Golf in Kerry. World-Class Links.
Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee, Killarney — four world-famous courses in one county. Ireland's greatest golf destination, where the Atlantic shapes every hole and the Ring of Kerry frames the drive between them.
Top Rated
Best Golf Courses in Kerry
Ranked by visitor rating and world standing — with current green fees and direct tee-time booking
| # | Course | Type | Green Fee | Visitors | HCP | Book & Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ballybunion Golf Club — Old Course Ballybunion, North Kerry — World top 20 links · Tom Watson's favourite · Est. 1893 | Links | From €400 | Mon–Fri only | Required | |
| 2 | Waterville Golf Links Waterville, South Kerry — Eddie Hackett/Tom Fazio · Par 72 · 7,349 yards | Links | From €150 | Welcome | Required | |
| 3 | Tralee Golf Club Tralee — Arnold Palmer's first European design · Par 72 · 6,991 yards | Links | Contact club | Welcome | Required | |
| 4 | Killarney Golf & Fishing Club — Killeen Killarney — Six Irish Opens host · Par 72 · Championship lakeside parkland | Parkland | From €150 | Advance booking | Required | |
| 5 | Killarney G&FC — Mahony's Point Killarney — Lough Leane backdrop · Par 72 · Peninsula fairways | Parkland | From €85 | Welcome | Required | |
| 6 | Dooks Golf Links Glenbeigh, Ring of Kerry — Est. 1889 · Par 71 · Dingle Bay & Reeks views | Links | From €80 | Welcome | Required | |
| 7 | Ballybunion Golf Club — Cashen Course Ballybunion — Robert Trent Jones Sr. design · Par 72 · 6,290 yards | Links | Contact club | Mon–Fri only | Required | |
| 8 | Ring of Kerry Golf Club Templenoe, near Kenmare — Eddie Hackett/Ron Kirby · Kenmare Bay views | Heathland | From €110 | Welcome | None | |
| 9 | Ceann Sibéal — Dingle Golf Links Ballyferriter, Dingle Peninsula — Eddie Hackett · Most westerly course in Ireland | Links | Contact club | Welcome | None | |
| 10 | Beaufort Golf Club Beaufort, 10 min from Killarney — Parkland · 15th-century castle ruins · Par 71 | Parkland | Contact club | Welcome | None | |
| 11 | Kenmare Golf Club Kenmare — Mountain and estuary views · Par 71 · 6,086 yards | Parkland | Contact club | Welcome | None | |
| 12 | Maine Valley Golf Club Killorglin — Eddie Hackett design · Par 72 · Dingle Bay & Reeks views | Parkland | Contact club | Welcome | None | |
| 13 | Killarney G&FC — Lackabane (9-hole) Killarney — 9-hole par 36 · Accessible · Great introduction to Killarney golf | Parkland | Contact club | Welcome | None |
Green fees are indicative starting weekday rates compiled from club websites and visitor information. Always confirm live rates when booking. Last reviewed May 2026.
Explore by Area
Golf Across County Kerry
Six distinct golfing regions — from the lakes of Killarney to the wild Atlantic links of North Kerry and the remote peninsulas of Dingle and the Ring of Kerry
Killarney
Three layouts from Ireland's most celebrated golf club, set beside the lakes of Killarney National Park. Killeen has hosted the Irish Open six times — the most of any Irish venue. Stunning mountain and lake views on every hole.
3 courses · From €85North Kerry — Ballybunion
Two world-class links at Ballybunion — the Old Course ranked in the world's top 20, Tom Watson's personal favourite; and the Cashen Course by Robert Trent Jones Sr. No golfer's Kerry trip is complete without playing here.
2 courses · From €400Tralee & North Kerry
Arnold Palmer's first European golf course — a towering, dramatic links above the waters of Tralee Bay with cliff-top tees and panoramic Atlantic views. Often cited alongside Ballybunion as one of Ireland's finest links experiences.
1 course · Contact for feesRing of Kerry
Four courses set in the extraordinary Ring of Kerry landscape — Dooks Golf Links (Est. 1889) on Dingle Bay, Ring of Kerry GC at Templenoe, Maine Valley in Killorglin and Beaufort near Killarney. Drive the Ring between rounds.
4 courses · From €60Dingle Peninsula
Ceann Sibéal (Dingle Golf Links) occupies the far tip of the Dingle Peninsula — the most westerly course in Ireland, with Blasket Island views and Eddie Hackett's most remote design. Combining this with a trip around the Slea Head Drive is unforgettable.
