The 5 Best Golf Courses in Galway
With so many golf courses in town, there’s no better time than now to play some golf! But if you’re unsure of where to go, you’re in luck!
In today’s article, we’ve combed through the entire city and handpicked a unique list of the best golf courses in Galway.
We’ve prepared a feature-by-feature breakdown to help you decide which course is for you. So, let’s begin!
How much do golf courses charge?
Most golf courses actually have annual membership fees. This entitles members to full use of the golf course along with the club’s other amenities.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are the annual adult membership fees of the entries on our list:
The Best Golf Courses in Galway
To make sure that you’re spoiled for choice, we’ve handcrafted this list according to the following criteria:
Now that we’ve got everything settled, here are our entries:
1. Galway Golf Club
Course quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Special services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Value | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Amenities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
A part of the Top 50 Best Hidden Gems Golf Courses in Europe, the Galway Golf Club has been hosting golfers since 1985.
This course boasts a Championship Standard 18-hole Parkland Course that runs 5,974 meters long. It’s also home to lush greenery that’ll give you a spectacular view and test your skills, too.
The only downside of having a golf course situated by the coast is that it can get a bit windy, which may affect your performance.
Speaking of skills, if you’re in need of any assistance or advice, they have resident PGA professionals, David Mortimer and his team, to give you a hand.
We definitely found this impressive as they have an on-site team ready to give pointers and advice throughout your visit and game. We think this will surely prove useful for beginners.
Their other golfing facilities include a swing room, short game practice area, range and driving nets, and so on. So, we have to give it to them in terms of giving you a worthwhile golfing experience.
Did we mention that they also offer junior golf? This is great for parents seeking to get their kids involved in a sport or maybe even join competitions, too.
To make things convenient for their members, they have an online tee booking system. This way, the course won’t be too crowded and you’re given ample time to play, too.
However, you will have to share the course with members and visitors which can get difficult when it’s golfing season.
But if you’re not playing, you can relax at their bar and dining hall where they offer complimentary WiFi and fireside dining. We hear that their menu has a wide selection of roasts, fish, and salads that are made from local ingredients.
Pros
- Part of the Top 50 Best Hidden Gems Golf Courses in Europe
- Championship Standard 18-hole Parkland Course
- Has resident PGA professionals
- Offers junior golf
- Online tee booking available
- Open daily
Cons
- Can get quite windy since it’s located by the coast
- You may experience booking difficulties due to popularity
Customer reviews
A pleasure to play
“This course is always a pleasure to play, as it is maintained in really great condition all year round. The club restaurant and bar are also top notch. Well done Galway GC!!” -Joe Geoghegan
Incredibly well-groomed course
“An incredibly well groomed course. It’s an absolute credit to the club. A bit old-school with the whole ‘non members eat in the restaurant, not the bar’ but as far as golf goes it’s beautiful. Green fees reasonable enough for visitors.” -Nigel Kelly
2. Glenlo Abbey Golf Club
Course quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Special services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Amenities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
The Glenlo Abbey Golf Club’s 9-hole Parkland golf course was originally designed by Christy O Connor Junior. Since they have quite a few holes, this course is definitely more palatable for those playing a short round.
Aside from that, they also have a 21-bay driving range – 9 covered and 12 outdoor. Here, beginners and advanced players alike are free to practice their swings in an open area.
This is actually the largest driving range in all of West Ireland. Hence, we do suggest getting some pre-game practice here.
It’s worth noting that their driving range isn’t open until the afternoon on weekdays. This may be a cause for concern for players who prefer playing early in the morning.
Did we mention that they also have an on-site golf shop? The Glenlo Abbey Golf – Pro Shop is stocked with the finest branded balls, tees, gloves, and so on.
If you don’t have golfing gear of your own, you can rent Titleist golf clubs along with push trolleys, buggies, and more to make your golfing experience a lot more fun.
