Carne Golf Links / Belmullet Golf Club

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.