1 course · Contact for feesGolf + Stay in Kerry
Pre-built packages combining 2–3 rounds across Kerry's finest courses with hotel and country house accommodation. Killarney, Kenmare and Ring of Kerry packages available.
View Packages →Where to Stay
Hotels & Resorts Near Kerry Golf
From 5-star lakeside hotels to luxurious country house lodges — handpicked accommodation within easy reach of Kerry's world-class courses
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
★★★★★Aghadoe, Killarney, Co. Kerry
⛳ 3 min from Killarney Golf & Fishing ClubPerched above the Lakes of Killarney with panoramic views, this 5-star hotel is the premier base for Kerry golf. Direct access to Killeen and Mahony's Point courses. Spa, pool and award-winning restaurant.
Killarney Park Hotel
★★★★★Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry
⛳ 5 min from Killarney Golf & Fishing ClubCentral Killarney 5-star with elegant rooms, award-winning Park Restaurant and a welcoming atmosphere that has made it a favourite with visiting golfers for decades.
Sheen Falls Lodge
★★★★★Kenmare, Co. Kerry
⛳ 4 min from Ring of Kerry Golf ClubRelais & Châteaux country house hotel set beside the cascading Sheen waterfalls. 5-star luxury, Michelin-starred La Cascade restaurant, and arrangements for tee times at Ring of Kerry Golf Club and Kenmare Golf Club.
The Brehon Hotel & Spa
★★★★Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
⛳ 10 min from Killarney Golf & Fishing ClubPopular 4-star with a golf-focused ethos — the Brehon has dedicated golf drying rooms and strong relationships with Killarney, Beaufort and Dooks. Great base for exploring multiple Kerry courses across a long weekend.
Ballygarry House Hotel
★★★★Tralee, Co. Kerry
⛳ 15 min from Tralee Golf ClubAward-winning 4-star country house hotel on the edge of Tralee. Ideal base for Tralee Golf Club and within 90 minutes of Ballybunion. The Tara Restaurant is one of Kerry's finest dining rooms.
Waterville Lake Hotel
★★★★Waterville, Co. Kerry
⛳ Adjacent to Waterville Golf LinksRight beside Waterville Golf Links — the obvious choice for a Waterville golf break. Views over Lough Currane, relaxed atmosphere and a warm Kerry welcome. Ideal for multi-day Waterville and Ring of Kerry courses.
Prices shown are indicative from rates. Always confirm current prices when booking. See Golf + Stay packages →
Golf Breaks
Kerry Golf + Stay Packages
Pre-planned 2 and 3-night breaks — world-class courses, luxury hotels and the Kingdom of Kerry in one
Killarney Golf Weekend
2 nights B&B at a quality Killarney hotel with 2 rounds at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. Choose Killeen (championship course, Irish Open host) and Mahony's Point (lakeside masterpiece). Two very different experiences from the same club.
- 2 nights B&B (4/5-star Killarney hotel)
- Round on Killeen Course (Irish Open host)
- Round on Mahony's Point Course
- Booking support from GolfKerry.ie
per person (indicative)
View PackageThe Kerry Links Trail
3 nights at a 4 or 5-star Kerry hotel with 3 rounds across the Kingdom's finest links — Waterville, Tralee and Dooks. Three very different links experiences in three days, with the Ring of Kerry as your backdrop on every transfer.
- 3 nights B&B (hotel of your choice)
- Round at Waterville Golf Links
- Round at Tralee Golf Club (Arnold Palmer)
- Round at Dooks Golf Links (Est. 1889)
- Full Irish breakfast each morning
per person (indicative)
Book This PackagePackage prices are indicative. Contact resorts directly for current pricing and availability. See all packages →
Where to Eat & Drink
Best Restaurants & Pubs Near Kerry Golf
From legendary seafood bars to traditional Kerry pubs — great food and drink within reach of every course
The Laurels Pub
Main Street, Killarney
A Killarney institution run by the O'Leary family for four generations. Traditional tiled floors, beamed ceilings and a roaring fire — the perfect place to debrief after a round at Killarney Golf Club. Popular with visiting golfers.
⛳ 5 min from Killarney Golf & Fishing ClubQuinlan's Seafood Bar
High Street, Killarney
The freshest fish in Kerry — Quinlan's own boats fish from Renard and Caherciveen, with the catch going straight to the kitchen. Scallops, wild mussels, crab claws and outstanding fish and chips. A Kerry essential.
