
Old Course
Ballybunion Golf Club




About this course
Ballybunion's Old Course is where Irish links golf discovered its global stage, a raw, untamed landscape sculpted by wind, sea, and the occasional grazing sheep. Designed in 1893 by a local, the course was later refined by Tom Simpson, whose design acumen brought out the best in the wild dunes, and has remained relatively untouched since. Its terrain is not for the faint of heart; blind shots abound, fairways tilt and tumble, and the wind is ever-present, demanding creative shot-making and a keen understanding of trajectory. The Old Course isn’t defined by championships, but by the experience. It has, however, hosted the prestigious Murphy’s Irish Open in 2000, adding to its rich history. Its reputation isn’t built on tournament pedigree, but rather on the purity of its challenge and the unparalleled beauty of its setting on the coast of County Kerry. Beyond the golf, Ballybunion thrives on an unpretentious, welcoming spirit. The clubhouse hums with stories of heroic rounds and near misses, fueled by hearty Irish fare and the camaraderie of golfers who understand the singular joy of battling a true links course. One notable member anecdote involves a local caddie who, upon seeing a golfer facing a particularly daunting shot, simply advised, "Just hit it towards God."
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in Ireland
Best in Kerry
Quick facts
- Location
- Ballybunion, Kerry, IE
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1893
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Tom Simpson
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,802 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.5/131
- Course Vaults score
- 9.3
Getting there
The journey to Ballybunion Golf Club begins at Shannon Airport, just over an hour's drive to the southwest through the rolling farmland and hedgerow-lined roads of County Limerick and into Kerry. The route gradually sheds its pastoral gentleness as you approach the Atlantic coast, where the air turns sharp with salt and the landscape opens to reveal the wild, windswept character of Ireland's western edge. The final approach into the village of Ballybunion is unassuming - a quiet seaside town that gives little hint of the dramatic duneland waiting just beyond - until the road crests and the links suddenly reveal themselves, tumbling across towering sandhills that plunge straight into the churning gray-green waters of the Shannon Estuary.

FAQ
Common questions about Old at Ballybunion Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old at Ballybunion Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 9.3 out of 10 based on 169 logged golfers.
Old was designed by Tom Simpson.
Yes. Old at Ballybunion Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Old is 71.
Old plays 6,802 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old is 131.



