Overview
The southwest is where most Irish golf pilgrimages end up — and there’s a reason for that. Old Head. Tralee. Waterville. Ballybunion. Four courses that appear on every serious golfer’s list, all within a day’s drive of Kerry Airport. This seven-day circuit is the classic Wild Atlantic golf trip, done properly.
Day 1: Arrival & Old Head of Kinsale
Fly into Cork, drive to Kinsale. Old Head is one of the most dramatic courses in the world — a clifftop links that commands views of 180 degrees of Atlantic Ocean. The course itself matches the setting.
Day 2: Tralee Golf Club
Arnold Palmer designed it. The back nine was described by him as the finest in the world. The views across Tralee Bay to the Brandon Mountains back him up.
Day 3: Waterville Golf Links
A long, exposed links on the Ring of Kerry. Tom Watson practised here before major championships. A statue of him stands at the 17th. The course is beautiful and severe in equal measure.
Day 4: Rest & Recovery
Kerry in summer. Take the Ring of Kerry, eat well, recover. There’s no rush on this trip.
Day 5: Ballybunion Golf Club
The Old Course at Ballybunion is the reason this part of Kerry matters. Herbert Warren Wind called it the finest seaside course he had ever seen. The Cashen Course next door is no consolation prize either.
Day 6: Lahinch Golf Club
Drive north to Clare. Lahinch is famous for the goats that shelter at the 5th when rain is coming. The course is also famous for being one of the best links in Ireland.
Day 7: Departure
Shannon is the nearest airport. Fly home with a list of courses you want to play again.