you can walk to the first tee. Ennis is 30 minutes east with a broader hotel range. Doonbeg villageis worth one night if you're playing the Trump course.
The Cliffs of Moher are 20 minutes from Lahinch. The Burren is an hour of extraordinary limestone landscape. Clare rewards at least three nights.
Common questions
Can visitors play Lahinch Golf Club?
Yes — Lahinch welcomes visitors year-round on the Old Course. Tee times can be booked online through the club's own booking system. Weekday morning slots fill quickly in summer; booking 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August is advisable.
Can visitors play Doonbeg Golf Club (Trump International)?
Yes, but it is a resort course primarily for hotel guests and members. Visitor tee times are available but limited and must be booked directly. Green fees are among the highest in Ireland. Staying at the lodge gives priority access.
How many days do I need for a Clare golf trip?
Three nights gives you Lahinch, Doonbeg, and one of the supporting courses (Kilkee or Shannon). Four nights is more comfortable — an extra day absorbs weather delays and lets you play Lahinch twice if you want.
Which airport is best for Clare golf?
Shannon Airport (SNN) is the obvious choice — 45 minutes from Lahinch and under an hour from Doonbeg. Dublin Airport is 3 hours away and is a workable entry point if you plan to combine Clare with other regions.
What is the best base for golf in County Clare?
Lahinch village itself is the most convenient — you can walk to the first tee and there are good pubs and accommodation on the doorstep. Ennis (30 minutes) has better hotel range and restaurant choice. Doonbeg village is worth a night if you're playing the Trump course.