Ballyconneely,
Clifden, Co. Galway
Office
+353 (0)95 23 602Pro shop
+353 (0)95 23 502Fax
+353 (0)95 23 662Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Hugh O'Neill (PGA Professional)The Course:
27 holes. Seaside links. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Eddie Hackett
Above distances are for the A-B combination. The C-nine (Outlaw), at 3145 yards from the back tees, is shorter than the other two nines.
53.420991
-10.143953
100 km W of Galway
From Galway take the N59 west; from Westport take the N59 south. In the town of Clifden take the R341, direction Ballyconneely. After approx 5 miles bear right in Ballyconneely (at Keogh’s Pub) and follow direction Bunowen. Take first right past Bunowen Castle. Follow Golf Course Road to entrance.
Connemara Golf Links: Wild, wonderful and west - and about as far west as Ireland's mainland will take you. Perched on the edge of Europe, the 27-hole golf course at Connemara can be a little bit of a trek to get to, but the drive out here and the dramatic coastal scenery that awaits, offers the travelling golfer an unforgettable round.
This classically open seaside links is laid out on undulating coastal terrain, where rock formations protrude through the ground as much as sand dunes sit on top of it. The opening holes are the flattest, but things become distinctly more undulating and interesting the further your round progresses.
Ballyconneely Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are stunningly in view from all 27-holes ... something to marvel at in good weather, but possibly curse if the wind and rain is coming at you horizontally, as is sometimes the case.
Playing to your handicap on a first outing represents an ambitious target. On the closing stretch (B-nine) the long par-3 13th serves up a real tester, while the greens at the par-5 14th and par-4 15th are cut high into a hillside. With the natural splendour of the Twelve Bens mountain range etched against the skyline, it's easy to be captivated by Connemara's immensely scenic and wonderfully rugged links golf course.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire. Caddies available (if pre-booked).
Good
The Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde once described Connemara as a "savage beauty". This rugged and largely undeveloped corner of County Galway, bordered on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, is regarded by many as the real emerald of the Emerald Isle.
From the Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic, they say you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape.
This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend the kind of generous hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.
Ireland's 26th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 153rd best course (Golf World, 2025).
Connemara, Co. Galway
+353 (0)95 43511
Visit websiteRenvyle House is a historic country house hotel, situated in the wild splendour of Connemara on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is located on 200 acres which include a private lake, a 9-hole golf course, 1km of beach, woodlands and gardens.
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Connemara
Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway
+353 (0)95 31 006
Visit websiteA luxury castle hotel, Ballynahinch Castle is located at the heart of the Ballynahinch Estate, 450 acres of beautiful woodlands, gardens, lakes and rivers. This sporting country estate offers a secluded retreat for any visitor.
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Connemara (35 km)
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Soudal Open: successor to the Belgian Open, the Soudal Open takes place on the quiet, wooded North course of Rinkven Golfclub. Belgian stars Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts will be vying for top honours. (May 22-25).
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Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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