Golf in Ring of Kerry & South Kerry
The Ring of Kerry and the Iveragh Peninsula serve up world-class links and parkland against the county's most spectacular coastal scenery. Waterville is a genuine top-tier links; Dooks dates from 1889; and Kenmare, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Bay and Maine Valley complete one of the great golf-and-touring circuits in Ireland.
The Courses of Ring of Kerry & South Kerry
Waterville Golf Links
Eddie Hackett/Tom Fazio masterpiece on the Ring of Kerry. Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and Payne Stewart have all played here. The 17th — "Mulcahy's Peak" — is one of Ireland's great par 3s.
Dooks Golf Links
One of Ireland's oldest links courses — set between Dingle Bay and the McGillycuddy Reeks on the Ring of Kerry. A genuine old-fashioned links with no pretension, outstanding views and a warm welcome.
Ring of Kerry Golf Club
Eddie Hackett and Ron Kirby's design set between the Caha Mountains and Kenmare Bay. Heathland and parkland terrain with panoramic estuary views. 4 miles from Kenmare — a natural pairing with Sheen Falls Lodge.
Kenmare Golf Club
A well-maintained parkland course on the edge of Kenmare town, with views of the Kenmare River estuary and the Beara Peninsula. No handicap required — one of Kerry's most accessible and welcoming clubs.
Skellig Bay Golf Club
Ron Kirby's atmospheric 18-hole headland course at Waterville — dramatic terrain overlooking the Atlantic with views to the Skellig Islands. A less-celebrated neighbour of Waterville Golf Links, but with scenery to match.
Maine Valley Golf Club
Eddie Hackett's parkland design at Killorglin, with panoramic views of Dingle Bay, the Slieve Mish range and Carrauntoohill, Ireland's highest mountain. The club amalgamated with Castleisland in 2020 as Maine Valley Members Golf Club.
The Ring of Kerry — Golf on Ireland's Greatest Drive
The 179km Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most famous scenic drive, looping the Iveragh Peninsula past Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare. The golf is every bit as good as the views: Waterville Golf Links is a championship links beloved of Tom Watson and the late Payne Stewart; Dooks is one of Ireland's oldest clubs; and the parkland courses at Kenmare, Ring of Kerry (Templenoe) and Maine Valley (Killorglin) offer gentler, hugely scenic rounds. Skellig Bay near Waterville plays along the Atlantic with views toward the UNESCO-listed Skellig Islands.
Ring of Kerry & South Kerry Golf — FAQ
Is Waterville Golf Links worth playing?
Yes — Waterville is one of Ireland's finest links, an Eddie Hackett/Tom Fazio layout that has hosted many of the game's greats. Its closing stretch and the par-3 17th (Mulcahy's Peak) are among the best holes in the country. Book well in advance for summer tee times.
How long does the Ring of Kerry golf circuit take?
You can play the Ring of Kerry courses over three to five days, basing yourself in Killarney, Kenmare or Waterville. The full driving loop is 179km; allow time for the scenery, villages and the Skellig coast as well as the golf.
What is the oldest golf course on the Ring of Kerry?
Dooks Golf Links at Glenbeigh, established in 1889, is the oldest course on the Ring of Kerry and one of the oldest links in Ireland — set between Dingle Bay and the McGillycuddy Reeks.
Are there affordable courses on the Ring of Kerry?
Yes — alongside the premium Waterville links, Kenmare, Ring of Kerry Golf Club (Templenoe), Maine Valley (Killorglin) and Skellig Bay all offer more affordable, very scenic parkland and coastal golf. They are ideal for a relaxed round between the famous links.
Where should I stay for the Ring of Kerry courses?
Kenmare and Waterville are the best southern bases, with Killarney within easy reach of the northern Ring courses. Sheen Falls Lodge (Kenmare) and the Butler Arms (Waterville) are long-standing golf-friendly options. See our Golf + Stay page.
Explore other areas: Killarney · North Kerry · Dingle Peninsula