Ballybunion (Old Course)
Tom Watson's favourite — towering dunes, ocean-edge par 4s, and a back nine that lives in golf folklore.
About this course
Ranked among the top 20 courses in the world. The Old Course tumbles through gigantic dunes above the Atlantic with several greens perched at the cliff edge.
- Next tee times released
- February 2027
- Booking window
- 6-12 months in advance
- How to book
- Online
- Deposit
- 50%
Estimates based on prior seasons — confirm directly with the club.
Golfers say Ballybunion's Old Course is defined by its wild, tumbling dunes and the sheer uniqueness of each hole. It tests every shot, with its infamous opening holes often prompting a quick re-assessment of one's game. Visitors consistently praise its challenging yet immensely rewarding character and the truly authentic links experience it delivers in a remote, captivating setting.
AI summary of common visitor sentiment
Location
Amenities
- ✓buggies
- ✓caddies
- ✓pro shop
- ✓clubhouse
Weather & best time to play
May–September offer the driest weather, longest daylight, and firmest fairways. Shoulder months can deliver bargains and an empty links to yourself.
Nearby in Kerry
Best paired with
Add one of these to make a great two- or three-day trip — all within a short drive of Ballybunion (Old Course).
From our guides
What a round actually costs
Verified 6 Aug 2026sourceEvery rate below was read off Ballybunion (Old Course)'s own published fee sheet — not estimated, not averaged.
Morning tee times Mon–Fri only; weekends are members' play. At least one caddie per group is expected.
Same conditions as high season at a €50 saving.
One round on each course, per person.
Ballybunion (Old Course) does not publish a separate rate for Irish affiliated (GUI / ILGF) golfers — the visitor rate above is what an international and a home-based golfer both pay. It is still worth asking about society, resident and off-peak rates when you ring the office; several clubs hold unpublished ones. Caddie fees, buggies and club hire are charged on top of every rate shown.