There are so many courses to choose from in the area it may be a challenge to pick the right ones. Kerry Executive Travel have put together some information below on a small number of the more popular courses in the region,

We’ve played them all and have expert knowledge on what ones to play depending on conditions and time of year.

Don’t hesitate to contact us on the link below to book or even just to get some advice.

LAHINCH

Founded in 1893 by a Scottish Regiment of British Army officers, this course is a perfect example of a true Irish links with its towering sand dunes, rolling fairways and greens. It has been described as ‘The St Andrews of Ireland’ but those who know and love the place firmly believe that Lahinch Golf Club doesn’t need comparison with any of the game’s other world class venues. The course has consistently ranked in the World Top 50 courses and in 2019 will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

DOONBEG

Spanning 1.5 miles of crescent shaped beach and sand dunes, the Dr Martin Hawtree newly re-designed course at Trump International Golf Links Ireland is a stunning sight to behold and offers views of the Atlantic from 16 of 18 holes. The average time taken for a round of golf is four hours and thirty minutes. The par-72 layout features a single loop of nine holes out and nine back, playing 7,026 yards from the back tees. In line with Norman’s philosophy of ‘least disturbance’, the most natural route was taken in laying the course out through the sand dunes. As a result, the course has a unique combination of five par 3s and five par 5s. 

"Top 100 Courses in the World 2010" - Golf Magazine

ADARE MANOR GOLF RESORT

Masterfully designed, magnificently maintained, and perfectly set within the glorious estate of one of Europe’s most spectacular manor house hotels, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is ready to take its place among the best championship courses anywhere.

Celebrated golf architect Tom Fazio has taken what was already an award-winning course and transformed it into a parkland paradise befitting a country in the top tier of global golfing destinations. The new course has been created in harmony with the outstanding natural beauty of its surroundings: lush, softly rolling terrain, mature tree scaping, and the sweeping banks of the River Maigue.

RING OF KERRY

The architectural brief was to design a ‘world class’ golf course that would challenge competent and experienced players from the back tees, yet be playable and enjoyable for the average handicap player from middle and forward teeing areas. The brief also included that the golf course be to a standard capable of hosting professional golf events, both Irish and European.

From the standpoint of location, design, topography and sheer golfability, this is one of the most unique golf courses in Ireland. The bottom line is that Ring of Kerry is a great golf course. In fact, the golf course may well be the jewel in the crown of architect Eddie Hackett’s lifetime of golfing achievements. Despite the fact that it is not a links, it is an example of the very best in new Irish golf-course design. It retains its Irishness, its Celtic temperament and flavor, its distinct character. And while there are American-style heathland courses that are not worth the time of a visitor from the United States, this Irish gem should be on everybody’s short list of superior Irish experiences

CEANN SIBEAL (DINGLE)

Experience the Dingle Peninsula's only 18 hole links course 10 km from Dingle town, on the Wild Atlantic Way nestled on the edge of Ireland's dramatic south-west coastline, Dingle Golf Links is a special place to play. Situated in a cauldron of breathtaking beauty that was carved out of the rock in West Kerry. To the east is Mount Brandon, to the south lies Cruach Mharthain, and out to the west the Blasket Islands sit on the horizon. It is the towering headland to the south-west, however, which gives Dingle Golf Links its full Irish name and a unique microclimate where fescue, the champion of links grasses, has thrived in abundance at Galf Chumann Ceann Sibéal.

Ranked in top 80 golf courses in Ireland by Irish Golfer Magazine who say of Dingle Golf Links "A strong test for any golfer and located in one of Ireland's beauty spots".

BALLYBUNNION

Breathtaking views and natural design make this one of the few "timeless" courses found throughout the world. Located on the north west coast of County Kerry, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find two wonderfully challenging and unique links golf courses at Ballybunion.