⛳ 5 min from Killarney Golf ClubNo. 35 Kenmare
Main Street, Kenmare
Kenmare is one of Ireland's great food towns, and No. 35 is among its finest tables. Locally sourced Kerry lamb, seafood from the Kenmare Bay estuary and an excellent wine list. Essential booking after a round at Ring of Kerry GC or Kenmare Golf Club.
⛳ 5 min from Kenmare GC & Ring of Kerry GCThe Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant
Main Street, Kenmare
Relaxed Kenmare pub with excellent food — Kerry lamb, local seafood and a great pint. The perfect casual dinner option after a day on the Ring of Kerry golf courses, with a warm welcome and local knowledge.
⛳ 10 min from Ring of Kerry Golf ClubMurphy's Ice Cream
Strand Street, Dingle
Ireland's most celebrated artisan ice cream, made in Dingle with Kerry cow milk. Brown bread, sea salt, Dingle Gin and other distinctive flavours. A post-round Ceann Sibéal tradition for every Kerry golf visitor.
⛳ 20 min from Ceann Sibéal Golf LinksBenners Hotel Restaurant
Main Street, Dingle
A Dingle landmark with a traditional bar and good dining — warm and welcoming after a windswept round at Ceann Sibéal. Kerry seafood, local produce and a proper Irish hotel atmosphere.
⛳ 20 min from Ceann Sibéal Golf LinksThings to Do
Kerry Attractions for Golf Visitors
County Kerry is one of Ireland's richest counties for scenery, heritage and adventure — pair your golf with some extraordinary experiences
Ring of Kerry
179km of dramatic Atlantic coastline, mountain passes, charming villages and four golf courses
The Ring of Kerry is one of Europe's great scenic drives — clockwise from Killarney via Kenmare, Waterville, Caherciveen and Glenbeigh back to Killorglin. Golf courses at Dooks, Waterville, Kenmare and Ring of Kerry GC sit directly on the route. Allow a full day to drive and stop at viewpoints.
Killarney National Park
100,000 acres of mountains, lakes and ancient oak woodland — adjacent to Killarney Golf Club
Ireland's first national park is right beside the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club fairways. Walk the shores of Lough Leane, visit Muckross House (Victorian mansion), take a jaunting car to Ross Castle, or drive to Ladies View (the panoramic viewpoint Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting found so breathtaking they lingered there).
Skellig Michael
6th-century monastery on a sea rock 12km off the Kerry coast — UNESCO World Heritage and Star Wars location
Skellig Michael rises 218m above the Atlantic and is home to one of the world's most remarkable early Christian monastic settlements. Boat trips run from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs (subject to weather — book well in advance). Also the filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. An unforgettable Kerry experience.
Gap of Dunloe
Dramatic glacial mountain pass through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks — Kerry's most spectacular inland landscape
The Gap of Dunloe runs north–south between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain, accessible only on foot, bicycle, horseback or jaunting car. Start at Kate Kearney's Cottage and walk through to Black Valley — 11km of breathtaking scenery that no golfer visiting Killarney should miss.
Muckross House & Gardens
Victorian mansion in Killarney National Park with world-class gardens and traditional Kerry craft demonstrations
Built in 1843 and set overlooking Muckross Lake, this magnificent Victorian house features period furnishings, skilled craft workers and fine art. The formal gardens are outstanding in late spring. A 20-minute walk from Killarney Golf & Fishing Club through the National Park.
Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive
Ireland's most westerly peninsula — ancient standing stones, beehive huts, Blasket Islands and Ceann Sibéal Golf Links
The Dingle Peninsula is one of Europe's richest archaeological landscapes — over 2,000 pre-Christian monuments in 50km. Drive the Slea Head loop past Dunbeg Promontory Fort, the Fahan beehive huts, and the Blasket Island visitor centre. Combine with a round at Ceann Sibéal Golf Links for the ultimate remote Kerry experience.
Golf Blog
Kerry Golf Guides & Planning
Expert course guides, itineraries and insider tips for your Kerry golf trip
The 5 Best Golf Courses in Kerry — Ranked for 2026
From Ballybunion's legendary Old Course to Waterville's Atlantic wilderness and Tralee's Palmer drama — our definitive ranking of Kerry's finest, with honest guidance on who each course suits and how to book.
Read the guide →When is the Best Time to Play Golf in Kerry?
