This week we take you to the stunningly beautiful coastal town of Ballybunion in Kerry where we showcase the magnificent Ballybunion Golf Club. During the summer months, this alluring seaside resort attracts thousands of vacationers to is glorious shores to see its warm Atlantic golden beaches, castle ruins, accommodation, dining and of course, its splendid golf course. Lets explore…
Ballybunion Town
Ballybunion (‘Baile an Bhuinneanaigh’ in Irish) is a coastal town and seaside resort situated in County Kerry in the west of Ireland. Ballybunion has some of the country’s most beautiful scenery from the cliff tops where it has been known to regularly spot dolphin swimming in the waters below.
Ballybunion has two of the most glorious beaches in the west which stand to either side of Ballybunion Castle. To the left of the castle lies the “Men’s Beach”, and to the right of the castle lies the “Women’s Beach”. The beaches were given their names, during more traditional times, because of the fact that men had to bathe on a separate beach to women and children.
Today, the beaches are exceptional surfing destinations while the pubs and restaurants along the high street offer excellent beverages and gastronomy.
Interestingly, there is one tradition that every Irish child knows only too well; munching on a brown paper bag of cooked periwinkles using a pin to painstakingly swirl the fish meat out of its tiny shell, all the while trying to master the job in one go. This is something every vacationer should try, at least once.
Ballybunion Castle
Ballybunion is known for its famous castle which is situated a peninsula which was once a coastal fort of the Clann Conaire. It stands at the peak of a cliff overlooking White Strand shore. The castle was built in the 14th century by the Geraldines.
Ballybunion Castle, like a lot of Irish Castle, has changed hands many times due to rebellions and sieges but in 1923, the castle was put under the care of the Office of Public Works. The majority of the castle was destroyed in the Desmond War and all that remains today are the ruins of a single wall.
Golfing in Ballybunion
The seaside town is famous for its glorious golf course, so much so, that it attracted Bill Clinton to visit its magnificent sprawl. To commemorate his visit, a statue was erected on the corner of Main Street and Church Street; making it the first statue of Bill Clinton ever on public display.
Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion golf Club is tone of the top class links courses in Ireland. It was founded in 1893 and is renowned for hosting the Murphy Irish Open in 2000 and the Palmer Cup in 2004.
It is located on the north-west coast of Kerry, entwined on one the most splendid expansive sand dunes surveying the Atlantic Ocean. The Ballybunion golf club offers two extremely demanding and one-of-a-kind golf links courses; the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course.
Golfers worldwide, often claim that playing these courses is like playing a different course every time. This is due to the whimsical and often unpredictable Irish weather which in a single day can includes mist, fog, changeable winds and sunshine. This seemingly adds to the allure of playing at Ballybunion Golf Club.
The Old Course
The Old Course is the first course at Ballybunion Golf Club and is considered one of the greatest golf links course in the world. The 18 hole, 6598 yard, Old Course radiates an imposing unique experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
The magnificent Irish coastal environment contoured the fairways that transcend a mantle of grassy dunes. Features of the design of the course include narrow, contoured fairways which create passageways through the dunes. Tender beginnings lead to challenging swings as the game progresses to the seventh hole.
The Trent Jones Cashen Course
The 18 hole, 6306 yard, Trent Jones Course resides along the extensive untouched shoreline, extending mind-blowing views all the way through. The naturally rugged milieu gives this course an untamed appearance and an exceptionally challenging game.
Facilities at the Ballybunion Golf Club
As well as the two outstanding golf courses, the club extends an exceptional Drining Range, a Chipping Green and 2 superb putting greens.
Ballybunion Golf Club also has other exceptional facilities for golfers to utilize. Firstly, the Golf Shop sells everything from golfing apparel including sweaters, jackets and caps to bits and bobs including Golf balls to cuff links.
The club also has a Restaurant and Lounge which overlooks the stunning 1st tee. It offers a full catering service. Next to the practice putting green, the club has it very own Bar, aptly named Spikes!
Finally, there is a Tuck shop at the club located on the front nine of the Old Course which offers an assortment of hot and cold snacks pre, during or after a round of golf.
Accommodation at The Killarney Plaza
Ballybunion Golf Course is part of our Southwest Golf Tour of Ireland and compliments a trio of golf courses including Waterville and Tralee. Therefore, to make the most of this tour we use Killarney as your base for accommodation. Accommodation in the area is abundant, but if you are looking for quality and luxury in a 4 star or 5 star hotel, then we would recommend the following on any of our Deluxe Golf Tours Ireland Packages:
The Killarney Plaza
Situated in the striking town of Killarney, The Killarney plaza offers guests magnificent rooms, incomparable restaurants, bars, and one of the most relaxing spas we have every experienced. The superbly constructed edifice has elegantly fabricated interiors including a marbled foyer floor with matching marble pillars.
The Plaza has an exceptional design that transcends each space while being elegant, capacious and airy. The rooms are well-appointed with striking wooden furniture and exquisite textiles that pay tribute to the marble dashes, adding a sophisticated tone to each room.
The Killarney Plaza has three superb restaurants that offer extremely diverse and thought-provoking amalgamations of textures and flavours in their dishes while using ingredients produced and sourced locally. Diners will relish the informal, but stylish dining experience in either The Plaza Bar, The Window Lounge or The Piano Bar.
The Plaza Bar & Grill offers three bars spanning two floors. The higher level dons the Plaza Bar and Grill which bears a very laid-back feel while enjoying a wide-ranging and artistic lunch and dinner menu. I would highly recommend the Spillane’s Seafood Chowder, to die for!!
The Lounge Bar on the higher level dons a chic space which offers outstanding aspects of Kenmare Place and Main Street. The bar offers an extensive wine list and craft beer assortments, which is becoming ever so in vogue. We highly recommend that you try the A Tiger Prawn Linguine Pasta – very more-ish!
The Piano Bar is a warm and cozy setting which is ideal for pre or post dinner drinks or cocktails. It offers an all-embracing range of fine wines, liquors and cigars. Over the years, we have seen the Piano Bar gain a reputation as one of the best bars for a late night sing-song!!!
Sundari is the spa partner at the Killarney Plaza. It offers guests an enriching and calming experience, leaving you revitalized. The spa offers a wonderful collection of treatments from Indonesia, Thailand and India while offering a medley of signature custom-made restorative treatments such as their Facial & Hot Stone Back of Body Massages. There are also a diverse range of treatments for men including the famous Golfers Recovery – a renewing full body massage using warm oils.
Well that ends our tour of Ballybunion Golf club. If you are interested in learning more about our deluxe golf tours of ireland, then simply call Toll Free from the USA or Canada on 1888 793 0416.
Alternatively, you call click the link below to find our more about our Private Tours of Ireland:
All the best,
Mike Ryan.
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