Tucked away in the rolling countryside of County Wexford, just south of Carlow and a little over an hour’s drive from Dublin, Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club is one of Ireland’s most delightful inland golfing experiences. While Ireland is rightly famous for its dramatic coastal links, places like Bunclody prove that great golf here isn’t just about dunes and ocean breezes. Sometimes, the magic lies in a perfectly framed parkland hole, the quiet of a riverbank, and the simple pleasure of a well-struck iron shot echoing through the trees.
This was my first visit to the estate even though, around 17 years ago, I was interviewed for the position of General Manager here. At that time, the course was in the process of being finalised and the clubhouse was under construction. I wasn’t successful and didn’t get to see the project. Now, I finally get to see and experience it in all it’s glory.
Setting the Tone
From the moment you turn into the estate, you feel that you are heading towards something a bit special. The road meanders through mature woodland. Don’t get distracted though as you need to watch out for the three large oaks in the middle of the road. They have built the road around them to preserve the trees rather than remove them.
Bunclody feels welcoming. Set on the banks of the River Slaney and adjacent to the charming town of Bunclody itself, the course weaves beautifully through the forest, open meadows, and along the water’s edge. It’s a tranquil setting — relaxing yet filled with just enough anticipation to get the heart beating on the 1st tee.
The Course
Designed by Jeff Howes and opened in 2009, the course at Bunclody has matured wonderfully. It stretches just under 7,100 yards from the back tees, but multiple tee options ensure it’s enjoyable for players of all levels with yardages ranging from 5581 yards to the championship tees. We chose to play from white tees at 6697 yards. As always, choose the tees that best suit your game and handicap.
We have chosen to feature the 2nd, 4th and 5th holes on the front nine and the 14th, 15th and 18th holes on the back nine. If you have played here you might choose different holes as your favourites and that’s fine. Your opinions are as valid as mine.
Our second shot to the 2nd green
The second hole is a tough par 4 and is stroke index 2. It measures 450 yards and you have to avoid the bunkers in the landing area. Our drive finished just short of the one on the right and we still had over 200 yards into a small green with water waiting if we went left or long. We were short and right but had a straight forward chip shot and managed to make a par. Happy Days!
Sand Everywhere
The 4th hole
There are plenty of bunkers on the 4th hole waiting to catch an errant drive or a wayward second shot. At 372 yards, it was into the breeze so was a bit more of a challenge. If you ignore the visuals, the landing area on the fairway is quite wide. A decent drive left us a medium iron to the green. We managed to hit the green and two putt for another par.
The tough but beautiful par 3 5th hole
For us, the 5th was the pick of the holes on the front nine. At 208 yards, it’s difficult par 3. The pond on the right cuts in at the front of the green so left is the safe play. It was a 5 wood for us and we tugged it left of the green. We had a 25 yard pitch over 10 yards of rough onto the putting surface. Our shot left us with a 10 foot putt for par which we duly rolled in. Pars on each of our featured holes. Apart from the 3rd and the 6th holes, we parred all the others on the front nine.
The Back Nine
The 14th hole
Standing on the 14th tee, it was difficult to select what club to hit. The hole is 180 yards long, it plays downhill but the breeze was swirling through the trees making club selection difficult. We eventually settled on a 5 iron and hit a nice shot onto the green. Two putts later and we had secured another par.
The Signature Hole
Can we avoid that single tree?
The 15th is Bunclody’s signature hole. It’s a par 4 of 407 yards. There’s trees right and left with a single tree in the fairway that must be avoided. Our drive went left of the tree and left us with 170 yards to the green. There is a burn that runs across the fairway and up the left side of the green. We hit our second shot slightly fat and came up short of the putting surface. A poor chip left us with too much to do and we ended up with a bogey.
The view of our second shot to the 18th hole
The last hole is a downhill par 5 of 506 yards. To be honest we didn’t hit our best tee shot so the green was out of reach. We decided to hit a 3 wood and proceeded to top it. This left us with 160 yards into the green with the water lurking on the left. We hit our best 7 iron of the day into 15 feet and holed it for a birdie. Not the most conventional way to do it but a fitting end to a great day. We actually finished birdie, birdie so we headed to the clubhouse to celebrate with a Guinness.
Johnny, me and Niall on the last green
Thank you to Bunclody members Niall and Johnny who invited us to join them after 6 holes of our round. We really appreciated the invite and it was fantastic to get a local perspective on the club, course and the food in the clubhouse. Thanks again guys.
Wonderful Food and Service
The clubhouse Photo credit Bunclody G & F Club
Off the course, the experience is just as enjoyable. The modern clubhouse is friendly and well-equipped. The lounge and function room on the first floor has a wrap around balcony which is perfect for al fresco dining on a sunny day. We chose to eat in the bar and Kelly, the clubhouse manager and her staff were excellent.
Our Sunday Roast
Both Sandra and I had the Sunday Roast, which was beef. It was superb. Just what we need after a round of golf and before we headed off to our accommodation. It was washed down by the obligatory pint of Guinness and was the perfect end to an awesome experience. Whether you’re visiting as part of a golf trip along Ireland’s East Coast or just escaping Dublin for a day, Bunclody is a brilliant choice.
In Our Opinion
We really enjoyed our round at Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club. The course is set in 300 acres of mature woodland and there is plenty of variety in the layout. The course was in wonderful condition and the greens were a perfect pace, a little quicker than the links greens we had played on over the last week or so.
In short, Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club combines championship-calibre golf with the charm and quiet beauty of inland Ireland. It’s challenging without being punishing, scenic without distraction, and always welcoming. For golfers who appreciate well-crafted holes and serene surroundings, this is a course that delivers time and again.
Where to Stay
Clody Lodge
We stayed just a couple of hundred yards from the entrance to the golf club at Clody Lodge. The lodge is a ten bedroomed boutique accommodation over three floors. Don’t worry, there is a lift so you don’t have to carry all your gear up three flights if you are on the top floor. The rooms are large and spacious with everything you need for an overnight stay.
Extra bed in case we fall out…..
In our bathroom there was a shower and a bath which was perfect to soak in after a two and a half hour drive followed by 18 holes and a roast dinner. The hotel is room only so no breakfast is offered. There are plenty of local establishments who offer breakfast, whether that coffee and pastries or the full Irish Fry. It was perfect for us as we had the 80 minute drive up to Dublin next, and a lunch date with friends.
Thank You
Thank you to Bunclody’s General Manager Caroline Dunne for hosting us. Thanks also to Gary McLean, the PGA Professional who gave me tips on how to play the course. I probably should have listened more and taken his advice. Thanks again to Kelly and the clubhouse staff for their attentive service before and after our round.
Thanks are also due to Charlie Meyler at Clody Lodge for looking after us. We highly recommend staying here if you are visiting the local area or here for golf.
At a Glance
- 18 hole championship parkland course set in mature woodland
- Driving range, short game area and putting green
- Large well stocked proshop
- Large comfortable clubhouse with welcoming staff
- Buggies available
- 80 minutes south of Dublin City Centre
- Visit the Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club website here
- Visit the Clody Lodge website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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