Western Ireland Golf Travel Guide
Golf Courses
Golf holidays in western Ireland are certain to be a memorable ones. The region includes counties Clare, Galway and Mayo and the spectacular scenery of The Burren, Connemara and Erris. Apart from the well known links courses at Lahinch and Doonbeg there are three of the very best courses in Ireland - all yet to be truly 'discovered' by the international media and travelling golfer. Connemara, Carne and Enniscrone, all designed by the late, great Eddie Hackett, provide a trio of unmissable courses strung along the Atlantic Coast. Venerable County Sligo completes the links lineup and there are also several parkland courses including Galway Bay, Westport and Dromoland Castle
Carne, in particular, is simply a great golf links - perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in a beautifully rugged setting, it is Eddie Hackett's last design and his lasting legacy. It is no more inaccessible from Ballina or Westport than Waterville is from Killarney and playing Carne twice (at least) is worth serious consideration.
Enniscrone and Connemara are the other two Hackett jewels. Enniscrone is also in a beautiful situation between the Atlantic Ocean and the Moy Estuary and six of Hackett's original flat internal holes have been replaced with far better holes amongst the towering dunes. Connemara is probably the most isolated of Ireland's golf courses but well worth the effort and surrounded by Connemara itself - Ireland's most scenic area.
The famous links at Lahinch needs no introduction. Happily, Doonbeg now warrants further mention since it has been completely remodelled (2017) by Martin Hawtree following a damging storm in 2014 and now is on par with its more famous neighbour. Ironically in the late 19th century Doonbeg was considered a better site for a golf course but the proximity of a railway line meant Lahinch was built instead.
Towns & Villages
The golf courses of western Ireland are geographically spread and many alternatives are avaiable for accommodation along the way. As ever choices are required between staying at a base and adding travel, or changing accommodation more often to reduce travel. Ballina, Westport, Lahinch and Ennis are the largest and 'hub' towns but there are plenty of smaller and local alternatives.County Clare
Lahinch is a popular seaside resort with a blue flag beach and all asoociated facilities and amenities. There are several choices of accommodation. An alternative, especially for parties with non-golfers, is the village of Doolin, west of Lahinch and close to the Cliffs of Moher. Doolin is famous for Irish music in any of the three village pubs and is also a ferry point to the Aran Islands. Both Lahinch and Doolin are close to the unique Burren area.
Ennis, the county town of Clare, offers a larger urban centre and has two excellent 4**** hotels. It is a good base for both Lahinch (35 minutes) and Doonbeg (45 minutes) before departure from Shannon Airport (20 minutes).
For last nights close to Shannon Airport the village of Bunratty provides a choice of accommodations centred around the famous Bunratty Castle (medieveal banquets) and its associated folk park and the equally famous Durtie Nellies pub nearby.
County Galway
As well as being 'the capital of Connemara', Clifden is the nearest acoomodation centre to Connemara golf links. It is worth taking a day off from golf to explore the magnificent scenery all around. Connemara can also be played on a day trip from Galway - obviously with less time for sightseeing.
Galway is probably Ireland's best city. The pedestrianised thoroughfare is busy and atmospheric both day and night and one is never too far from an excellent public house.
County Mayo
Westport rivals Killarney as Ireland's best visitor destination. It is a planned town beautiful in itself, but the attraction is the majestic scenery that can be found in all directions. Westport can be considered as a base when playing Connemara, Carne & Enniscrone although all three courses are over an hour away. There is also a fine parkalnd course at Westport.
Ballina is more famous for salmon fishing on the River Moy than for golf but nevertheless is an alternative base when playing Carne and Enniscrone with County Sligo only one hour east. Belmullet has a good 4**** hotel and is the accommodation preference when playing Carne on more than one day.
Sights & Attractions
Ireland's west coast - in recent years marketed as the Wild Atlantic Way - is its star attraction and this region offers the best of both golf and attractions along the vast coastline. From the Loop Head Peninsula south of Doonbeg to the Céide Fields and Dún Briste sea stack on the north Mayo coast there are oodles of beautiful sights and interesting attractions, led by Connemara in County Galway and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.County Clare Sights
7 miles west of Lahinch are the stunning Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most visited attractions. Nearby is the village of Doolin, a gate way to the Aran Islands and famous for Irish music. Occupying the northwest corner of Clare is The Burren, a unique limestone landscape famous in equal measure for its flora, dolmens, Black Head drive and seafood at Monk's Bar in Ballyvaughan.
The Loop Head Peninsula is a less travelled gem - blow holes, Loop Head Lighhouse and dolphin trips on the Shannon Estuary from Carrigaholt. Closer to Shannon Airport Bunratty Castle and the adjacent Folk Park are popular.
County Galway Sights
Many believe that Connemara is the most beautiful part of Ireland. Vistas of sea, mountains and lakes abound and the light seems ever changing. Connemara National Park Visitor Centre & Kylemore Abbey are north of Clifden and nearby is Cleggan Pier from where ferries depart for beautiful Inishbofin Island. The Sky Road is a circular secbic route from Clifden while the little fishing village of Roundstone is on the south coast and connected to Clifden by the Old Bog Road.
From Clifden to Westport in County Mayo is one of Ireland's most scenic routes, leading past Kylemore Abbey and on past Kilary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.
County Mayo Sights
Wesport is a charming town and Westport House & Gardens are worth visiting. To the west is Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. Further west is Louisburgh and on to Roonagh Pier where ferries depart for Clare Island or Inishturk Island. Northwest of Westport is another stunning and very popular island, Achill Island (connected by landbridge).
Heading north to Belmullet and crossing vast blanket bog takes us to Ballycroy National Park. West of Belmullet, and home to Carne golf links, is the glorious Mullet Peninsula. Another spectacular drive along the North Mayo coast towards the village of Ballycastle and the Céide Fields, the earliest known site of organised agriculture in Ireland. Heading back to Ballina, a short diversion to Downpatrick Head and Dún Briste Sea Stack.
Inland, 18km from Westport, is the county town of Castlebar and nearby is the Museum of Country Life, part of the National Museum of Ireland. Also of interst may be the Foxford Woollen Mills located just south of Ballina.
Access
Almost in the centre of County Mayo is Ireland West Airport at Knock, convenient for anywhere in Sligo, Galway or Mayo. Dublin Airport is 3-4 hours drive from the western region, Shannon Airport is in the south of the region.
From North America the Shannon Airport offers the most convenient access to County Clare although the modern road network from Dublin now means that Dublin Airport is just 2 hours more travel. Most other destinations in the western region are equidistant from both major airports.
Ireland West Airport has routes from Milan, Paris, Barcelona and Dusseldorf.
From the U.K. there are services Ireland West Airport from Edinburgh, Bristol, London, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, and Manchester.