Kilrush Golf Club

I’ve been fortunate to play some of Ireland’s best-known courses on this trip—Tralee, Ballybunion, Doonbeg and Lahinch were all on the itinerary. But in between, I wanted to experience a local course, something off the beaten path. That’s how I ended up at Kilrush Golf Club, and let me tell you—what a pleasant surprise.

This is a proper parkland course, the kind of place that rewards smart golf while still giving you opportunities to take on a little risk. The **greens are excellent**, rolling pure and quick enough to reward a confident stroke. I’ve played a lot of courses where the greens let the course down—this is not one of them.

Kilrush has some really outstanding holes. The par-3 9th is a beauty, and then you hit the 10th—a short par 4 that’s technically driveable, if you’re willing to take it over the trees. I gave it a go but came up short (too much left), while my playing partner pulled it off and nearly rolled in an eagle putt.

Then there’s the par-4 11th, the toughest hole on the course and for good reason. Off the tee, if you go left, you’ll have a nightmare of a second shot into a raised green over water. Go right, and you’ll have a longer approach but at least a clear look. Either way, you’ve got to carry the water to get home. That whole stretch from 9 through 12 is just fantastic golf—strategic, challenging, and exactly what you want from a quality parkland layout.

Other highlights? The long par-4 3rd, which plays straight into the wind and feels every bit as tough as the Index suggests. The par-5 7th is quirky and unique with a near 90-degree dogleg—you won’t see many like it. And then there’s the closing run of 16, 17, and 18, which provided plenty of drama for our fourball. There’s trouble lurking on all three holes—we found plenty of it—but it made for an exciting finish.

After the round, we kicked back in the clubhouse, where the food was excellent and the Guinness was as good as anywhere I’ve had it in Ireland (which is saying something). The members and staff were incredibly welcoming, and it just felt like a genuine, down-to-earth place to play golf.

I don’t know why more people don’t talk about Kilrush—it’s an absolute gem. If you’re in the area, take a break from the big-name courses and give it a go. You won’t regret it.

The grass was very long on the fairways but I think this was because the course was very wet. Sadly this made for disappointing golf because there was no run. However, some of the holes, notably in the middle if the course, were really interesting. We'd booked a fairly early tee time so there was no one about when we arrived. The greens man let us use his buggy and when we approached the 9th Green the pro was waiting for us and apologised for not being there when we arrived. All in all I think the course, in better conditions, would be interesting and enjoyable. Take note of the par 3 ninth!!

Very helpful when I arrived.

Course in good condition

Weather perfect

Cracking course, very friendly staff and members who made us extremely welcome, would recommend anyone to check out this little gem. It was so good we played it 3 times.

Very helpful staff and members, course very interesting and some tricky holes which make you think. Quite hilly but good for our holiday golf. Good food available afterwards, very friendly and affordable.

Very nice course had best score ever!!! There were 3 women ahead of us they were so friendly and welcoming to their club which you just knew they were very proud of. Club house was very nice food and service was excellent. The course and facilities are a credit to the members as th mens captain told us they have only one paid staff member everthing is done voluntarily by the members.

We stumbled upon this parkland course having played both Lahinch & Donbeg the previous two days. This was a lot cheaper than those two courses (understandably, they are championship courses after all), however we thoroughly enjoyed the different challenge that this tidy parkland presented us. The fairways are undulating and while they appear generous there is a lot of trouble left and right on most holes if you aren't hitting it straight. The greens were a pleasant change to the glass like greens we had played in Donbeg & Lahinch. We were actually able to make some birdies here! And we had more fun here than anywhere else on our golfing trip in Ireland, and that's what golf should be right? Fun! Not torture! If you are in West Clare to play the famous links courses for a few days I'd highly recommend this as a nice change of pace.

Lovely course, plenty of fairway for beginner golfers. Greens aren’t amazing but still okay and there’s only bunkers on a couple of holes but very enjoyable course. People are very friendly out there.

Kilrush Golf course is a brilliant golf course. On the wild Atlantic way the proximity to coast and the coastal winds offer a great challenge to most golfers. Always in great condition. Fabulous clubhouse and restaurant to relax after. Its a must play on your holidays