About Connemara Golf Links Voted Best Links Course in Connaught 2013, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2025 by Golfers Guide to Ireland, this 27 holes Championship Links course situated along the majestic west coast of Connemara, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and 12 Bens Mountain range was designed by Eddie Hackett and opened in June 1973. This beautiful isolated links course is a testament to the vision of her founders and in the short years since, it has become established as one of the finest links in the country. Truly natural, with the unique addition of a rugged, rocky landscape with breathtaking view on every hole is a challenge to all. An additional 9 holes designed by Eddie Hackett and Tom Craddock were introduced in 2000. A true gem to be discovered and enjoyed, this is not only the Number #1 course in Galway but also the only links course and played host to the Men's Irish Amateur Close Championship in 2013 and the Womens Irish Amateur Close in 2023.
The A9 begins by the sea with a testing 381 yard dog leg opening hole, while the second opens the horizon to the big sky above the Twelve Bens. The B9 with the trademark elevated greens and long fairways have been described by 8 time major winner Tom Watson as “A true Championship Links Course. The elevated greens on the back nine are spectacular”. The C9 are breathtaking, with the opening holes touching the coastline. Here you will need to use every club in the bag with great precision, but you are rewarded by some of the most amazing holes on the course.
The wild sea and countryside surrounding the course provides majestic scenery, serenity and indeed history. The Spanish Armada ran aground here in 1588, the Spanish horses on board bred with the native stock, creating the Connemara Pony, many of them can be seen in the fields surrounding the course. Alcock & Brown flew over the site with the intention to land after their first transatlantic crossing but decided instead to land 5km away at the Marconi Station in Derrigimlagh, a signature point along the Wild Atlantic Way. That flight was re-enacted on 2–3 July 2005, by American adventurer Steve Fossett and co-pilot Mark Rebholz, they landed on the 8th fairway were many a golfer has failed to land a ball!! At Connemara Golf Links there is more than golf, you are embraced by nature, Hares spring across the fairway, sky larks sing, swallows swoop often leading a golfer to a lost ball while swans elegantly grace the many lake nearby.
Standards are set high off the course also, the club house is modern and well equipped boasting a restaurant, bar, showers, locker rooms and a very well stocked Proshop. We rent golf clubs, pull trolleys and buggies (Golf Carts), caddies are available advanced booking required, we also stock many leading clothing brands. There are putting and practise areas, tuition is available with our resident PGA Pro. Hugh O’Neill.
Once the golf is over our catering department can ensure you are wined and dined. Offering a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the finest local produce, mouth watering homemade desserts and breathtaking views of the course and Atlantic Ocean, you can even catch up with friends by availing of the Free Wi-Fi.
So please come along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy one of its most unique experiences, we are open all year round, but remember be prepared, the beauty of Connemara Golf Links is the unpredictable weather!