Golfing in Killarney dates back to 1891, so it’s long established as a top destination in the world of golf. Killarney is a golfer’s dream with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world surrounding you as you play. It has so many courses to choose from, so here’s a little taste of what’s on offer…
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
This golf club is one of the oldest in the country and boasts three world-class courses which can be found amidst the beautiful scenery of the Killarney area. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club has been a favourite for top golfers such as Christy O Connor Sr, Nick Faldo, Darren Clarke, Bernard Langer and Jose Maria Olazabal to name a few. It has three top golf courses;
Killeen -
This is the main golf course at the prestigious Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. This parkland course has one of the most wonderful settings, with the McGillycuddy Reeks and the Lakes of Lakes providing the perfect backdrop. Of the three courses located on the complex, Killeen is the most challenging and it has been the venue for the Curtis Cup (1996) and the Irish Open both in 1991 and 1992 (both of which were won by Nick Faldo). This 18-holf golf course (6566m) has some superb holes and is designed to challenge long hitters. The 10th and 18th hole are particular favourites with the 13th being the hardest. The course can be found on the left about a 5-minute drive outside the town of Killarney on the N72 to Killorglin.
Lacabane -
This course only opened in 2000 so it’s the newest of the golf courses at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. It has 18 holes and a length of 6412m. You’ll need a long accurate shot to be rewarded on this course and it has lots of lakes and streams throughout the course. It provides some superb lake views at the 4th, 6th, 11th and 12th holes. This championship course has hosted the Irish Ryder Cup Challenge and the Irish Ryder Cup Tour Events in 2005 and the Ladies Irish Open in 2002. The course can be found on the right hand side of the N72 about 5 minutes outside Killarney.
O’Mahonys Point -
At 6164 m, O’Mahony’s Point is the shortest course of the three and is somewhat different to the other two as it’s more “friendly” and “scenic”, but its still provides a tough challenge on its undulating greens with water hazards and bunkers. Probably the most impressive thing this course is the breathtaking view at the 18th hole. It manages to distract even the most avid golfers as they try to tee off. Gene Sarazen (winner of 39 PGA titles) once said it was “one of the most memorable holes in the world”.
Check out the Killarney Golf & Fishing website for more on these courses
Beaufort Golf Course
This 18 hole golf course boasts one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland. It can be found at the base of the McGillycuddy Reeks and is part of an estate which boasts beautiful lakes, lush meadows, 200 year old trees and a 15th century castle. The golf course, which is 6600 metres, was first opened in 1995 but was redesigned in 2007 by a top international golf architect to bring it up to championship level. Beaufort is just about 7km from Killarney.
Check out the Beaufort Golf Resort website for more
Dunloe Golf Course
This challenging 9 hole golf course, is set against the backdrop of the spectacular glaciated valley – The Gap of Dunloe. Opened in 1994, the course is 2286 meters and provides a tough challenge for even the most intrepid golfer, with its well places bunkers. It’s a great place for a beginner as it’s got a putting green, pitching, chipping and putting practice facilities and several driving bays. The course can be found about a 10-minute drive from Killarney by taking the N72 (Killorglin Road from Killarney) then take the first left after Fossa village.
Ross Golf Course
Ross Golf Club is located on Ross Road just at the edge of the town. At 3017 meters long, it’s said to be one of the best championship standard 9 hole golf courses in the country. Like all golf courses in Killarney, Ross Golf Club is surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers and woodlands. The course is located within a 10-15 minute walk from Killarney town centre. Just take the Muckross Road, then a right onto Ross Road and the golf course is on your left hand side.
Castlerosse Golf Course
This 9 hole parkland course can be found at the Castlerosse Hotel on the Killorglin road. It’s located between Killarney National Park and Killeen Golf Course. The course is 2743 meters long and has a stunning lakeside setting with some amazing views so you’re sure to enjoy your round of golf here! The Castlerosse Golf Course can be found on the grounds of the Castlerosse Hotel just 2km from Killarney on the N72 to Killorglin.
With world class golf courses amid spectacular scenery, Killarney has all the ingredients for a top golfing holiday. After you test your skills on the golf course, head for the lively town centre and enjoy gourmet restaurants, traditional Irish pubs and some great nightclubs!
We’ve got lots of hotels in Killarney for you to stay in. Check out our Killarney hotels page now.
