Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen Course
A world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr. links masterpiece carved through towering dunes, offering dramatic coastal views and a true test of golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal weather
Ballybunion Golf Club Cashen Course
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr. links masterpiece carved through towering dunes, offering dramatic coastal views and a true test of golf.
"For my money, on the shortlist for greatest course in the world. A personal favorite."
Consider a Caddie
Navigating the dunes and winds is easier with a local caddie. Tipping is customary and appreciated! :moneybag:
Book Tee Times in Advance
This is a world-renowned course; book your tee time months ahead to secure your spot. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Dunes
Throughout the course
Towering sand dunes create a dramatic and challenging landscape, offering breathtaking views and a true links golf test.
Par 3 16th Hole
Hole 16
A stunning par 3 with panoramic coastal views, often cited as one of the most picturesque holes in golf.
Challenging Layout
Entire course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Cashen Course offers a strategic test with its natural hazards and demanding greens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time Early
Embrace the Links Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Consider a Caddie
Navigating the dunes and winds is easier with a local caddie. Tipping is customary and appreciated! :moneybag:
Book Tee Times in Advance
This is a world-renowned course; book your tee time months ahead to secure your spot. :calendar:
Prepare for Wind
Expect challenging winds typical of links golf. Adjust your strategy and club selection accordingly. :windblowingface:
Enjoy the Views
Take moments to soak in the stunning coastal scenery between shots. It's part of the unforgettable experience. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Consider a Caddie
Navigating the dunes and winds is easier with a local caddie. Tipping is customary and appreciated! :moneybag:
Book Tee Times in Advance
This is a world-renowned course; book your tee time months ahead to secure your spot. :calendar:
Prepare for Wind
Expect challenging winds typical of links golf. Adjust your strategy and club selection accordingly. :windblowingface:
Enjoy the Views
Take moments to soak in the stunning coastal scenery between shots. It's part of the unforgettable experience. :camerawithflash:
Check Rental Clubs
If renting clubs, confirm availability and type well in advance, especially for left-handed players. :golf_cart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ballybunion's Cashen Course is widely lauded for its magnificent, challenging links golf set amidst dramatic dunes and coastal scenery. Visitors rave about the exceptional service, immaculate course conditions, and the unforgettable experience. However, some have expressed disappointment with the availability and quality of rental clubs, particularly for left-handed players.
"Every golf destination should use Ballybunion as a template for what quality service looks like. I was greeted and spoken to by name from the front entrance, the practice facilities were the best I’ve ever encountered, and the light breakfast before my round was impeccable. The round itself was in its own league, inexplicably beautiful property made even more enjoyable by the guidance and general chit chat with my caddy, Morris. Amazing lunch menu and well poured Guinness. Worth coming from Australia just for today, thanks to all the staff involved."
Michael Ayton
"My favourite, some amazing holes, 11th/16th, great par 3s, putted off the greens on one, hybrid putting off the green a few times, good food and drinks and friendly staff, like the nice touch of the golf card folder souvenir"
Boon wee KUAH
"It’s hard to describe the size of the dunes. They are magnificent. The course is big but playable. Beautiful scenery. Wonderful golf holes. For my money, on the shortlist for greatest course in the world. A personal favorite."
Niko Rafailidis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ballybunion Golf Club is located in County Kerry, Ireland. The nearest major airports are Shannon (SNN) and Kerry (KIR). From the airports, you can rent a car or arrange for private transfer. Driving is the most common way to reach the course, offering scenic views along the Wild Atlantic Way.
While direct public transport to the golf club itself can be limited, you can take buses to the town of Ballybunion from larger towns like Tralee or Listowel. From Ballybunion town, a short taxi ride will get you to the course.
Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility when visiting multiple golf courses in County Kerry, including Ballybunion. This allows you to explore at your own pace and easily access different locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees for the Cashen Course vary by season and time of day. It's best to check the official Ballybunion Golf Club website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tee time. Expect it to be a premium green fee for this renowned course.
Absolutely. The Cashen Course is a highly sought-after golf destination. Booking your tee time well in advance, often months ahead, is essential to guarantee your play.
The club typically opens early in the morning to accommodate tee times and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly.
Yes, Ballybunion Golf Club has a dress code. Generally, collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, and golf shoes are required. Denim and sportswear like tracksuits are usually not permitted.
Discounts are sometimes available for twilight play or during the off-season. Package deals that include accommodation or rounds on both the Old and Cashen Courses might also offer savings. Inquire directly with the club or your tour operator.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is known for its dramatic dune-scape and challenging layout. The Old Course is more traditional and often considered more iconic, but the Cashen offers a unique and equally memorable links experience. Many visitors enjoy playing both.
The Cashen Course is a challenging links test and can be demanding for beginners due to its natural hazards, wind, and undulating terrain. However, with a caddie and a focus on enjoying the experience, it's still a rewarding round for golfers of all levels.
Ballybunion Golf Club boasts excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas. These are well-maintained and provide a great opportunity to warm up before your round.
Yes, golf club rentals are available. However, it's crucial to book these in advance and specify any particular needs (like left-handed clubs), as availability can be limited and specific requests may not always be met.
Caddies are available and highly recommended for the Cashen Course. They provide invaluable local knowledge, help with club selection, and enhance the overall experience. Booking a caddie in advance is advised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The clubhouse offers a restaurant and bar with a menu that includes light breakfasts and hearty lunches. Enjoying a meal and a pint of Guinness after your round is a classic Irish golf experience.
Yes, the clubhouse provides excellent food and drinks. Many visitors praise the quality of the meals and the friendly service, making it a perfect way to cap off a day of golf.
The town of Ballybunion itself has several pubs and restaurants offering local cuisine. These are a short drive or a pleasant walk from the golf club, providing alternative dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic coastal scenery, especially from elevated tees and greens, offers stunning photographic moments. The 16th hole is particularly famous for its breathtaking views.
Yes, there are many scenic spots to pause for photos. The course design allows for great vantage points. Just be mindful of pace of play and other golfers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the course or distant views. Most smartphone cameras will also capture excellent shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If younger children are accompanying golfers, ensure they are comfortable with the potentially long days and the rugged terrain. The clubhouse offers a good place for them to relax while the golfers are out on the course. Remember to book any rental clubs well in advance, especially if you have left-handed players in your group, to avoid disappointment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for a shared caddie or playing without one (if you're an experienced links golfer) can save money. Also, consider package deals that bundle green fees with accommodation, as these can sometimes offer better value than booking separately. Packing snacks and water can also help reduce on-course spending.
💍 Couples & Golfing Getaways
Consider booking a 'play and stay' package that includes accommodation at a nearby hotel, such as The Cliff House Hotel or Listowel Arms. This simplifies planning and often provides a more seamless experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the golf and the beautiful surroundings of County Kerry.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Robert Trent Jones Sr. Design
The course is a true test of links golf, demanding strategic thinking and accurate ball-striking. Its defining features are the massive, natural dunes that shape the fairways and greens, creating a unique and often intimidating playing environment. The wind is a constant factor, requiring players to adapt their game and choose their shots wisely.
Many holes offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the 16th hole, a par 3, being a particular highlight. The sheer scale of the dunes and the dramatic elevation changes make the Cashen Course an unforgettable golfing adventure, often ranked among the best in the world for its raw, natural beauty and challenging design.
+1Navigating the Dunes: Caddies and Strategy
Reddit discussions often highlight the benefit of having a caddie. They can help you read the greens, suggest the right club for the conditions, and even offer a bit of local humor to ease the pressure. The cost of a caddie is an additional expense, but many golfers feel it significantly enhances their enjoyment and understanding of the course, making it well worth the investment.
When planning your round, consider the wind direction and strength. Playing into the wind requires a lower, more controlled shot, while playing downwind might call for a more aggressive approach. Understanding how the course is laid out within the dunes is also key; sometimes the best line of play isn't immediately obvious from the tee.
The Ballybunion Experience: Beyond the Golf
The club's facilities are top-notch, including excellent practice areas that allow you to hone your game before stepping onto the course. The clubhouse offers a welcoming atmosphere for post-round reflection, with a good selection of food and drinks. Enjoying a meal and a pint of Guinness while recounting the day's triumphs and challenges is a quintessential part of the Ballybunion tradition.
While the golf is the primary draw, the stunning natural beauty of the area, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, adds another layer to the experience. The dramatic coastal vistas and the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean provide a memorable backdrop to your golfing adventure.
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