Boasting one of Ireland’s mildest climates, this area is ideal for golf breaks. The counties of the south west, are traditionally rural – Limerick, Kerry and Clare are well known for their warm welcome. The golf courses in the area all benefit visually from the overlooking MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, which is home to Ireland’s highest peaks. The golf is as spectacular as the scenery, the Doonbeg Course which is known as a top course in Ireland and the British Isles was designed by Greg Norman and he has visited the course over 20 times. The course is now owned by Donald Trump and sits at 14th in the top Irish courses.

A must visit course in the area is the Ballybunion Old Course, it is Ireland’s number one course and features in the world’s top 100, sitting at 21st globally, it is a particular favourite of Tom Watson and was famously played by Bill Clinton on a visit in 2001. The counties of Clare and Limerick, are home to some idyllic scenery; from the ‘Burren’ which is Ireland’s largest limestone feature, to the so called ‘Golden Vale’, which is an area of extremely fertile land created by the River Shannon that is well known for dairy and cereal farming. The golf clubs are also well known with quality courses such as Lahinch and Adare Manor. The Lahinch old course is ranked 2nd in Ireland, it has been played by a number of famous names in the past including Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and most recently Graeme McDowell, all of whom have won the annual South of Ireland Championship. Adare Manor has recently held the Irish Open, being won by Padraig Harrington. Killarney Golf Club is considered to be the jewel in the crown of the region, with it getting the name of ‘the closest golf club to heaven’. South west Ireland is home to Europe’s most westerly course, Dingle Golf Club. The course here follows the form of the rest of Ireland and has a stunning back drop of the rugged Atlantic coastline. Away from golf, the town of Shannon and surrounding area is perfect for those wanting a cultural experience or those that are looking an opportunity to hike across The Burren is also worth a visit forconnoisseurs of fine sea foods, who will love this area with freshly caught fish and shell fish in abundance in most restaurants in the region.

Top Hotels in South West of Ireland

Top Golf in South West of Ireland