STAY NEAR WORLD-CLASS COURSES AT BAYFIELD HOUSE
Close to Lahinch Golf Club, Doonbeg, and the Best Golf Courses in County Clare
If you’re planning a golf trip to Ireland, Bayfield House offers a relaxed and memorable base on the Wild Atlantic Way. Located in County Clare, between the Burren National Park and Galway Bay, the house sits within easy driving distance of some of Ireland’s most famous golf courses, including the legendary links at Lahinch, as well as a wide choice of welcoming parkland and coastal courses.
What many of our guests love most is the balance: exceptional golf by day, followed by quiet evenings back at Bayfield House — space to unwind, cook together, and watch the light fade over the Burren. The courses here are friendly to visitors, the scenery is unforgettable, and the drives between rounds are often as memorable as the golf itself.
Whether you’re ticking off bucket-list links courses or simply enjoying the experience of golfing in Ireland for the first time, Bayfield House makes a comfortable, authentic, and unhurried base for your Irish golf vacation.
Lahinch Golf Club – Old Course & Castle Course - approx. 45 minutes’ drive
Founded in 1892, Lahinch Old Course is often called “the St Andrews of Ireland” and is regarded as one of the world’s great links courses. Set beside the Atlantic Ocean, it changes character with the weather and wind, offering a thrilling and sometimes humbling challenge.
The course has been shaped by legendary designers including Old Tom Morris, Dr Alister MacKenzie, and Martin Hawtree, and is packed with iconic holes that make full use of the natural links landscape.
Note from Maxx & Beatrice: Lahinch is also a brilliant surfing town, and the coastal drive there from Bayfield along the Wild Atlantic Way is stunning in its own right!
Gort Golf Club - approx. 17 minutes’ drive
Gort Golf Club is the closest course to Bayfield and a real local favourite. Designed by Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr., this championship 18-hole course is set on the edge of the Burren, surrounded by rolling countryside.
Christy Jnr. himsel was particularly proud of the four par-3 holes here, which he considered among the best in Ireland. The course lies close to the historic monastic settlement of Kilmacduagh, adding a real sense of place to the round.
Galway Bay Golf Club - approx. 35 minutes’ drive
Located on the scenic Renville Peninsula, Galway Bay Golf Club offers classic parkland golf with wonderful coastal views. Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., the par-72 championship course combines strategic play with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Note from Maxx & Beatrice: We love sailing from Galway Bay Sailing Club, which the course overlooks — it’s a beautiful spot. If you’re heading this way, consider stopping at Moran’s on the Weir nearby for a drink or a bite to eat.
Which Golf Course Suits You best?
Ennis Golf Club - approx. 45 minutes’ drive
Ennis Golf Club is a well-maintained parkland course just outside Ennis town. Tree-lined fairways and tight greens provide a good challenge, while the relatively flat layout makes it very enjoyable for holiday golfers and societies.
The club is known for its warm welcome, excellent bar facilities, and good-value visitor packages.
Woodstock Golf & Country Club - approx. 45 minutes’ drive
Set in the rolling countryside near Ennis, Woodstock Golf & Country Club uses its natural features — river, lake, and undulating terrain — to great effect. The 7th and 8th holes, played around water, are particularly memorable and add a bit of drama to the round.
A lovely, relaxed course that suits golfers of all abilities.
Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club - approx. 45 minutes’ drive
One of Ireland’s finest parkland golf courses, Dromoland Castle Golf Club is set within the stunning 450-acre estate of the historic castle. Designed by Ron Kirby and J.B. Carr, the championship course is immaculately kept and a pleasure to play.
Note from Maxx & Beatrice: Even non-golfers will enjoy this one — the castle hotel is worth visiting for afternoon tea or a drink, and there’s a beautiful walking route around the grounds.
Spanish Point Golf Links - approx. 60 minutes’ drive
Founded in 1896, Spanish Point is one of Ireland’s oldest links courses and a real gem. This traditional 9-hole links plays as 18 holes and sits right beside the Atlantic, overlooking the beach.
With excellent natural drainage, it rarely closes and offers classic West Coast golfing in all conditions.