Speaking of, we think it’s great that they offer private and group golf lessons which are taught by Gary Madden and Brian O’Reilly, both seasoned golfers with a stellar track record.
If you’re looking to take your children with you, they also offer junior golf. Though they don’t elaborate much on this, it’s still worth inquiring if your kid’s a complete beginner or looking to hone their skills.
To add, we also like the convenience of having an online tee booking system. This way, schedules are organized and you won’t be crowded with a ton of other players.
Pros
- Open daily
- Has an on-site golf shop
- Offers private and group golf lessons taught by Gary Madden and Brian O’Reilly
- Offers junior golf
- Online tee booking available
Cons
- Has only 9 holes
- Driving range isn’t open until the afternoon on weekdays
Customer reviews
Such a well-maintained golf course
“Such a well maintained golf course. They take great care to make sure it is in great shape and it shows from the tee deck to the greens. The views are fantastic. To keep a level playing field with my ratings the 4/5 stars is just reflective of a smaller and insignificant pro shop + it’s only a 9 hole. Otherwise perfect.” -Brock Deighton
Driving range is great
“I really like to play here a lot, only 9 hole course here, driving range is great as well. I really like the hotel and the good in their. It’s need some maintenance after rain, very muddy on some spots. Very nice layout and live to my expectations. Pro shop is nice as well. Will try to become member here for sure.” -Nikunj Sakhrelia
3. Bearna Golf Club
Course quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Special services | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Amenities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
If you’re up for a challenge, this golf course is a unique character accomplished in 1996 and built on 250-acres of land.
The 18-hole Parkland golf course is approximately 6,900 yards. So, if you’re an avid golfer, you’ll definitely enjoy taking your time going through this course.
Golfers that we’ve gotten in touch with have raved about how they enjoy the unique layout of several holes. So, we definitely think that this course will have you rethinking your strategy which is a great way to practice if you ask us.
However, if you’re not one for a challenge, you may want to consider the other courses on our list instead.
Did we mention that they also have in-house annual competitions? We think this is a fun way to show off your skills and maybe even win a prize.
We also like that you can book a tee time via their website. This way, the course won’t be too crowded with golfers at a specific time.
We should warn you that the wildlife is abundant here, so don’t be surprised if you see a few foxes, hares, and so on.
What you should keep an eye out for is the water that could be a hazard while playing. This is because they’re known to encounter drainage problems.
On a brighter note, you can cap off the day by having a hearty meal at their clubhouse which we hear is pretty good.
Pros
- Standard 18-hole Parkland Course
- Open daily
- Online tee booking available
Cons
- Course has drainage issues
- Challenging golf course
Customer reviews
The layout is fantastic
“My group played Bearna as a warmup to an Ireland “trip of a lifetime”, and it was a worthy test. The layout is fantastic. Challenging holes, very unique, and several holes that I would consider some of the best we played in Ireland. The staff was friendly and very accommodating. Definitely would like to come back some day!” -John Rowan
Course has been exceptional
“All the excellent work on the course in recent years by Pat and his team has really paid dividends. This year the course has been exceptional. It is one of the best courses in Connaught. The views and the wildlife alone are worth the green fees. It is challenging and enjoyable and not overcrowded.” -Sean Smyth
4. Oughterard Golf Club
Course quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Special services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Amenities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Measuring approximately 6,400 yards, the Oughterard Golf Club is an 18-hole Parkland golf course that will test your skill as it has a number of water features, sand bunkers, and more to keep you on your toes.
Since this course is a bit challenging, it may be more palatable for golfers who are looking to hone their skills. Even so, we still think it’s worth trying out all 18-holes since it’s still a fun way to practice your swing.
We were just a bit concerned about the windiness since the course is located by the shore of Lough Corrib. So, this could definitely affect your performance if the gust of wind is quite strong.
On a brighter note, we like that they have their own online tee booking system as it ensures that the course won’t be crowded with players at a given time.
