Golf in North Kerry
North Kerry holds the county's — and arguably the world's — greatest concentration of links golf. Ballybunion's Old Course and Arnold Palmer's Tralee are bucket-list destinations, supported by the Cashen Course and the welcoming parkland clubs at Listowel and Castleisland.
The Courses of North Kerry
Ballybunion — Old Course
Consistently ranked in the world's top 20 links. Tom Watson called it "the finest natural links in the world." Mandatory caddies, advance booking essential, handicap required.
Ballybunion — Cashen Course
Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s 1984 design beside the Old Course at Ballybunion. Currently closed for course upgrade — reopening 4 August 2026. A two-round package (Old + Cashen) is available from Aug–Oct 2026 at €575 per person.
Tralee Golf Club
Arnold Palmer's first European design. Cliff-top tees, Atlantic panoramas and one of the most dramatic links routings in Ireland. The back nine is among the finest stretches of links golf in the country.
Listowel Golf Club
Eddie Hackett's 27-hole parkland complex at Listowel — three 9-hole loops (Millennium, Heritage and Vintage nines) on the banks of the River Feale. 20 minutes from Ballybunion. No handicap required.
Castleisland Golf Club
18-hole parkland on 200 acres with modern sand-based greens — one of the few Kerry courses built for year-round play regardless of weather. Accessible pricing, no handicap required.
North Kerry — The Home of Links Golf
If you only play one round in Kerry, it is most likely to be here. Ballybunion Old Course is ranked among the world's top 20 links and was Tom Watson's favourite; Tralee, Arnold Palmer's first European design, has one of the most dramatic back nines in golf. The region runs from the Shannon Estuary at Ballybunion down to Tralee, Kerry's county town. Listowel — the literary capital of Ireland — and Castleisland round out the area with affordable, friendly parkland golf.
North Kerry Golf — FAQ
What are the best golf courses in North Kerry?
Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) and Tralee Golf Club are the headline courses — both world-renowned links. The Old Course is consistently ranked in the global top 20. Tralee, designed by Arnold Palmer, has a spectacular cliff-top back nine.
Is the Ballybunion Cashen Course open?
The Cashen Course is closed for a course upgrade and is due to reopen on 4 August 2026. From August to October 2026 a two-round Old + Cashen package is available at approximately €575 per person. Confirm directly with the club before travelling.
How much does it cost to play Ballybunion?
Ballybunion Old Course green fees in 2026 run from approximately €400 (mid-season) to €450 (high season) per round. A valid handicap certificate is required and at least one caddie or fore-caddie per group is mandatory. Always confirm current rates with the club.
How far apart are Ballybunion and Tralee?
Ballybunion and Tralee are about 40 minutes apart by road. Many visitors play both over a two- or three-day North Kerry links trip, often basing themselves in Tralee or Ballybunion itself.
Do North Kerry courses require a handicap?
Ballybunion (both courses) and Tralee require a valid handicap certificate. Listowel and Castleisland are more relaxed parkland clubs that welcome visitors of all standards — booking ahead is still recommended.
Explore other areas: Killarney · Dingle Peninsula · Ring of Kerry & South Kerry