The Course
Founded in 1889, Dooks Golf Links is situated in the panoramic corner of Dingle Bay, Co.Kerry. This course serves up some of the most spectacular views that Irish links golf has to offer with the McGillycuddy’s Reeks to the east, the hills of Glenbeigh to the west and to the north are the Dingle Mountains and Slieve Mish.
The course is set out on one of three stretches of sand dunes at the head of Dingle Bay. The course is known to be the hidden gem of the south-west, with golfers getting to experience links golf at it’s best without the premium green fee. The number of rounds played has been growing year on year.
The front 9 features some tightly laid out holes where accuracy is paramount. Most notable is the par-4 7th which is almost impossible to reach in 2 if the wind is against. The 150 yard 13th hole has been quoted as a throwback to the time when golf began, with the approach playing into an amphitheatre style green. The closing hole, a long, slightly uphill par 4 to a guarded green provides a tough ending to a wonderful track.
- FOUNDED 1889
- DESIGNED Martin Hawtree
- TYPE Links
- PAR 71
- LENGTH 6,586 yards
- HOLES 18
Where to Stay
With Killarney only 30-40 minutes drive away, it is the best option for accommodation in the south-west. Known as Ireland’s premier tourist town, Killarney has countless, top quality hotels, all a short walk from the town centre. Whether you are looking for a luxurious 5* Hotel, a comfortable 4* Hotel, a friendly 3* Hotel or a welcoming Guest House, Killarney has plenty to offer. For 5* you can choose the centrally located Killarney Park Hotel while the Hotel Europe and Aghadoe Heights are both located outside the town. If 4* would be your preference your options include the Great Southern Hotel, Randles Court Hotel or The Killarney Plaza Hotel. 3* Hotel or Guest House selection can be made at The McSweeney Arms Hotel, Eviston House Hotel, Fairview Guest House or the Killarney Lodge, all of which are only a short walk from the town centre.
Tralee is also an option and has quite a few good quality 3* and 4* options for your stay. The best hotels located in the town centre is the 3* Grand Hotel. Slightly outside of the town, but still only a short walk, you will find the 4* Rose Hotel, 4* Manor West Hotel and the 4* Meadowlands Hotel. Slightly further out is the luxurious 4* Ballygarry House Hotel, with its award-winning Nádur Spa. If proximity to the Golf Club is your priority, then a night in the 4* Brook Manor Lodge Guest House is your best option, located outside the town, only 10 minutes from the first tee!
What to See and Do
Dooks Golf Links is located along the Ring of Kerry and if you would like to take in some sights either to or from your round, there are a number of shortened routes you can take between Killarney and Dooks. Rossbeigh, one of Ireland’s finest beaches, is located a short drive from Dooks. If an insight into Ireland in the 18th century would be of interest, a visit to the Bog Village is a must, only 5 minutes from Dooks Golf Links, the village gives you a fascinating insight into how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 18th Century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe and is one of Kerry’s leading tourist attractions. Ideal for families and tourists with spacious parking and a restaurant and bar onsite.
