The Southwest

Those looking for a dramatic golfing experience should consider Ireland’s Southwest. This region is recognised as one of the most popular golf destinations in the world, offering the best combination of world-class links courses such as “Old” Tom Morris’ designed Lahinch (frequently referred to as “the St. Andrew’s of Ireland”), Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Tralee and Waterville in addition to traditional parkland courses of Dromoland, Adare and Killarney. There are also many less well known courses which offer great golfing value such as Dingle and Dooks.

Killarney is centrally located for many of the finest golf courses. The journey from one course to the next allows the golfer to experience the spectacular vistas of the Ring of Kerry, including its charming collection of towns where the only traffic jam you’ll come across is when the cattle are being brought to market! Sneem, Kenmare and Bantry are just a few examples of Ireland’s so-called “Tidy Towns” – clean, vibrant and charming villages. The seaside resorts of Kinsale and Dingle are also well worth a visit.

The gateway to the Southwest of Ireland is Shannon Airport with an ever-growing network of routes from Europe, the USA and worldwide. Cork and Kerry International Airports are also ideally situated for those visiting the Southwest. Carr Golf Travel recommends Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, which has a number of direct flights from U.S. cities, including Chicago, Boston and New York.

It is worth noting the many world leading players who use the Southwest of Ireland as a warm up venue for the British Open. This is a strong testament to the popularity of the region and its golf courses. Woods, Watson, Mickelson and Stewart have all been regular visitors to this region.


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Southwest Recommendations by Peter Keighery

Golf

On a personal note I think it is only when you travel to the Southwest corner of our great country that you come across some of the best golf courses and places to eat, sleep and drink! Here you are likely to find the world-famous names… Ballybunion -Tom Watson’s favourite for many years -; Tralee an Arnold Palmer course on the most beautiful site you will ever behold; Lahinch a classic links course with huge sand dunes; Doonbeg the only Greg Norman designed course in Ireland; and then there is Waterville (recently upgraded by the man who many say is the best course designer at present, Tom Fazio); Killarney Golf and Fishing Club (to give it its correct name!) has three parkland courses, the Killeen being the most regarded set beside the lovely Killarney Lakes.

Craic agus Ceol!

The town of Killarney has everything any golf group could wish for: great hotels, pubs, restaurants… My own favourite pub would be Murphys where you will sample the best home cooked pub food to be had! Sean Murphy is third generation in this pub. Another fine place is The Speakeasy, which is a real local where you will have a great time just watching the guys and gals having a chat and backing horses, it is no coincidence that one of Ireland’s biggest bookies is across the street!! A great pub!! If you are interested in horseracing this is the pub for you.
Then there’s the little village of Waterville where you will find the Butler Arms Hotel, once frequented by the great Charles Chaplin (there is a statue of Charlie in the village). Here you can enjoy superb seafood and a great pint can be had after a round on the famous links. If you are lucky to stay the night the sing songs in the High Bar are legendary!! I know having played the piano many a night well into the small hours!! Just beside the Waterville Links is another top class eatery the Smugglers Inn where the fresh lobster is a speciality. Waterville is situated half way on the Famous Ring of Kerry which is a 100 mile drive around the Iveragh Peninsula starting and ending in the town of Killarney.

Where to stay

Don’t look any further than Teach de Broc if you need to stay overnight in Ballybunion. Right beside the course Aoife and Seamus are the best hosts you could find and really know the golf business. In Killarney, The Killarney Park Hotel is our preferred hotel and you will not be disappointed. It is a terrific hotel right in the middle of town – 5 star plus!! Another little gem of a place to stay in Killarney is Killeen House, this hotel is a golfer’s paradise with lots of golf memorabilia and the walls of the bar have over 7500 golf balls from all over the world, definitely worth a visit!! Geraldine and Michael are your hosts and will ensure you have an enjoyable stay!

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Not to be missed…

Before I forget… on your way to Waterville from Killarney you must call into Murt’s Bar in Caherciveen. Here in this tiny pub you can buy tea, sugar, butter, pots and pans, rope, buckets, shovels, ladders, barbed wire and lest I forget a PINT OF Guinness!! Well worth the stop!!


Contact Carr Golf for more information on golfing and golf courses in the Southwest of Ireland