Note from Maxx & Beatrice: A lovely coastal drive to get there — take the scenic route if you can.
Adare Manor Golf Club - approx. 65 minutes’ drive
Set within the magnificent Adare Manor estate, this beautifully maintained parkland course offers a refined and welcoming golfing experience. While often overlooked in favour of more famous links courses, it’s a real hidden gem and well worth the drive.
Doonbeg (Trump International Golf Links) - approx. 75 minutes’ drive
Doonbeg is one of the most spectacular links golf resorts in Ireland, set on over 400 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Redesigned by Dr Martin Hawtree and reopened in 2016, the course offers dramatic scenery, immaculate fairways, and a serious test of golf.
A memorable day out — even if only for a walk and a coffee at the resort.
Kilkee Golf Club - approx. 90 minutes’ drive
Perched above Kilkee Bay, this clifftop course offers some of the most dramatic views in County Clare. The opening holes look straight out to sea, and the course becomes particularly challenging when the west wind picks up.
Kilkee itself is a lively seaside town and well worth exploring after your round.
Kilrush Golf Club - approx. 80 minutes’ drive
Founded in 1934, Kilrush Golf Club is a scenic parkland course known for its friendly atmosphere. Redesigned by Dr Arthur Spring, it makes excellent use of natural terrain, water, and bunkering.
The signature par-3 9th hole — played from a raised tee over water — is one to remember.
Which Golf Course Suits You best?
Shannon Golf Club - approx. 45 minutes’ drive
Shannon Golf Club is a highly regarded parkland course near the Shannon Estuary. Designed by John D. Harris, it features a mix of meadow-lined fairways, mature trees, and well-protected greens.
The par-3 17th, played over water with views of the estuary, is the standout hole.
East Clare Golf Club - approx. 60 minutes’ drive
Set in 150 acres of peaceful countryside, East Clare Golf Club offers wide fairways, beautiful water features, and panoramic views from several greens. Designed by Dr Arthur Spring, each hole presents a different challenge, making it a very enjoyable round.
Visitors are always welcome — and the traditional céad míle fáilte is very much alive here.
Which Golf Course Suits You?
For the Bucket-List Irish Golf Trip
Best choice: Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) and Doonbeg
If you’ve always dreamed of playing classic Irish links golf, these are the names you’ll recognise. Expect dramatic coastal scenery, firm fairways, ever-changing wind conditions, and unforgettable holes. These courses are challenging, but hugely rewarding — and worth building a day around.
Good to know: Book well in advance, especially in peak season.
If You Prefer Parkland Courses
Best choice: Gort Golf Club, Dromoland Castle, Ennis Golf Club, Woodstock Golf & Country Club
Parkland golf in County Clare is friendly, well-kept, and varied. These courses are ideal if you enjoy tree-lined fairways, gentler conditions, and a relaxed pace of play.
Good to know: Gort is particularly convenient — just minutes from Bayfield House.
If Golf Is Part of a Broader Holiday
Best choice: Galway Bay Golf Club, Dromoland Castle, Kilrush Golf Club
If your trip includes sightseeing, family time, or non-golfers, these clubs work particularly well. They’re scenic, accessible, and often close to cafés, coastal walks, and places worth lingering after your round.
If You Love Scenic Golf Without the Intensity
Best choice: Galway Bay Golf Club, Spanish Point, Kilkee Golf Club
These courses offer stunning views of the Atlantic and surrounding countryside without quite the same level of pressure as championship links. Perfect if you want great golf, beautiful scenery, and time to enjoy the day rather than battle the elements.
If You’re Travelling With Mixed Abilities
Best choice: Gort Golf Club, East Clare Golf Club, Ennis Golf Club
These courses are welcoming, playable, and enjoyable for golfers of all handicaps. Great for groups where not everyone wants a demanding championship test, but everyone still wants a memorable round.
A Final Word from Maxx
There’s no “right” choice here — just different flavours of golf. Some guests love ticking off the famous names, others enjoy discovering quieter local courses where the welcome is just as warm. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask — we’re always happy to help you plan a round (or two) that fits your stay at Bayfield.
