From a wild Atlantic links where Tom Watson raved about the back nine, to a forest course where the deer wander the fairways, County Galway packs in some of the most spectacular golf in Ireland. Whether you’re a 2-handicapper or a Sunday hacker, here are the best golf courses in Galway – the Journal’s pick of where to tee it up, with links straight to each club so you can book.
1. Connemara Championship Golf Links, Ballyconneely
The big one. Squeezed between the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic, Connemara is Galway’s only true links and is widely seen as the toughest test in the county. Designed by the legendary Eddie Hackett and founded in 1973, it grew to 27 holes in the early 2000s and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023.
The par-72 championship course stretches well over 7,000 yards off the back tees, and it hosted the Irish Amateur Championship in 2013. Tom Watson’s verdict? “A true championship links, the back 9 are spectacular.”
Website: connemaragolflinks.com
2. Golf at The Hawthorn (formerly Galway Bay Golf), Oranmore
Designed by Galway’s own Ryder Cup hero Christy O’Connor Jnr and opened in 1993, the course at Renville on the shores of Galway Bay has had a major makeover. Ahead of the opening of the five-star Hawthorn by Galway Bay hotel, the club removed 59 bunkers and cut its total bunker area by around 70%, swapping big parkland traps for smaller pot bunkers.
It’s a par-72 that stretches past 7,300 yards from the back tees, with sweeping views over the bay – and now a 114-room five-star hotel on site if you want to make a weekend of it.
Website: thehawthornhotel.ie
3. Galway Golf Club, Salthill
A hidden gem with serious pedigree. Galway Golf Club dates back to 1895, and its current layout at Blackrock was routed in the mid-1920s by none other than Alister MacKenzie – the man behind Augusta National. Gorse, mature pines and views across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands make it one of the prettiest parkland tracks in the west.
Look out for the tunnel that takes you under the coast road between the opening holes and the rest of the course. Both Christy O’Connor Snr and Christy O’Connor Jnr honed their games here.
Website: galwaygolf.com
4. Bearna Golf & Country Club, Bearna
Carved out of rugged Connemara moorland of granite, bog, gorse and heather just a few kilometres outside the city, Bearna is a par-72 designed by Bobby Browne. On a clear day the views stretch across Galway Bay to the Burren and the Aran Islands. Accuracy matters – stray off the fairway and the Connemara landscape will swallow your ball.
The club’s clubhouse has a lively social side too – read how Samhain came alive at Bearna Golf Club this year.
Website: bearnagolfclub.com
5. Oughterard Golf Club, Oughterard
Known as the garden course of Connacht, Oughterard is a par-70 parkland course established in 1974, lined with mature native oak, hazel and birch. It sits in a peaceful spot between Lough Corrib and the Connemara mountains on the N59 – perfect for a relaxed round that still asks plenty of questions.
Website: oughterardgolfclub.com
6. Portumna Golf Club, Portumna
Down in east Galway, where the River Shannon flows into Lough Derg, Portumna’s 18 holes weave through Portumna Forest Park. Mature tree-lined fairways and the resident fallow deer make it one of the most atmospheric parkland courses in the country – it’s regularly described as a hidden gem of Irish golf.
Website: portumnagolfclub.ie
7. Connemara Isles Golf Club, Leitir Móir
For something completely different, head to Eanach Mheáin in the Connemara Gaeltacht. Reached by a causeway at Béal an Daingin, this nine-hole island links was laid out in 1993 by Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy, with ocean inlets and rocky outcrops as natural hazards. After your round, warm up by the turf fire in what is billed as the only thatched clubhouse in Ireland.
The club was put on the market earlier this year with a €1.25 million asking price, according to estate agent Lisney – so if you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own golf course, here’s your chance.
Website: Connemara Isles Golf Club on Facebook
Tips for playing golf in Galway
- Book ahead: most clubs take online tee bookings, and the big names fill up in summer.
- Check green fees directly: prices change by season and day, so always confirm with the club.
- Pack for four seasons: especially at Connemara and Bearna, where the Atlantic wind can change everything.
- Stay over: combine Connemara with a night in Clifden, or make a weekend of it at The Hawthorn.
Planning a weekend in the west? See our weekend what’s-on guide.
This is the Connemara Journal’s own selection. Course details are taken from the clubs, Discover Ireland, Galway Tourism, IAGTO and Golfbreaks. Always check with the club before you travel.
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