Why is the Southwest the dream for golfers?
Ireland holds over 450 golf courses, but its true glory lies in the wild, windswept links; one-third of the world’s pure links courses are carved into this coastline. The Southwest is densely packed with links greatness: the raw drama of Ballybunion, the cliffs of Old Head, the rolling charm of Lahinch, and the sea-swept isolation of Waterville. These are courses that test every shot and take your breath away at the same time. Better yet, the region offers strategic parkland pauses, and lush, tree-lined respites between the links days. Combine that with Ireland’s signature hospitality and seaside culture, and you’ve got a tour that ticks every box.
Ballybunion golf course.
It’s more than golf: culture, craic & coastlines
As SWING golf CEO Brendan Keogh says, “Ireland’s biggest plus is its people—friendships and camaraderie..” Between rounds, expect live trad music in cosy pubs, fresh seafood on harbourside patios, distillery visits, sea cliff hikes, and spontaneous conversations that turn into lifelong friendships. Whether you’re sipping a pint after Lahinch or catching a trad session in Dingle, you’ll feel it, the unmistakable magic of Ireland. Check out accommodation options with SWING Golf here.
How to structure a multi-base golf tour
To reduce long transfers and experience the true variety of Ireland’s Southwest, base your group in 2–3 key regions, each offering a unique blend of golf, culture, and atmosphere:
Kinsale / Cork
Courses: Old Head, Cork Golf Club
A perfect starting point, this gourmet harbour town blends seaside charm with modern comforts. Kinsale is renowned for its boutique accommodations, excellent restaurants, and lively pub scene. With proximity to Cork City and Cork Airport, it’s both accessible and full of character, ideal for easing into the trip while playing top-tier coastal courses.
Tralee / Killarney / Ballybunion
Courses: Ballybunion, Tralee, Dooks, Waterville
This region captures the heart of classic Ireland, featuring ancient ring forts, sweeping cliffside vistas, and the renowned hospitality of County Kerry. Stay in Killarney for easy access to national parks and cosy pubs, or settle into a guesthouse near Tralee or Ballybunion for a more local feel. This area delivers some of the country’s most iconic links golf, backed by a rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Lahinch / Doonbeg / Ennis
Courses: Lahinch, Doonbeg, Dromoland Castle
This stretch of the West Coast mixes a laid-back surf-town energy with deep-rooted Irish culture. Lahinch and Doonbeg offer rugged Atlantic views and world-class links, while nearby Ennis provides traditional music, charming streets, and excellent food. Round out your stay with a night in a castle at Dromoland, a luxurious, authentic Irish experience.
Dingle / Waterville (Optional Extension)
Courses: Waterville, Ceann Sibéal (Dingle)
For those looking to slow things down and soak up raw, coastal beauty, this is the place. The Dingle Peninsula offers a more off-the-beaten-path escape, think Gaelic-speaking villages, windswept cliffs, and nightly sessions of traditional music. Waterville adds its own magic with dramatic ocean views and a legendary links course shaped by the Atlantic. Ideal for groups looking to disconnect, recharge, and play courses that blend seamlessly into the wild surroundings.
Waterville golf course.
What are the must-play links courses?
Every golfer has their holy grail, and Southwest Ireland delivers:
Ballybunion (Old)
Wind-whipped and wild, a proper test of skill and grit.
Tip: Walk the beach after your round, it’s one of Ireland’s most iconic coastlines.
Lahinch (Old)
Quirky, natural, historic, where goats roam and greens defy logic.
Tip: Play it twice. It reveals more each time.
Tralee
Designed by Arnold Palmer, where front-nine beauty meets back-nine beast.
Tip: Soak in the views at the 17th. Bring your camera.
Waterville
Remote and refined, where the edge of the world meets top-tier turf.
Tip: Book a caddie, it elevates the experience.
Old Head
Golf on a cliff. It’s as surreal as it sounds.
Tip: Stay on-site for the full luxury experience.
Doonbeg
A Greg Norman design set in a soulful, windswept bay.
Tip: Watch for dolphins offshore as you tee off.
Local gems you’ll talk about for years
Dooks Golf Club – A hidden gem with mountain views and coastal air; older than Royal County Down. Why You’ll Love It: Gorgeous views, lots of charm.
Ceann Sibéal (Dingle) – Remote, rugged, and rich in local flavour. Why You’ll Love It: Pure links without the fuss, and close to Dingle’s best music spots.
Dooks golf links
Parkland perfection for balance
Even the hardcore link lover needs a break.
With two beautiful courses in Killarney, these parkland picks add a refreshing twist:
- Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – 2 courses to select from both offering lakeside beauty with championship pedigree.
- Dromoland Castle – A round in the shadows of a beautiful Irish castle.
- Cork Golf Club – A classic Alister MacKenzie design, carved from limestone.
What are the transport options?
- Your transport is part of the experience, and SWING makes it seamless:
- Chauffeur-Driven: Perfect for 4+ golfers. Your driver doubles as a guide, historian, and occasional comedian.
- Self-Drive: Great for the independent crew. Just remember—left side, manual transmission, and narrow roads.
- Helicopter Transfers: Want to go from Lahinch to Waterville in style? This is your shortcut to legend status.
Compare options in our Transport Guide and explore packages.
Sample 9-Night itinerary skeletons
Option 1: The Classic Loop
Kinsale → Tralee/Killarney → Lahinch
Old Head, Tralee, Ballybunion, Dooks, Lahinch, Doonbeg
Great variety, coast to coast, with pub-filled nights in every base.
Option 2: The Wild West Route
Dingle/Waterville → Tralee → Lahinch/Doonbeg
Ceann Sibéal, Waterville, Tralee, Dromoland, Lahinch
Ideal for a slower pace, coastal beauty, and music lovers.
Plan it with SWING
From tee times to castle stays, chauffeurs to caddies, SWING Golf is your all-in-one planner on the ground in Ireland. We handle:
- Tee times across member & associate clubs
- Multi-base accommodations
- Ground or air transfers
- Real-time support from a single team
Let SWING help you build memories that last far beyond the 18th green.
Ready to start planning your dream Southwest Ireland golf tour? Talk to our trip planners today to Plan your golf tour.
FAQs: Golfing in the southwest of Ireland
- When is the best time to golf in Southwest Ireland?
May–September is peak season for links conditions and longer daylight. April and October (shoulder season) offer fewer crowds and good value if you’re flexible with weather. - How many days do I need for a Southwest Ireland golf itinerary?
7–10 days fits 5–7 rounds with recovery time. Shorter UK/EU breaks work at 3–5 days based in Killarney or Lahinch. - What are the must-play links courses in the Southwest?
Ballybunion (Old), Lahinch (Old), Tralee, Waterville, and Old Head headline most lists, with Doonbeg and Dooks as brilliant additions. - What does a Southwest Ireland golf trip cost?
Packages vary by season, course mix, transport, and lodging. Expect a wide range from value shoulder-season trips to luxury itineraries with castle stays and helicopter hops—get a tailored quote via the SWING Tour Planner. - Can SWING arrange chauffeur, self-drive, or helicopter transfers?
All three. Chauffeur-driven vans are perfect for 4–12 golfers; self-drive suits smaller groups comfortable with left-side roads; helicopters slash long coastal transfers (e.g., Lahinch ↔ Waterville). - What non-golf activities should we plan?
Pub sessions with live trad, seafood in Kinsale, Dingle Peninsula drives, distillery tours, Killarney National Park, and cliff walks near Lahinch—your planner can balance tee times with culture days. - Can spouses or non-golfers enjoy this trip?
Absolutely. Southwest Ireland shines for food, music, scenery, and boutique shopping—Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, and Ennis are especially spouse-friendly. - How far in advance should I secure tee times?
For peak dates and trophy links, aim 9–12 months out (or more for large groups). We also build fantastic shoulder-season itineraries on shorter notice. - Which SWING clubs are in the Southwest network?
Ballybunion, Dooks, Dingle (Ceann Sibéal), Dromoland Castle, Killarney, Lahinch, Tralee, and Waterville, plus associates Old Head, Doonbeg, and Cork. - Can SWING handle the whole trip?
From tee times and caddies to castle stays and transport, yes. Tell us your dates and dream list and we’ll build the perfect multi-base route.
