West of Ireland Golf Tour

A links gem for those who thrill to new discoveries. It has already attracted the attention of golfers the world over.

Carne lies in the towering sand dunes of the Atlantic coast of Erris overlooking Blacksod Bay, the legendary Inis Geidhe and Inis Gluaire islands and dramatic Achill Island.

Has every imaginable test a sand dune terrain can throw. It’s unashamedly tough, exposed and long, but thrilling all the way.

The par 72 is rarely achieved on this most challenging Atlantic links. This could be explained perhaps by the invigorating air and breathtaking scenery, but is more probably due to the immensity of the last six holes. Greens set high in the hillside on the 14th and 15th can be unnerving, particularly after playing the most testing short 13th! Take time, however, to marvel at the splendid scenic backdrop of the Twelve Bens, etched against the skyline, or Ballyconneely Bay, dusted with pure, white sand.

Another of Ireland’s great west coast links where the sound of the Atlantic surf in Killala Bay is a steadfast accompaniment to the golf round.

Eddie Hackett designed the course and has created a series of interesting holes which will encourage the use of a variation of clubs. An enticing hole is the 10th, where the golfer meets a birdie opportunity from the scenic, elevated tee, yet the drive calls for an accurate hit and is not for the faint hearted.

Lahinch, with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways and rolling greens is the perfect natural golfing terrain – a true links.

The original course design work by old Tom Morris was later improved upon by Alistar MacKenzie. The feature holes include the long 5th known as the “Klondyke”, with a completely blind second shot over a dune which straddles the fairway . This hole is followed by the “Dell”, the 156 yards par three 6th, which requires another blind shot to reach the green.