Straddling the edge of Europe’s rugged western frontier, Connemara Golf Links—often simply called Connemara Links by locals—lures golf travelers into an unforgettable coastal adventure. Nestled near Clifden amid the looming Twelve Bens mountain range, this sprawling 27-hole championship links is a true standout on the Wild Atlantic Way, delivering panoramic vistas, challenging layouts, and a soul-stirring connection with Ireland’s untamed landscape.
Rugged Scenery & Authentic Links Feel
From the moment you leave Clifden and drive out to the course, it’s clear: this is not just another golf offering. The land is wild—rock-studded and windswept, opening up to sea and sky and feels, dare I say it, bleak and desolate. However, what awaits you when you arrive, is well worth the journey, no matter how far you have travelled.
Our route from Sligo to Connemara Golf Links
Even though it’s only 116 miles, our journey took 3 hours. The roads on our route were varied, from wide two lane to narrow country roads with passing places. Our route took us through Connemara National Park, a protected area that covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands in County Galway. It’s a scenic drive which will keep you on your toes, with tourist busses, trucks and camper vans a plenty.
Connemara Golf Links was designed by Eddie Hackett in 1973 and later expanded by Tom Craddock, Connemara Links thrives on its simplicity and authenticity. There’s no pretence here—just honest golf shaped by nature. However, that two lines of explanation is not the whole story of how the links came into existence, for that I highly recommend you click on the history link at the end of this article.
The Championship Links
We played the championship links which has five sets of tees ranging from 5514 yards to 6999 yards. We chose to play from the white tees at a sporty 6728 yards. As always, choose the tees that best suit your game. On reflection, maybe the yellow tees at 6338 yards might have been the wiser choice, especially in the strong breeze. Hey Ho, hindsight is a wonderful thing….
Our Favourite Holes
If you are familiar with our articles, we normally choose three holes on each nine to feature. This article is no different as we have selected holes 3, 6 and 9 on the front nine and holes 14, 15 and 17 on the back nine.
The 3rd hole
At 162 yards, the 3rd hole a visually appealing par 3. The water and the rocky outcrop in the background give the hole a sense of drama. In reality, if you avoid the bunkers, and don’t go long, it is a straightforward par 3. It was a solid 7 iron for us into the middle of the green and an easy two putt.
The 6th hole
At 188 yards, and into the wind, the 6th is a strong uphill par 3. We went down the shaft on a 5 wood and hit one of our best shots of the day, into 10 feet.
Our 10 footer for birdie on the 6th
Unfortunately, our birdie putt slipped by on the left. It was a relatively easy par on a tricky hole, all due to our solid tee shot with the right club for us, which held its line in the wind. Golf is easy when you hit good shots, the challenge is to do it regularly…
Reaching the Turn
The 9th hole
The 9th hole is a medium length par 4 of 381 yards. We selected this hole as it was beautifully framed by the rough, the water on one side and the clubhouse on the other. That and it’s a big sky photo. The line off the tee is down the right side. It was into the wind for us and was a solid drive followed by a 6 iron!! Not the longest hole but definitely a challenge.
The Back Nine Challenge
There are a number of holes on the back nine that we could have chosen to feature. Holes 10, 11, 13 and 18 deserve an honourable mention but we went with 14, 15 and 17.
The par 5 14th hole
At just under 500 yards, the 14th isn’t the longest par 5 at Connemara, but we think it’s best visually. From the elevated tee, you see the hole stretch out in front of you. The out of bound on the right shouldn’t really be in play as you have plenty of room left. The fairway bunkers however are in play.
If you hit the fairway, you then have a choice. Go for the green or lay up? The challenge is that the green sits about 15 feet above you so whatever yardage you have, you have to carry it that distance. We laid up into the wind and hit a gap wedge onto the sloping green. Thankfully we were putting from below the hole and made par.
No 15th green, No Connemara Golf Links
The green on the 15th hole
Legend has it that when the course was laid out by Eddie Hackett, there was a dispute about the sighting of the 15th green. Money was tight and Eddie wanted the 15th green to be located on a rocky outcrop with the dunes as a backdrop. Conscious of the costs involved, a healthy debate ensued until Eddie issued his ultimatum, the green goes there or I’m out.
Thankfully, a solution was found when a local builder offered to excavate the rocks for a nominal sum. Eddie was right, hitting the 15th green is a challenge. We were lucky, the 392 yard par 4 was downwind and was a drive and an 8 iron for us. Come up short of the green and you can forget a par. It’s a cracking hole.
