Play a selection of the best courses in the Southwest. This is our most popular golf package and with good reason. It includes the famed links courses of Ballybunion, Waterville and Tralee along with the spectacular parkland courses Killeen and Adare Manor. What makes this golf tour truly great is the setting. These courses are set amongst Ireland's most gorgeous scenery. You will gape in awe and what is possible when golf and nature pull out all the stops.
This tour can be done self-drive or with a chauffeur and mini coach for larger groups. You can also choose between bed & breakfasts, hotels or luxury accommodation depending on your budget. Regardless of your choice quality Irish hospitality is assured.
Tour Highlights
Fly in/out of Shannon
3 links and 2 parkland courses
Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee
Pre-reserved tee times
Budget and Luxury options
Groups of all sizes
Your Tour Includes
Accommodation* All Green Fees Car Rental or Chauffeur** Full Irish Breakfast each morning Ireland Explorer Discount Card Ireland Guidebook & Map Online Personal Travel Website Travel Bag & Travel Wallet for documents Optional Roundtrip Flight (at extra cost) 5-star Support & Assistance while in Ireland
*Add or subtract days or golf courses
We will reserve your accommodation in advance. Base price includes Bed & Breakfast accommodation. However, you may upgrade any or all of these nights if you wish. Please see our recommended upgrades in the Accommodations section.
**Car rental includes CDW, insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, unlimited mileage, all taxes.
Golf courses included in this tour
Day 2 Killeen (Killarney)
Situated in area known as "Heaven's Reflex", due to its outstanding beauty, Killarney Golf Club comprises three top class parkland layouts the Killeen Course, Mahony's Point and most recently, Lackabane. It is the Killeen Course however (closely followed by Mahony's Point) that is perceived to be the jewel in the Killarney golfing crown. Nestled amidst the splendour of the Lakes of Killarney in the shadow of the majestic Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, the Killeen Course is consistently rated amongst the world's top courses and has hosted many major championships including the 1991 & 1992 Irish Open Golf Championship, won on both occasions by Nick Faldo; and also the 1996 Curtis Cup.
While golf has been played in Killarney since 1891 (originally on a nine hole layout known as the Deer Park), the first 18 hole golf course at Killarney, which was designed by Sir Guy Campbell and Henry Longhurst, did not open for play until October 1939. Essentially this design comprises most of today's Mahony's Point course, while the Killeen Course, designed by Billy O'Sullivan and renowned Irish course architect Eddie Hackett, opened in 1971. The merits of the original design at Killarney were quickly recognised by the Golfing Union of Ireland and in 1949, the Irish Amateur Championship was played here for the first time. The first of two of two professional events played over the original course was won by Eric Browne and is also remembered as the first tournament appearance outside of South Africa by Gary Player, who despite his failure to make the cut, rated the 8th hole (now the 13th on the Killeen Course) as "potentially one of the world's greatest inland golf holes".
After the rough and tumble challenge of southwestern Ireland's great links courses, Killarney provides a somewhat welcome respite, though not necessarily an easier option. Superb holes abound on both the Killeen Course and Mahony's Point. One of the most memorable holes at Mahony's Point is the par five 13th, which though of modest length, requires an excellent tee shot in order to attempt to make the well protected green in two strokes. The closing holes here are among the finest anywhere, while the par three, 18th is truly superb and requires a shot over Lough Leane to a bunkered green. Among the finest holes on the Killeen Course are the par three's at holes 3 and 6 and also the closing two holes, particularly the 18th, which requires a drive from a raised tee and an approach over water to the green.
The latest addition to Killarney Golf Club, Lackabane is still in its infancy but is already proving to be quite a challenge. At 6410 metres it is of championship standards. The design is fantastic, with lakes and streams running through the course it adds to the beauty and also adds a lot of danger to crooked shots. The course is very different to Killeen and Mahony's Point, but has just as much to offer.
Day 3 Ballybunion (Old)
If there is one household name among Ireland's bountiful selection of championship links courses, it is unquestionably Ballybunion. Universally acknowledged as being among the world's greatest, Ballybunion is one of those gems lucky enough to have been built on a magnificent stretch of coastline which must have been predestined by some higher authority to be used for nothing other than an exceptional links course.
Situated in a remote corner of County Kerry, close to the Shannon estuary and amidst some of the largest sand dunes you are ever likely to encounter, Ballybunion presents a fascinating combination of raw, wild beauty and as stiff a challenge as you are likely to encounter anywhere.