Kerry's Atlantic climate means year-round golf — but the links play very differently in each season. Month by month, we explain when to go for the best conditions, lowest green fees and fewest crowds.
Read the guide →The Perfect Kerry Golf Weekend — 3 Days, 3 Rounds
Waterville on day one, Tralee or Dooks on day two, Killarney Killeen to finish — our expert-planned 3-day Kerry golf itinerary, with accommodation recommendations, dining stops and the best route between courses.
Read the itinerary →FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Golf in Kerry
How many golf courses are there in County Kerry?
County Kerry has more than 30 golf courses, including some of the finest links in the world. The headline courses — Ballybunion Old, Waterville Golf Links, Tralee Golf Club (Arnold Palmer design) and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club — are world-class destinations in their own right. Kerry also offers the remote links of Ceann Sibéal (Dingle) on the westernmost tip of Ireland, the classic Dooks Golf Links on the Ring of Kerry, and a range of excellent parkland and heathland courses.
What are the best golf courses in Kerry?
Our top-rated Kerry courses are Ballybunion Golf Club Old Course (world top 20, Tom Watson's favourite, €400–€450 per round), Waterville Golf Links (Eddie Hackett/Tom Fazio, 7,349 yards, €150+), Tralee Golf Club (Arnold Palmer's first European course), Killarney Golf & Fishing Club's Killeen Course (six Irish Opens host), and Dooks Golf Links (Est. 1889, outstanding Ring of Kerry setting). See our full ranking guide for detailed analysis.
What are the green fees at Ballybunion?
Ballybunion Old Course green fees in 2026 run from approximately €400 (mid-season April) to €450 per person (high season May–September). The Cashen Course is less expensive — contact the club directly for combined rates. Visitors must book well in advance (often a year or more for peak season). A valid handicap certificate is required and at least one caddie or fore-caddie per group is mandatory. Call +353 68 27146 or email reservations@ballybuniongolfclub.ie.
How far is Killarney from the main Kerry golf courses?
Killarney is the ideal base for a Kerry golf trip. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is 3km from Killarney town centre. Beaufort is 10 minutes. Dooks Golf Links is 40 minutes. Waterville is 60 minutes. Tralee Golf Club is 30 minutes. Kenmare and Ring of Kerry Golf Club are 30–35 minutes south. Ballybunion is about 90 minutes north. Ceann Sibéal on the Dingle Peninsula is 70 minutes.
Do I need a handicap certificate to play golf in Kerry?
Handicap requirements vary by course. Ballybunion Old Course, Waterville Golf Links and Tralee Golf Club all require a valid handicap certificate. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club (Killeen and Mahony's Point) also requires one. The parkland courses — Kenmare, Beaufort, Maine Valley and Killarney Lackabane (9-hole) — generally welcome all visitors without a handicap requirement. Dooks Golf Links requires a handicap certificate.
What is the best time of year to play golf in Kerry?
The prime season runs from April to October. May, June, September and October are ideal — the courses are in excellent condition and the Atlantic light at its most spectacular. July and August are warmest but busiest. Kerry links can be challenging in strong westerly winds at any time of year — which is part of their character. Green fees drop significantly November–March. See our seasonal guide for full detail.
Are there Golf + Stay packages available in Kerry?
Yes — Kerry has outstanding golf and hotel packages. Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa (5-star, Killarney) offers packages including rounds at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare has arrangements for Ring of Kerry GC and Kenmare Golf Club. The Brehon Hotel in Killarney specialises in golf packages. Waterville Lake Hotel is right beside Waterville Golf Links. See our Golf + Stay page for current packages.
What tourist attractions are near Kerry golf courses?
Kerry is one of Ireland's richest counties for sightseeing. Killarney National Park (100,000 acres) is adjacent to Killarney Golf Club. The Ring of Kerry scenic drive (179km) passes near Dooks, Waterville, Kenmare and Ring of Kerry Golf Club. Skellig Michael (UNESCO World Heritage, Star Wars location) is a boat trip from Portmagee. The Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House, Ladies View and the Dingle Peninsula are all close to multiple courses. See our full attractions guide →
Free Kerry Golf Guide
Sign up for our complete Kerry Golf Guide — green fees, course maps, booking tips and exclusive seasonal deals for Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee and Killarney.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time. Your data is never shared.
Is your golf club or business in Kerry?
Get featured on GolfKerry.ie and reach thousands of golfers planning their Kerry visit. Course profiles, restaurant listings, accommodation and transport.