Par 5 Finishing Stretch
Unusually, both of the last two holes are par 5’s. Both play from elevated tees down to the fairway then your second shots to the greens are uphill.
The 17th hole
We could have chosen either to feature but we chose the 17th hole. At 494 yards, it’s 12 yards shorter than the 18th. For us it was playing into a left to right wind. Even though we hit a decent drive, we didn’t think we could carry the 225 yards into the small plateau green. Our strategy paid off as we made an easy par. Boring, I know but you have to play to your strengths and we can’t carry it that far now, especially when it’s uphill and in a left to right wind.
In Our Opinion
Playing Connemara requires shot-making finesse often lacking from those who play at parkland courses. You need to be able to hit low runners, bump-and-runs, and punched iron shots. These are necessary tools when the wind kicks up (which it did). As a golfer, we love its fairness. Wide fairways invite brave drives; small, elevated greens demand finesse. The rough might tug at missed shots, but the layout always offers a chance to recover—that’s links golf with heart.
Why Connemara Links Is a Must-Play
For golfers chasing pure links terrain, panoramic ocean vistas, and warm Irish charm—without the price tag of Lahinch or Ballybunion—Connemara delivers. Its affordable green fees and relaxed pace invite you to linger, explore. And while some list Connemara after “big name” courses, savvy golfers agree: “it is as good as any of the more famous links in Ireland,” and may even top some in rugged charm.
If you love links golf—if you appreciate the land taking the lead, if you relish wind-swept greens and poetic fairways—Connemara Championship Golf Links is an essential stop on any Ireland golf tour. It offers an unforgettable mix: challenge, scenery, value, and friendliness.
Where to Stay
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Clifden is around 5 or 6 miles from Connemara Golf Links. We stayed at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel and it was an outstanding experience. We would go as far as to say that this is the hotel to stay at if you want an authentic Irish hotel experience. The hotel’s reputation must be worldwide as when we were there, there were loads of Americans and Canadians. They were lapping up the ambience, craic, music, laughter and wonderful food.
Our Living room
We were very fortunate to get an upgrade on arrival. Our suite was in the main part of the hotel, a short walk from the hive of the activities, the bar.
A four poster
Our bedroom had a four poster bed and our ensuite had both a roll top bath and a large shower. Perfect for both a relaxing soak after golf and a reviving shower before breakfast.
Our Evening Reception
What made our stay at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel so special was the staff and owners interactions with the guests. The hotel is still owned by the Hughes family, who feature in the history of the golf course. Brian Hughes, our host, is a larger than life character, full of stories, craic and fun. On arrival, we were told to meet in the bar at 7pm for a champagne reception.
When we arrived, there wasn’t a seat to be had and there was an overflow of guests into the back lounge. Brian then took centre stage and over the next 15 minutes told the fascinating history of the hotel, the town of Clifden and the famous Alcock and Brown trans Atlantic flight from Canada to Ireland which ended nearby. The guests lapped it up and Brian was on first name terms with many of them, a perfect host at the top of his game.
The special touches
Prior to you entering the bar, Brian himself takes each guests photo. By the time you are sitting down to dinner, you have your copy along with flags representing where you are from, and where you are. Its a lovely touch and it’s much appreciated.
Gourmet Food
The food is so good at the hotel that you simply cannot say no to the three course dinner. There is plenty of choice and the difficulty is choosing what to have. I could have filled this article with food pictures but eventually chose just my main course and my breakfast plate in the morning.
My marinated salmon with baked potato, fresh salsa and veg
I had the salmon and prawn starter, marinated salmon for my main course and the lightest Tiramisu I’ve ever had. It was all excellent and served by the hotel’s wonderful staff who come from all around the globe. We can certainly say that this was some of the best food we had on our travels around Ireland. It was absolutely superb.
A traditional fry
Although breakfast the next morning was a much more relaxed affair, the quality of the food was again top notch. I tested their full Irish Breakfast and it was superb. All the ingredients are locally sourced and they say you can taste the difference. They are correct, you can. The perfect end to a perfect stay.
Thank You
Thank you to Dominic Lynch, Director of Golf at Connemara Golf Links for arranging our visit and for arranging our stay at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Thank you to Brian Hughes and the staff at the hotel for an excellent Irish hospitality experience and fantastic food and craic. We will be back.
At a Glance
- 27 hole links course
- Short game area and putting greens
- Lovely clubhouse with friendly staff
- Well stocked proshop, buggies available
- 1 hour 40 minutes drive from Galway
- The story of the Links
- Connemara Golf Links website
- Abbeyglen Castle Hotel website
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.
Featured Post
0
