Listowel Golf Club
Eddie Hackett's 27-hole parkland complex on the banks of the River Feale in literary North Kerry — three interchangeable 9-hole layouts with water hazards, rolling hills and multiple tee options. The closest full-scale golf facility to Ballybunion for visitors based in the north of the county.
The course
Listowel Golf Club is one of those quietly reliable North Kerry golf facilities that rarely makes the international brochures — but consistently delivers for the visitor who wants a proper 18-hole parkland round within easy reach of Ballybunion without paying world-class prices. Designed by Eddie Hackett and opened in 1994, the complex grew to 27 holes with three distinct nine-hole layouts — the Millennium, Heritage and Vintage nines — each offering a different combination of the River Feale waterway, rolling parkland and strategic tee variety.
The River Feale winds through and beside the property, bringing water hazards into play at several holes and giving the course a natural character that lifts it beyond a basic municipal layout. Hackett's hallmark — sensitivity to the natural land, modest but well-considered routing — is evident throughout. The 27-hole configuration means visitors always have a fresh combination of nines available, and the park-and-play accessibility (no handicap required) suits mixed-ability groups who may be pairing Listowel with a Ballybunion or Tralee round later in the week.
Listowel town itself is notable as Ireland's only walled medieval market town still holding its annual Listowel Writers' Week — one of Ireland's premier literary festivals. A round at the golf club is a fine complement to an evening exploring the town's literary pubs and hospitality.
Course details
- Course typeParkland
- Holes27 (three 9-hole loops)
- Par70 (18 holes)
- Yardage5,728 yards (18 holes)
- DesignerEddie Hackett
- Opened1994
- AddressFeale View, Listowel, Co. Kerry
- Phone+353 68 21592
- Handicap requiredNo — all visitors welcome
- Green feeContact club for current rates
- From Ballybunion~20 minutes
- From Tralee~30 minutes
Green fees
| Round | Green Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18 holes (weekday) | Contact club | Call +353 68 21592 to confirm |
| 18 holes (weekend) | Contact club | Call +353 68 21592 to confirm |
| 9 holes | Contact club | Call to confirm availability |
Current green fee rates were not published online at time of compilation (May 2026). Contact the club directly on +353 68 21592 for current pricing before visiting.
Frequently asked
How many holes does Listowel Golf Club have?
Listowel Golf Club has 27 holes in total, divided into three 9-hole layouts — the Millennium nine, the Heritage nine and the Vintage nine. Visitors typically play an 18-hole round by combining any two of the three nines. Contact the club to find out which combination is in play on your chosen date.
Who designed Listowel Golf Club?
Listowel Golf Club was designed by Eddie Hackett, the most prolific and celebrated Irish golf course architect of the 20th century. Hackett's Kerry portfolio includes Waterville, Dooks, Ceann Sibéal, Ring of Kerry Golf Club and Maine Valley — making his work the connective thread through a great deal of Kerry golf. Listowel opened in 1994.
Is Listowel close to Ballybunion?
Yes — Listowel is approximately 20 minutes from Ballybunion Golf Club, making it a natural pairing for golfers based in North Kerry. Many visitors use Listowel as an accessible, no-frills parkland round before or after the more demanding world-class links at Ballybunion.
Do I need a handicap to play Listowel Golf Club?
No — Listowel Golf Club is open to all visitors regardless of handicap. The 27-hole complex is suited to golfers of all abilities, including mixed-ability groups who may find handicap-required courses less accessible.
What is the River Feale setting like at Listowel?
The River Feale winds through and alongside the course at Listowel, bringing water hazards into play at several holes and giving the layout a natural, mature character. The river is an important feature of North Kerry's landscape — it flows from the MacGillycuddy's Reeks towards the sea at Ballybunion — and its presence at Listowel elevates the course above a standard inland parkland.
Nearby courses
Ballybunion — Old Course
Tom Watson's favourite links course — ranked in the world's top 20 and the defining Kerry golf experience. From €400.
Tralee Golf Club
Arnold Palmer's first European design — world-class cliff-top links with dramatic Atlantic panoramas. From €250.
Ballybunion — Cashen Course
Robert Trent Jones Sr. links at Ballybunion — reopening August 2026 after course upgrade. Combine with Old Course for a full Ballybunion day.