Add to this an intriguing -- if not complex -- personality as the course runs up, over and through the dunes, and you have a layout presenting a new test on virtually every hole. Boring is not a word that could ever be used to describe Ballybunion.
Tom Watson was the first of the American greats to visit regularly. Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickleson and Tiger Woods have all followed in Watson's footsteps and fallen for Ballybunion's charms. The course has become a regular warm-up routine for American golfers as they prepare for each year's British Open, the ultimate test of links golf.
Unfortunately, fame brings with it popularity, and Ballybunion has grown to become the most-requested course in all Ireland by visiting golfers. Demand outstrips the availability of visitor times by a wide margin each year, making it advisable to book a full year ahead to avoid disappointment. It may seem like a long wait but like everyone else -- you will probably agree it was worth it.
Day 4 Tralee
There has never been any question that some of Ireland's finest links courses are located in the Southwest of the Emerald Isle. Ballybunion, Waterville, Lahinch are all names of exceptional links layouts that spring immediately to mind. Greg Norman's new design at Doonbeg has also earned a place on this auspicious listing, even after its brief existence of only a little over a year. Yet one of the most exceptional of Southwest Ireland's links courses, is a name that all too rarely appears on most visitors must play list - Tralee.
Tralee is an extraordinary links course, make no mistake about it and any itinerary that brings a golfer to this part of Ireland without playing Tralee, is missing a key ingredient. To miss out on Tralee is to miss out on a pot of gold.
Measuring 6,806 yards and playing to a par of 71, the setting is sensational and the course as daring as could have been dreamed of for the rugged stretch of coastline it occupies.
The holes play across chasms, over ravines, between around and over dunes, the likes of which have seldom been seen before. Be especially wary of the Atlantic Ocean which lies in wait, ready, willing and eager to eat up any wayward shot as you once again manoeuvre along the cliff-top -- and all of the time the omnipresent wind, blowing harder than most have experienced it blow before.
When you eventually reach the comfort of the very welcoming clubhouse, you will be feeling as though you were not only playing a very testing course, but also perhaps playing against Palmer himself. You will certainly know that you have played a round of golf to be remembered for many years to come.
Day 6 Waterville
One of the most scenic drives the visitor to Ireland can take is the Ring of Kerry, a spectacularly beautiful road that takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery to be found in the Emerald Isle.
The road starts off in the bustling tourist town of Killarney and about halfway into the four-hour drive around the ring brings you to the seaside village of Waterville. Noted for its excellent fishing -- and in the 1920s and 30s as the favorite summer retreat of movie star Charlie Chaplin -- this is also the home of Waterville Golf Club, one of Ireland's outstanding links courses.
At 7,225 yards and a par of 72, Waterville is definitely a big hitter's course but unusual for a links, it contains no blind holes, virtually flat fairways and apart from the sixteenth, almost no doglegs.
Does this make Waterville a boring layout? Hardly. In fact, the great Sam Snead said of Waterville, "This beautiful monster is one of the golfing wonders of the world."
Perhaps the most memorable hole is the 17th, a 196-yard par-3 and one of the most difficult short holes you will ever face. The tee is located a dizzying 250 feet above sea level; and once you have absorbed the stunning views, the task will be how to navigate your tee shot of almost 200 yards over uncharted dunes. To finish the 17th with the same ball may be one admirable objective, to come off the green with par, a reward unknown to most.
A round of golf at Waterville is a full day excursion from Killarney and although the northerly route is the fastest way to get there, the most dramatic drive is the southerly road, traveling through Kenmare and Parknasilla.
Plan on taking the morning to get to Waterville, soaking up the beauty of the drive, and you could arrive with inspiration enough to play some of your best golf ever.
Day 8 Adare Manor
Set on 230 lush acres of the Adare Manor Estate, Adare Golf Club was designed by legendary golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and offers a magnificent parkland layout. From his first perception of Adare Manor as having all the flavour of Augusta National, he has created a true masterpiece and one of the leading parkland courses in Ireland.
