Ballybunion Old Course, Tralee, Killarney Killeen, Dooks — four of the finest golf courses in Ireland, in three days, based in Killarney. This is the classic Kerry golf long-weekend itinerary, refined through years of experience and countless visitor itineraries.
Published May 2026 · GolfKerry.ie editorial team
From Dublin: Drive south on the M7 to Limerick, then N21 to Tralee or M7/N23 to Killarney. Allow 3–3.5 hours (255km). Alternatively fly Dublin–Kerry Airport (Farranfore) — the 55-minute flight puts you 20 minutes from Killarney.
From Shannon Airport: Drive south on the N18/N21 through Limerick to Kerry — approximately 1.5 hours to Killarney (135km). Shannon is the better option for US visitors flying direct from Boston, New York or Chicago.
Kerry Airport (Farranfore): Direct flights from London Stansted and Dublin. 20 minutes from Killarney, 40 minutes from Tralee.
Killarney is the natural hub for a Kerry golf weekend — central enough for Ballybunion (70 min north), Tralee (45 min north), Dooks (40 min west) and its own three courses on the doorstep. Stay at Aghadoe Heights, Killarney Park or The Brehon depending on budget. All three have concierge teams experienced in arranging golf itineraries.
Arrive by midday, check in, and play Killarney Killeen (7km from town) in the afternoon. The 18-hole parkland course — six-time Irish Open host — plays 6,566 metres (approx 7,178 yards) and is one of Ireland's most complete parkland tests. Tee off at 1pm for a 5-hour round finishing at 6pm. Evening: dinner in Killarney town — Quinlan's Seafood for casual, Bricín on High Street for something more relaxed.
Killarney Killeen: green fee from €150 weekday · Course guide →
This is the main event. Leave Killarney by 7:30am for the 70-minute drive to Ballybunion — tee times on the Old Course must be booked weeks in advance, especially May–September. Visitors are limited to Monday–Friday, so plan your weekend accordingly (Thursday–Sunday works well for a long-weekend itinerary). A caddie is mandatory — allow 5 hours for the round including half-time. Return to Killarney by 5pm. Evening: The Laurels on Main Street — perfect atmosphere to debrief the round.
Ballybunion Old: green fee €400+ mid-season · Caddie required · Mon–Fri only · Course guide →
Option A — Tralee: 45 minutes from Killarney, Arnold Palmer's first European design. The back nine at Tralee is possibly the most dramatic 9 holes of golf in Ireland — cliff-top links with Tralee Bay stretching below. Allow 4.5 hours for the round. Drive home after: Killarney–Dublin approximately 3.5 hours.
Option B — Dooks: 40 minutes from Killarney on the Ring of Kerry road at Glenbeigh. Established 1889, par 71, 6,272 yards — classic Irish links with Dingle Bay views. Less celebrated than Ballybunion or Tralee, charged accordingly (€80–€120), and arguably the best-value round on the weekend. For golfers who prefer discovering hidden gems, Dooks may be the highlight.
Tralee: course guide → · Dooks: green fees from €80 · course guide →
Adding a fourth day allows for Waterville or Ceann Sibéal on the Ring of Kerry drive, or Killarney Mahony's Point as a leisurely fourth round. A fifth day opens up a route via Kenmare (Ring of Kerry GC + Kenmare GC) before driving north to Shannon or back to Dublin.
World-class Eddie Hackett/Tom Fazio links — the most remote and arguably most beautiful of Kerry's great links.
Eddie Hackett/Ron Kirby design at Templenoe — breathtaking Kenmare Bay views, no handicap required.
Aghadoe Heights, Killarney Park, Sheen Falls Lodge — hotels matched to every part of the Kerry golf circuit.