West Barrow, Ardfert,
nr Tralee, Co. Kerry
Office
+353 (0)66 713 6379Pro shop
+353 (0)66 713 6379Fax
+353 (0)66 713 6008Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
David Power (Head PGA Professional)Academy
The Academy at Tralee GCThe Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Arnold Palmer designed the course at Tralee's current Barrow location (1984).
52.300441
-9.858479
13 km W of Tralee / 47 km NW of Killarney.
From the centre of Tralee take the R551 direction Ballybunion/Fenit (R558). After 3.6 km turn left, direction Fenit R558. After 4.7 km turn right at sign Church Hill/Tralee GC. After 4.6 km turn left at Tralee GC sign and continue alongside the estuary. After 1.6 km golf is on your right.
Tralee
Tralee Golf Club: With ever-present and ever-changing views of Tralee Bay, pristine sandy beaches and beautiful Barrow Harbour, this is a scenic golf course not to be missed. Part clifftop parkland, part duneland links, the layout itself is constantly in danger of being overshadowed by its wonderfully natural, historic and inspiring habitat. Arnold Palmer's design ultimately delivers a memorable golfing experience, but it's the scenery that will probably linger longest in your memory.
Tralee's front-nine loop is predominantly an open clifftop layout. Parts of it are relatively flat or gently rolling, with plenty of dry-stone walling separating the holes. The Sliabh Mish mountains can be seen to the south, while several holes overlook Barrow Harbour (known as "the Randy"), a small estuary that provided a haven for smugglers in earlier times. Ancient forts guarding either side of the harbour add further detail to this highly photogenic scene.
On the back-nine loop, the course transforms into full-blooded duneland links. Here the holes thread their way through impressively large sandhills. Each hole opens up a new golfing challenge, while also offering panoramic views of the bay and stunning Banna Strand (beach). There's considerably more undulation in the dunes, as you'll discover at the long uphill par-5 11th (Palmer's Peak). Also noteworthy is the par-3 13th (Brock's Hollow), with a tee-to-green carry over an Irish "grassy grand canyon."
Arnie's kingly creation by the sea at Tralee may not tick all the boxes of a world-class layout, but much of the drama and adventure lies in the surrounding environment ... dramatic, breathtakingly beautiful and humbling.
Visitors welcome on weekdays (excluding Weds); no visitors at weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, special packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Caddies available (book in advance). Golf carts available for hire only on medical grounds.
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The current site at Barrow is the fourth permanent location for Tralee Golf Club, which was established in 1896. The earlier courses, nearer to Tralee itself, suffered badly in the winter, often becoming water-logged and making play impossible. The current course can be played all year round.
In 1968 the beach running alongside the second hole was used in the film Ryan's Daughter, in which John Mills, Trevor Howard, Robert Mitchum and Sarah Miles all starred.
The tower behind the 3rd green dates from the 13th century, while the ruins of a castle seen across Barrow Harbour date from the 12th century. Note: Barrow Country House located close to the golf is not operating as a guest house anymore (even if it does look an idyllic place to stay!).
Ireland's 12th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 61st best course (Golf World, 2024).
Oakpark, Tralee, Co Kerry
+353 (0)66 718 0444
Visit websiteThe Meadowlands Hotel is a 4-star family run hotel, which maintains a traditional quality. Tralee comes alive in the locally renowned Johnny Frank’s Bar, with its feature open fire, cascading staircase leading to the Library and the many traditional music sessions.
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Tralee
Ballyheige, Co.Kerry
+353 (0)66 713 3102
Visit websiteSet in the North Kerry village of Ballyheigue on the Atlantic seaboard, which boasts one of Ireland's best blue flag beaches. The White Sands Hotel combines the friendliness and warmth of a family run hotel with professional service and comfort of modern facilities.
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Tralee
Ballybunion (Old and Cashen courses)
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