Ballybunion Golf Club – Championship Links in County Kerry

Overview

Ballybunion Golf Club, located on the wild Atlantic coastline of County Kerry, is one of the most iconic and celebrated links destinations in the world. Home to two spectacular links layouts — the Old Course and the Cashen Course — Ballybunion embodies everything golfers love about traditional Irish links: towering dunes, rugged landscapes, coastal winds and unforgettable shot-making challenges.

The Old Course, consistently ranked among the world’s top 20, is a masterpiece of natural links golf. Dating back to 1893 and refined over decades by architects including Tom Simpson and more recently by Tom Watson, the course flows seamlessly through gigantic dune corridors and dramatic seaside terrain. The opening holes gently introduce the landscape before the course explodes into a back nine of extraordinary character, with holes played between massive sand dunes, cliff edges and panoramic sea views. Every shot demands imagination, precision and bravery, especially when the Atlantic winds rise.

The greens are beautifully contoured, fast and true, while the fairways are firm and undulating, rewarding links-style creativity. Signature holes include the breathtaking 11th and 12th, which are often regarded as two of the finest seaside holes in the world. The Old Course is a pure, unfiltered links experience — raw, dramatic and utterly memorable.

The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers a different but equally thrilling challenge. Built among some of the tallest dunes in Ireland, the Cashen is visually stunning, dramatic in elevation, and demanding in both strategy and execution. Blind tee shots, sweeping valleys, elevated greens and wind-exposed fairways make the Cashen a true test for adventurous golfers seeking something bold and unconventional.

The atmosphere at Ballybunion is unmistakably authentic. The town, the coastline and the course feel timeless — a place where golf tradition is deeply rooted. The clubhouse overlooks the links and the Atlantic, providing warm Irish hospitality, comfortable dining and the perfect setting to take in the views after a round.

Practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens and short-game areas. Ballybunion has welcomed golfing legends from around the world and remains a bucket-list destination for golfers seeking one of the most exhilarating and emotional links experiences in existence.