Photo of Carne Golf Links / Belmullet Golf Club

Carne Golf Links / Belmullet Golf Club

Carne,

Belmullet, Co. Mayo

  • Office

    +353 (0)97 822 92
  • Pro shop

    +353 (0)97 822 92
  • Fax

    +353 (0)97 814 77

About the course

  • The Course:

    18 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb - hilly.

  • Surroundings:

    Coastal duneland.

  • Designer:

    Eddie Hackett designed the original 18-holes (1993), now called the Hackett Links. On the Wild Atlantic course, holes 1 thru' 7, and 17 and 18 are part of the original Hackett layout; they are played as holes 1 thru' 7, and 8 and 9 when you play the Hackett Links. The middle section of Wild Atlantic (holes 8 thru' 16; sometimes called the Kilmore Nine) was added later and designed by Jim Engh & Ally McIntosh (2013).

Back
tees
Club
tees
Front
tees
Metres
6119
5376
4724
Par
72
72
73
SSS or slope
72

Location

Latitude:

54.223847

Longitude:

-10.033725

How to get there:

125 km W of Sligo

From Sligo take the N4 south direction Ballysadare. After 8 km, in Ballysadare, take the N59 west direction Ballina. After 94 km in Bangor take the R313 west, direction Bunnahowen / Belmullet. After 20 kms, in Belmullet, follow R313 to airport / golf.

Carne Golf Links / Belmullet Golf Club

4-PLUS: Must play course - excellent standard; worthy of 4½ stars.

Est. 1993

Carne Golf Links, home to the Belmullet Golf Club, is often regarded as the definitive links course on Ireland's "Wild Atlantic" coast. The exuberant 27 holes, routed rather than constructed in an area of tumultuous dunes, comprise an original 18 by Eddie Hackett and nine newer holes added by Jim Engh and Ally McIntosh. The most dramatic 18 is aptly named the "Wild Atlantic Dunes", as distinct from the original 18, known as the "Hackett Links".

Located in the far north-west of Ireland on the Mullet peninsula, the ever-undulating Wild Atlantic course gets close to the ocean's shoreline at the par-5 4th and par-3 5th. However, for much of the time you'll be tucked-in amongst the vast sand hills There are several climbs to be made to elevated tee-boxes that open-up the best of the sea and farmland views.

Blind shots come thick and fast, from the opening tee-shot at the testing par-5 1st, through to your approach at the equally tough par-5 18th. On occasions you may be unclear where to hit to, but that's all part of this rugged links experience ( ... at the opulently undulating par-5 13th, make sure you don't hit down the fairway of the Hackett Links 10th hole on your right).

You'll quickly discover this is not a course for the feint-hearted. Added to the abundance of blind shots and many climbs, there are also some long carries from the tees to the usually generous width fairways. Some would say a round at Belmullet is the ultimate links test, so choose your tees carefully!

With the weather cooperating, the splendour of this natural setting and the challenge of this roller-coaster layout ensures a golf experience to remember. In this wild and ancient landscape you'll journey through towering sand dunes, with occasional views over the ocean and out to Blacksod Bay and the legendary islands of Inis Gloire and Inis Geighe. To get the most from your lengthy trip to this wonderfully remote part of Ireland, try to cover all 27 holes during your visit.

Pick of the holes: the downhill par-3 7th played to a bowl-like green stands out. Although if it's the sternest of challenges you crave, the long par-3 10th will not disappoint. Unlike most holes the par-5 8th is played to a relatively flat fairway, which then memorably snakes its way through a dune-walled canyon.

List of courses: Ireland - West

Visitors

Who can play and when?

Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.

Must book in advance. Proof of handicap not required for general play.

Green fees

Visitor fee, 18-holes in high season (April thru' Oct): €140 (all days).

Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].

Other information

Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire. Caddies available (if pre-booked).

Did you know?

The Carne Golf Links is home to the Belmullet Golf Club. In 1992 the Belmullett GC moved from its 9-hole links at Cross Binghamstown to the spectacular new 18-hole (now 27-hole complex) at Carne Golf Links, the last links course to be designed by the late Eddie Hackett. Carne Links, created to attract tourism to this isolated and stunningly beautiful part of western Ireland, is owned and operated by a community-run company called Turasoireacht Iorrais Teoranta.

Published ranking

Ireland's 11th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 56th best course (Golf World, 2022).

Where2Stay

  • Broadhaven Bay Hotel & Leisure Centre4-star

    Ballina Road, Belmullet, Co. Mayo F26 D8N7.

    +353 (0)97 20 600

    Visit website

    Situated in Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) along the magnificent Atlantic coastline in North Mayo, the family-owned Broadhaven Bay Hotel & Leisure Centre is situated in one of Ireland's most spectacular locations. Whatever you’re looking for - relaxation, invigoration, dining, entertainment or just being pampered, the Broadhaven Bay Hotel promises to take care of all your needs.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 10 km:

      Carne

    • Golf within 30 km:

      No

  • Western Strands Hotel

    Main Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

    +353 (0)97 81 096

    Visit website

    Accommodation, seafood restaurant, renew acquaintances with old friends and local characters in the comfort of the cosy well-appointed Bar and Lounge at the Western Strands Hotel.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 10 km:

      Carne

    • Golf within 30 km:

      No

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