The Irish Atlantic coast is home to some of the largest and most formidable dunes seen on links land anywhere and the Old Course at Ballybunion uses these large dunes and ruthless bunkering to provide an unyielding test of skill and endurance to challenge the ambitious golfer. Such is its majesty that it made Tom Watson quip “nobody can call himself a golfer unless he has played at Ballybunion; you would think the game originated there” after winning the Open Championship at Royal Troon in 1982. 

 

The Old Course offers a unique golfing experience and 'Ireland Old Lady' is today considered to be one of the world's finest links courses. Beautifully contoured fairways tumble down through a blanket of grassy dunes wasting no space on weak holes. Golfers enjoy gloriously green hills, rolling sandhills, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic as they are pushed to their limits on the Old Course. It was ranked as the seventh best course outside United States by Golf Digest in 2005.