After a few games, you can enjoy and relax at the clubhouse which also houses the Castle Restaurant. We hear it has lovely food and excellent service.
Aside from that, they also have a pro shop full of golfing gear such as apparel, clubs, shoes, and more. We think this is pretty convenient if you’re looking to start collecting.
Speaking of clubs, you can also rent clubs for both right and lefthanded players. We think this is a great convenience for visitors simply trying it out as they won’t have to bring their own equipment.
We were a bit bummed that they close quite early – 6 PM on weekdays and 7 PM on weekends. Hence, if you enjoy playing golf at night, you may want to check out our other entries instead.
Pros
- Standard 18-hole Parkland Course
- Open daily
- Online tee booking available
- Has an on-site golf shop
Cons
- Challenging golf course
- Closes early
- Can get quite windy since it’s located by the shore
Customer reviews
Best course by far I have played
“Best course by far I have played in the west of Ireland. I am speechless at the quality and presentation of this fabulous course. What a challenge and I am surprised that the club has never hosted a major competition. Great welcome from the professional and club house staff. Food and service was excellent. A wonderful experience and would recommend you visit this unfound treasure.” -Patrick Ryder
Very well maintained, highly varied
“We played the course last august and really liked it! It is very well maintened, highly varied, we received a warm welcome from all staff and the price is so reasonable for the quality of the course compare to our french courses…what more could we ask for??!! We had planned to travel to others golf courses but liked it so much that we finally played there quite every day during our 2 weeks stay in Oughterard!” -Isabelle Piat
5. Connemara Championship Golf Links
Course quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Special services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Connemara Championship Golf Links is a multi-award-winning golf course whose most noteworthy feature would be that it boasts a 27-hole championship link course.
If you’re curious to see what each of their holes looks like, you can check out their aerial tour here. This way, you can get an idea of what’s in store for you and maybe think of ways to approach the hole.
This immaculate isolated course is surrounded by the magnificent 12 Bens Mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. So, can surely expect that you’ll be playing with a beautiful view.
Even with a view, it’s worth noting that this course is known as one of the toughest ones out there. So, be prepared to sweat a bit while you’re out there.
Speaking of the course, the ground is quite flat all throughout. Even so, it’s still quite rough with rocks littered everywhere, which can be a bother for some when trying to position themselves.
You can easily book a tee online via their website by simply logging in to your membership account. We like the convenience that this offers since you can book a slot any time, anywhere.
But here’s the hitch: they’re only open until 6 PM daily, which is definitely a bummer for those who enjoy playing in the evenings.
If you don’t have equipment of your own, you can rent some at their pro shop. Aside from clubs and pull trolleys, you can also rent a buggy and even hire a caddy to make your experience more worthwhile.
Did we mention that they also have shower rooms and lockers? We appreciate these amenities as it’s another added level of convenience for players.
After freshening up, you can head to their restaurant and bar which serves a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pros
- 27-hole Parkland course
- Open daily
- Online tee booking available
- Has an on-site golf shop
- Has shower rooms and lockers
Cons
- Challenging golf course
- Closes early
Customer reviews
An enjoyable experience not to be missed
“Connemara golf links played as part of our Irish tour, course, greens and fairways in great condition. An enjoyable experience not to be missed. Even playable from the rough.” -Paul Evans
Layout is great and it’s much fun to play
“In a nutshell: staff at the pro shop and restaurant was very welcoming and supportive, exceptional! The course was well maintained and it’s fun to play. Fairways are mainly generous, plenty of bunkers. With wind it can be a tough test due to the open terrain of the course (not many dunes to hide). The layout is great and it’s much fun to play, we certainly would play it again!” -Markus Ortlieb
FAQs About Golf
That ends our list of the best golf courses in Galway! We hope that we were able to make your search a whole lot easier.
Say, if you’re looking to hone more skills or build new hobbies, check out our recommendations here: