Quick Answer: For a west of Ireland golf trip, fly into Shannon if you can, base yourself in two locations (Clare and Kerry work well), limit long drives on playing days, book tee times at the famous links well in advance, and arrange transport that has room for every golf bag. The best weather is usually from May to September, though links courses are playable much of the year.
The Atlantic coast of Ireland is home to some of the most celebrated links golf in the world. With a little planning, you can play several famous courses in a week without spending your holiday in a car. Here is how to put a trip together.
Step 1: Choose the Right Airport
Shannon Airport is the natural gateway for golf in Clare, Limerick and north Kerry. Adare Manor is around 35 minutes away, Lahinch around 50 minutes and Ballybunion under two hours. If there are no suitable Shannon flights, Dublin works too, but allow two and a half to three hours to reach the west. Kerry Airport is ideal for Killarney and the Ring of Kerry courses, and Cork Airport suits Old Head and the south coast.
Not sure which to choose? Read our comparison of Shannon vs Dublin Airport.
Step 2: Group Your Courses by Region
Distances on the map can be deceptive, as many roads along the coast are narrow and winding. Grouping courses by area keeps travel time down.
County Clare
Lahinch and Doonbeg are the headline links, both within about an hour of Shannon. Ennis, the Clare coast or Shannon itself make convenient bases.
County Limerick
Adare Manor is a short drive from Shannon Airport and works well at the start or end of a trip.
County Kerry
Ballybunion and Tralee sit in north Kerry, while Waterville is on the Ring of Kerry. Killarney or Tralee are popular bases, and Killarney also has its own well-known parkland courses.
County Cork
Old Head near Kinsale is a spectacular clifftop course and fits naturally into a trip that starts or ends at Cork Airport.
Step 3: Build a Realistic Itinerary
- Plan one round per day, with an occasional rest or sightseeing day.
- Avoid long transfers on the same day as an early tee time.
- Change base only once or twice a week to reduce packing and unpacking.
- Keep the arrival day free or play somewhere close to the airport.
A simple week might be: arrive at Shannon and stay in Clare for Lahinch and Doonbeg, transfer to Kerry for Ballybunion, Tralee and Waterville, then finish at Adare before flying home.
Step 4: Book Tee Times Early
The most famous links courses are in demand, especially in summer. Book tee times as soon as your dates are fixed, check visitor days and times, and ask whether a handicap certificate is required, as some clubs request one. Caddies can often be arranged through the club and add a great deal to the experience on unfamiliar links.
Step 5: When to Go
May to September brings the longest days and the most settled weather, and is the busiest period. April and October can offer quieter courses and good value, with more changeable conditions. Whatever the month, pack waterproofs and layers, as the Atlantic weather can change quickly.
Step 6: Sort Out Transport
Transport is where many golf trips go wrong. A standard hire car rarely fits four players and four full golf bags, and someone always ends up as the designated driver. Narrow coastal roads after an early start or a long lunch are not much fun either.
A dedicated chauffeur solves all of this. Your driver plans pickups around your tee times, waits or returns when your round finishes, and everyone can enjoy the clubhouse. Our golf chauffeur service uses Mercedes vehicles with space for players, bags and luggage, from a V-Class for a four-ball to a Sprinter for golf societies.
Step 7: Plan for Non-Golfers and Rest Days
If partners or friends are travelling who do not play, the west of Ireland has plenty to offer: the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Killarney National Park. A private chauffeur tour is an easy way to fill a rest day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airport for a golf trip to the west of Ireland?
Shannon is the most convenient for Clare, Limerick and north Kerry. Kerry Airport suits Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, and Cork suits Old Head and the south coast.
How many courses can I play in a week?
Five or six rounds is comfortable for most groups, leaving time for travel and one rest day.
Do I need a handicap certificate?
Some clubs ask visitors for proof of handicap. Check each club’s visitor policy when booking your tee time.
How do we transport golf bags between courses?
Choose a vehicle sized for your group and bags. A chauffeur-driven V-Class suits a four-ball, and a Sprinter suits larger groups.
Start Planning Your Golf Trip
Tell us your dates, courses and group size through our online booking form and we will put together a transport plan, from Shannon Airport or Kerry Airport to the first tee.