The Old Course exudes a majestic feel that simply cannot be compared to any other course on earth. With beautifully contoured fairways that tumble down through a blanket of grassy dunes, it's no wonder these challenging holes have been consistently rated among the top courses in the world so make sure you play here on you Irish golf vacation.

TRALEE

Designed and built by Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge what is widely acclaimed as one of the finest links courses in the world.

The spectacular view of beach, which runs at the back of the 1st hole and to the right of 2nd hole was the location of the beach scenes of the 1970 epic movie Ryan’s Daughter, which won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

The tower at the back of the 3rd green dates back to the 1190s, while legend has it that the big sandstone rock at the end of the wall running diagonally between the fourth and fifth fairways was hurled by the mythical Cuchullain from the top of the Sliabh Mish, the mountain that can be seen to the south. If one looks closely, what were supposed to be the imprint of his giant fingers can be seen on the boulder? The back of the 7th tee box overlooks the Randy, a small harbour that was a haven for smugglers in earlier centurie

WATERVILLE

The earliest structured golf at Waterville has been traced back to 1889, when it came under the umbrella of the extremely active Waterville Athletic Club. It was a formalised part of the life of the village by 1900, when becoming one of the first clubs to be affiliated with the Golfing Union of Ireland. Over the next fifty years the club membership fluctuated with the demand for cable communication, however, in the 1950s, more advanced technology replaced this demand and the Links entered a period of dormancy throughout the 1960's, waiting the arrival of the Irish born American, John A. Mulcahy.

In 1987, Waterville was sold to a small group of Irish Americans. The new owners brought together the 18th Century, four star Waterville House with the Links to create one of the finest golf and fishing resorts in the world. The private Waterville House fishery, and in particular Butlers Pool next to the House, are famous for salmon and sea trout.

Waterville Golf Links embarked on a new chapter of its fabled history when noted international golf architect, Tom Fazio, was commissioned to update the memorable Eddie Hackett masterpiece. Fazio has assisted many of the world's leading clubs including Winged Foot, Pine Valley and Augusta National.

Over forty of the world’s greatest champions from Sam Snead onwards have challenged the Links over the years. Prior to the 1998 Open, O'Meara, Stewart and Woods were joined by Appleby, Duval and Jansen, all of whom became members of Waterville.

DOOKS

If you are on a golfing break in Kerry you won't want to miss the opportunity to play Dooks - a truly magical location for a stunning golf course. The origin of the word ‘Dooks’ comes from the Irish Douaghs meaning dunes. Dooks golf links is not as exposed as some Irish courses and features an amazing variety of gorse, heather and wild flowers.

Golf has been played in Dooks since 1889 which makes the course one of the oldest Golf Links in Ireland.  Originally named Dooks & Caragh GC, it was affiliated to the GUI in 1903. For 100 years the links remained a steadfastly quirky, 9 holes monument to those early days as the members resisted all efforts at modernisation. It was extended to eighteen holes in the 1970s under the guidance of Eddie Hackett. The course was further enhanced in 2002 by Martin Hawtree

OLD HEAD OF KINSALE

Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury Members' accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, as the incredible brainchild of the late John O'Connor together with his brother Patrick, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth.

Old Head, par 72, comprises five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s - stretches from the ladies' tees at 5,413 yards to over 7,100 yards from the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole making it suitable for golfers of all handicap abilities. Nine holes play along the cliff tops with all eighteen holes providing unsurpassed ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes, the course provides a stern but fair test to the touring pro and the high handicapper alike.

KILLARNEY

Offers 2 Championship Golf Courses, Killeen, Mahony’s Point

Killeen, the jewel in the crown, re-designed as a more demanding course in 2006, played host to the Irish Open in 2010 and 2011. The course offers both spectacular lakeside scenery and challenging golf to players of all levels, with water features on nearly every hole.

Mahony’s Point, at 6,800 yards, is ideally located to take advantage of the surrounding countryside and spectacular lake views.    Gene Sarazen described the breathtaking 18th hole  as “one of the most memorable holes in the world”.