Ballybunion Golf Club

I played both courses in Sept 2003. Cashen is a bit tougher than Old with some great holes but it is the Old Course I came for. Wonderful linkscourse without a weakness. On the first hole You look over the cemetery and hope taht You avoid it with the teeshot. On the second hole the dunes come into play. The third commemorates on ef the great players of golf, i. e. Payne Stewart who aced the hole. This but a slowstart for the great finishing 12 holes where number 11 is one the best known holes in the world. Perfect conditions, friendly staff, good food - good value for money!

After all the hype you tend to expect a lot whenyou roll up at Ballybunion - and you are not disappointed. If there are 36 holes of better golf in the world I'd like to play them. The old course gives you a chance in the first 6 holes but gets far tougher from the 7th onwards. An unforgettable back 9, with 10,11,15,16,17 & 18 all great holes. In perfect condition - you couldn't ask for more. We played the Cashen course the same day and didn't expect too much after the old course but what a shock! The Cashen is far more dramatic with it's changes in elevation and huge dunes and craters. Not quite as subtle as the old course but only the first couple of holes disappoint. It gets far better from the 3rd on and there's a great mix of holes throughout. Great par 3s, short thinking par 4's and some great par 5s where you can wield the big dog! An unforgettable experience - play both courses if you can.

Great course. Both the Old and Cashen were wonderful. I believe that you need a caddie to play these courses to have any real success. The elevations are remarkable. Unlike the US, you need someone to help you figure yardage. We needed someone, other than our own eyes, to help with the short game. This is a must play when in Ireland.

This is my most favorite course in the world.I have played it twice now and would play it everyday if I could.Every hole is a challenge and has wonderful views.The people are the most freindly and Outgoing.Also reccomend a caddy.They will at worst help with lost balls.

Ballybunion Old was voted one of the Top 2 courses our group played (along w/ Royal County Down) and it is a true gem, with good golf, great views, knowledgeable caddies, a great experience. The 2nd, along with the 11 and 12 are the most memorable, but it will definitely be revisited on my next trip over. The Cashen course was much better than any reviews showed, and while it is a difficult course to walk, it is also one of Ireland's most scenic with tremendous views. The Dunes are absolutely huge and I higly recommend playing it in the evening as the shadows envelop the course and accentuate the tremendous contours. There are several holes that are unique to anything I have ever experienced.

This course is a must if you are golfing in Ireland,it gives a whole new meaning to the game but i promise you will enjoy it. Splash out on a caddie for the day they know how to play the course.

The old course was my first linkscourse. I played for 5 before coming here. Golf got a complete new meaning. It was a real experience playing here. The Old Course is great and tough. Everybody wants to play it. The new course is just as great but not that well known. It is a test of your golf.