Southwest Ireland Off the Beaten Path

Southwest Ireland is home to some of the best links golf courses in the world. But like many of the golf rich regions across the pond, there are many lesser known courses in the area that are worthy of a place on the itinerary.

Although we would never advocate substituting one of these courses for the likes of Ballybunion, Lahinch, or Waterville, they’re almost certain to make an enjoyable addition to your trip.

Here are five off the beaten path courses to consider when planning Southwest Ireland golf trips.

Dooks Golf Club

We’ve advocated for stopping at Dooks Golf Club while in Southwest Ireland for over 30 years. Over the last decade or so, the good word has made its way around and Dooks has seen its star rise among American golf travelers. So much so, that we debated whether to even include it on this list. But far too many golfers still drive right past Dooks on their way from Tralee Golf Links to Waterville. So, for now, we’re keeping it in the “off the beaten path” category.

Dooks Golf Club is, quite simply, the quintessential Southwest Ireland golf course. The windswept links is situated along the shores of Dingle Bay, with the McGillycuddy Reeks mountains standing as backdrop nearby. Dooks Golf Club is tranquil, serene, and secluded. It’s also a whole lot of fun.

Credit: Dooks Golf Club

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

Although most golfers traveling to Ireland want to experience links golf at its finest, the island is home to a number of enjoyable inland golf courses. Two of which are found at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.

Set along the shores of Lough Leane, the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is home to a pair of parkland golf courses. The Killeen course is the better known of the two and is a four-time host of the Irish Open. Not to be overlooked, however, the Mahoney’s Point course offers an enjoyable experience capped by one of the most beautiful finishing holes in Ireland.

At both courses, it’s the scenery that steals the show. The views across the lakes of Killarney toward the McGillycuddy Reeks mountains are nothing short of spectacular.

Credit: Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

Cork Golf Club

The headliner in this part of Southwest Ireland is, undoubtedly, the show-stopping Old Head Golf Links. But those looking to add some extra golf in the neighborhood will be pleasantly surprised by Cork Golf Club. Both by the course and the name of its architect: Alister MacKenzie.

In 1924, before Alister MacKenzie ever set foot on the Monterey Peninsula or the pines of Georgia, the Cork Golf Club enlisted him to lay out a new course on the aptly named “Little Island.” Not sufficiently satisfied with his first draft, the Good Doctor returned shortly thereafter to make further changes to many holes at the heart of the course.

Cork Golf Club is one of few clubs across the pond that can boast a course originally designed in its entirety by Alister Mackenzie. For that reason alone, you should consider it for the itinerary.

Credit: Cork Golf Club

Ballybunion Cashen

Given its location next door to one of the best golf courses in Ireland, some would argue that the Cashen course at Ballybunion is right on the well worn path. But for most golf travelers, the Cashen is a course that’s only played when an Emergency 18 is needed before or after the round at its famous sibling. And rightfully so.

The Cashen course winds its way through the same dramatic dunes which made Ballybunion famous. The seaside views are splendid, but the course itself is not everyone’s brand of vodka. But if you’re looking for some extra golf in Southwest Ireland, thanks to the Cashen, you won’t have to travel far to find it.

Credit: Ballybunion Golf Club

Fota Island

Among the off the beaten path golf courses of Southwest Ireland, Fota Island is arguably the farthest afield. This despite hosting the Irish Open on three occasions. The course itself is an enjoyable parkland layout designed by one of the celebrated sons of Irish golf, Christy O’Connor, Sr.

Like the Cashen course at Ballybunion, Fota Island is the kind of place to visit if you’re attempting to squeeze even more golf into the itinerary on the fly. It’s ideal for knocking off the jet lag while en route to nearby Old Head Golf Links.

Credit: Fota Island

There’s enough outstanding golf just among the so-called “bucket list” courses in Southwest Ireland to keep the golfer occupied for a week or better. But if you’re in search of more golf on the fly or are looking to venture off the well worn path, these courses are certain to fit the bill.