- Galway Bay Golf Resort: Located in Oranmore, this 18-hole par-72 links-style course (7,100 yards), designed by Christy O’Connor Jr. in 1993, is set against Galway Bay with views of the Clare Hills. Its inland-links design features rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and wind-influenced play, a challenging yet accessible experience. Visitors praise its stunning coastal scenery, modern clubhouse, and proximity to Galway City (10 minutes), making it ideal for golfing breaks. The 14th hole, a 165-yard par-3. This picturesque hole plays to a green surrounded by water and bunkers, with Galway Bay as a backdrop. The wind and scenic beauty make it a memorable challenge.
- Connemara Golf Links: Situated in Ballyconneely, this 27-hole links complex, with the 18-hole A-B Course (7,055 yards, par-72) as the centerpiece, was designed by Eddie Hackett in 1973. Located between the Atlantic and Connemara’s Twelve Bens, it features rugged dunes, firm greens, and breathtaking coastal views. Ranked among Ireland’s top links, it’s lauded for its wild beauty, challenging back nine, and welcoming atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking an authentic links experience. The 13th hole, a 200-yard par-3. Played from an elevated tee to a green perched above the Atlantic, this hole demands precision amid swirling winds and stunning ocean views, making it a standout for its drama and scenery.
- Galway Golf Club: Founded in 1895 in Salthill, this 18-hole par-70 parkland course (5,897 yards), redesigned by Eddie Hackett, is set against Galway Bay with views of the Burren and Aran Islands. Its tree-lined fairways, small greens, and coastal breezes provide a classic challenge. Visitors enjoy its historic charm, proximity to Galway City (5 minutes), and friendly clubhouse, making it a favourite for urban golf outings. The 17th hole, a 165-yard par-3. This scenic hole requires a tee shot to a green framed by bunkers and the bay, with wind and views of the Clare Hills adding to its allure. Its beauty and precision demand are notable.
- Bearna Golf & Country Club: Located in Bearna, this 18-hole par-72 parkland course (6,174 yards), designed by Robert J. Browne in 1996, is set amid Connemara’s rugged landscape with granite outcrops and views of Galway Bay. Its tight fairways and water hazards test accuracy, while its scenic setting and welcoming atmosphere appeal to visitors. The club’s proximity to Galway City (10 minutes) makes it a convenient stop for tourists. The 12th hole, a 155-yard par-3. This hole plays to an elevated green surrounded by granite rocks and bunkers, with panoramic bay views. Its unique terrain and scenic challenge make it memorable.
- Athenry Golf Club: Situated in Oranmore, Athenry is an 18-hole par-70 parkland course (5,997 yards), established in 1902 and redesigned in 1991. Set in rolling countryside, it features tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and well-maintained greens, a balanced challenge for all skill levels. Visitors appreciate its tranquil setting, affordability, and friendly clubhouse, ideal for a relaxed golfing experience near Galway City (15 minutes). The 15th hole, a 380-yard par-4. This dogleg right requires a strategic drive to avoid trees and a precise approach to a green guarded by water, with the countryside backdrop adding charm. Its tactical design stands out.
- Oughterard Golf Club: Located near Lough Corrib in Oughterard, this 18-hole par-71 parkland course (6,000 yards), founded in 1974, is known for its scenic beauty, with water features and views of Connemara’s hills. Its tight fairways and small greens challenge accuracy, while its welcoming atmosphere and affordable rates attract visitors. The club’s proximity to Connemara’s attractions makes it a great stop for golfing tourists. The 9th hole, a 150-yard par-3. This hole requires a tee shot over a lake to a green framed by trees, with Lough Corrib in the distance. Its scenic beauty and precision demand make it a highlight.
County Galway:
Ireland’s county Galway offers a delightful mix of cultural heritage and coastal beauty, with Galway City’s Latin Quarter showcasing historic streets and traditional music venues. The Connemara National Park provides hiking trails through rugged mountains and bogs, while the Aran Islands offer ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa. Other favourite stop is ithe Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian gardens and coastal cliffs. Galway is Ireland’s second largest county by size (5,939 sq km) and fifth largest by population (277,737). Population peaked at 440,198 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 148,340 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Galway is Ireland’s third most visited tourist county with around 1,028,000 international visitors per year.
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