The Adare Manor Estate has a long history but was purchased in 1987 by the Kane family of Palm Beach Gardens in Florida. Major work on the Manor ensued and the golf course opened for play in August 1995. Measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, Adare Golf Club is an American styled course, with rock walled streams, subtly undulating greens and Jones' signature cloverleaf bunkers. A 14 acre lake dominates the outward nine holes while the River Maigue meanders its way through a densely wooded back nine. Its testing design and manicured greens have already assured Adare Golf Club's position as one of the finest Irish inland courses.
Water comes into play at ten holes, including the opening two, which are menaced by a meandering little stream waiting to punish wayward approach shots. This is nothing however, compared to the huge lake, which anchors the front nine holes. It cleverly protects the right hand side of the par 5, 7th where the fun is in cutting off as much as the hazard as possible without actually entering a watery grave. And so it continues every hole is a worthy challenge.
Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort offers world class facilities which include a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, a luxurious Spa at Adare Manor, the Adare Manor Equestrian Centre with a scenic and challenging cross-country trail, several fine restaurants, entertaining bars and many more activities to fill your days and evenings.
Your tour itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Shannon Airport
Arrive in Shannon airport in the morning. Pick up your car rental or meet your chauffeur and transfer to Killarney (2.5 hours). No golf scheduled.
Day 1-4 Killarney
Killarney lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful Killarney National Park with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The park is also home to Muckross House and Gardens. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm as you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It is also renowned for its evening entertainment including many singing pubs, cabarets, dancing venues, and banquets. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs.
Day 2: Golf - Killeeen Course at Killarney Golf Club
Day 3: Golf - Ballybunion (Old Course)
Day 4: Golf - Tralee
Day 5-6 Waterville
Waterville is located half way around the Ring of Kerry situated on a narrow neck of land between Ballinskelligs Bay and the beautiful Lough Currane. From Waterville you can travel to the Skellig Islands and its 6th century monastic site perched precariously at the top of the jagged rocks. Near Waterville you have Derrynane Beach , one of the most beautiful and cleanest Beaches in the World. Along the promenade a monument is erected to one of Waterville 's most famous visitor, Charlie Chaplin. He and his family were regular visitors to the area staying in the Butler Arms Hotel.
Day 5: Travel from Killarney to Waterville along the gorgeous Ring of Kerry scenic drive (2 hours). No golf scheduled.
Day 6: Golf - Waterville
Day 7-8 Adare
Adare is a quaint picturesque village lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. Snuggled in a wooden and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most unique village. Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the Shannon river, Adare (Gaelic name: "Ath Dara" - the "ford of the oak" - from the combination of water and woodland) dates back, at least, to the early 13th century. Adare village has a rich wealth of heritage, as well as architectural and scenic beauty. Two groups of world famous, ornate, thatched cottages line part of the village's broad main street, punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries and ruins. Situated in the centre of County Limerick, with just 15 minutes from Limerick City and 45 minutes from Shannon Airport, Adare Village is an ideal base from which to explore County Limerick's many visitor attractions such as Lough Gur and King John's Castle.
Day 7: Travel from the Atlantic splendour of Waterville to the serenity of Adare in County Limerick (2.5 hours). No golf scheduled.
Day 8: Golf - Adare Manor
Day 9 Depart from Shannon Airport
Transfer from Adare to Shannon airport for your departing flight (1 hour).
Your accommodation choices
You have three accommodation options with this tour: bed and breakfasts, 3- and 4-star hotels or luxury hotels, castles and manor houses.
Bed and Breakfasts - premium B&Bs selected by Authentic Ireland. All the B&Bs we use are of the highest standard, are Irish Tourist Board approved and have rooms with private bathrooms. Our many years of experience ensure that the B&Bs we use are the best. Expect a warm Irish welcome!
Hotels - superior 3- and 4-star guesthouses and hotels. These are the hotel upgrades on this tour:
Killarney (4 nights): Earls Court House
Waterville (2 nights): Butler Arms Hotel Adare (2 nights): Dunraven Arms Hotel
Luxury - simply the best places to stay in Ireland. These are the luxury upgrades on the Southwest Sweep golf tour:
To include any of the above properties in your golf tour quote simply list them in the Comments box on Get Quote form. To select all the properties from either category simply write 'Hotels' or 'Luxury' into the Comments box.
Simply complete the form below, and we will send you a personal tour quote within 24 hours. Don't want to wait that long? Call us now toll-free 1-888-771-8350 (US) or 0808-101-4366 (UK) and we will send you a personal price quote immediately!
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