Play our choice of the best 18 holes on the Wild Atlantic Way
Doonbeg is without doubt the best opening hole on the Wild Atlantic Way. An elevated tee has you staring down a dune lined hole to a green in the distance. The towering dunes create a truly magical amphitheater effect around the putting surface. Take time to admire the Atlantic Ocean which roars to your left. Globally recognised as a beauty.
The second hole in Portsalon is an absolute classic with long carries and stunning views. An elevated tee has you driving across a beach and a river that flows to the sea. Careful positioning is required as your second shot also requires you to carry the same river. Consistently voted the best second hole in Ireland.
The back 9 is Tralee is often heralded as the best in the country. However there are also some great holes on the opening 9. The 3rd at Tralee is our choice for our Wild Atlantic Way list. The green sits delightfully on top of the rocks in front of the round tower. The scenery beyond is stunning.
Of all the courses on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Old Head undoubtedly has the biggest ‘wow’ factor. The views will simply blow your mind. The ‘Razor’s Edge’ 4th hole is a classic. Playing along the cliff edge towards the lighthouse in the distance. Absolutely exhilarating and recognised the world over.
Ballyliffin boasts 2 of the best courses in the country … The Old Course and Glashedy. The stunning 5th on Glashedy makes our list. This hits straight out towards the sea with Glashedy Rock in the background. The green is slightly below , which enhances the views even further.
Recently celebrated its 125th birthday, Lahinch Golf Course is a must play for all serious golfers. The thrilling 6th would mount a serious challenge for the best hole in Ireland. Surrounded by dunes, a blindish drive sets up a tough second shot towards the Atlantic Ocean. Watch out for the hollow!!
Take your camera … the walk from the first green to the second tee opens up some of the most stunning scenery on the island. The long 7th hole is a classic links hole requiring a careful drive through a narrow channel of punishing dunes. This aerial view of the course is a taster of what you will experience at Dooks.
Donegal Golf Club sits on the Murvagh peninsula and it is a links masterpiece. Playing over 7,000 yards with five par 5’s … the 8th is the pick of the bunch. This hole has everything … dunes and sea views to the right, a tilting fairway, a hollow, a drop , rough in front of the green and a bunker.
There is a stretch of holes from 7 to 15 which would rival any in the country for sheer quality and breathtaking views. The 9th hole is a gem. A long par 4 with the sea to your right which will test any golfer. Unlikely that you will get closer to the sea on any course on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Rosapenna is blessed with 2 great golf courses … Old Tom Morris and the newer Sandy Hills. The 10th on Sandy Hills is a great par 4. A carefully placed drive to the bottom of the dunes sets you up for your second to a green well above you. The 6th hole is another cracker.
Perhaps the most famous golf hole on the Wild Atlantic Way. Known all over the world as Tom Watson’s favourite , the 11th is quite possibly the signature hole of the entire country. An elevated tee, a steep drop to a second fairway and a narrow approach to the green . Great views over the Atlantic to the right.
The course sits on Galway Bay and offers amazing views along the Wild Atlantic Way. The 12th is a long dog-leg requiring precision off the tee. The second shot requires a fearless approach over water to a green which is perfectly placed with Galway Bay in the background.
Enjoy the stunning views as you drive to the course. Connemara is set on beautiful and rugged landscape. Playing over 200 yards, the 13th is an absolute beauty. Never mind the feeling of isolation as you stand on the tee, think about the chasm and bunkers you have to clear to hit a sloping green.
Prepare to be mesmerised. Carne is one of the true hidden gems of Irish golf .. unspoilt and rugged. This is a remote course with so many great golf holes. It is also home to some of the largest dunes you are likely to experience on a golf course. The 14th stands out for its quality, remoteness and stunning ocean views.
The 15th is an uphill dog-leg that requires precision off the tee to avoid the dunes. However , it is the second shot that makes this a great hole as you hit straight towards a flag that appears to hang in the sky. Knocknarea mountain looms in the background.
Enniscrone has everything a great links course requires .. mesmerising fairways, huge dunes, thrilling blind shots and beautiful views. The 16th is truly a great golfing hole set between the dunes and the ocean. A precise approach is required to an elevated dune framed green.
Set on Rosses Point, this is a glorious links course with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the mighty Ben Bulben ever present on the other. Spoiled for choice with many great holes, the 17th is the pick of the bunch. It starts on flatter ground and rises to an amphitheater green to your left.
There are many great closing holes on the Wild Atlantic Way but the 18th at Waterville gets our vote. Try not to be distracted by the amazing mountain and sea views as you head back towards the clubhouse. The 18th is a long straight finishing hole beside the sea.
All images supplied courtesy of each golf course and all image rights reside with the individual courses.