In these series of articles, I will be taking you around the Emerald Isle providing you with great golf courses to visit in some of the loveliest spots in Ireland. I’ll also be highlighting the best and most authentic Irish bars in these spots, as well as places to stay, eat and how to get there. Whether you’re taking a golfing holiday to Ireland in 2019 or are interested in doing so sometime in the future, I’ll make sure to let you in on the best places to spend your time.

In Part Four of our Exploring Ireland Series, we travelled to Bearna Golf Club in Galway. Now it’s time to move down the west coast and into County Kerry to explore the south coast of the country.

One of Ireland’s most famous tourist destinations, “The Kingdom” as locals call it, is well known for its impressive mountains, lakes, and great food, while it was also a favorite destination of legendary actor Charlie Chaplin. Whether it’s quiet countryside, gourmet feasts or all night sessions that you’re after, Kerry will certainly not disappoint.

Parknasilla Golf Club, Kerry

Picking a 12-hole golf course when there are so many great options for golf breaks in this county (Waterville Golf Links, Kenmore GC, Tralee GC etc.) may seem strange, but with its beauty, location, value, and great mix of holes, Parknasilla GC gets the nod.

The course is located a few minutes from Paknasilla Resort itself (which we’ll get into later) and features a mix of both narrow tree-lined fairways, as well as wider ones. The smart blend at times allows you to open your shoulders, and at others makes it necessary for you to dial back and hit a dead-straight tee shot, knowing full well that if you don’t, you’ll find yourself in the woods. The hilly course will also test your club-selecting skills, while the sloped greens, at least when I was in town, are perfect to putt on.

The course offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kerry Mountains, while with its lush green fairways and colorful vegetation, the track provides you with the perfect setting to enjoy your golfing day out.

The 12-hole course features two par-5s and one par-3 and can also be turned into an 18-hole course. While parts of Kerry are known for its hustle and bustle, you’re guaranteed a relaxed vibe around Parknasilla. Twelve holes will cost you around $25, while to play 18 the rate is $30.

Undoubtedly this course is one of the best bang for your book tracks in the area.

Food & Drink – Crowley’s Bar/Parknasilla Resort

There are bundles of bars in Kerry hosting lively music sessions if that’s your scene, and you won’t have to look far to find them. However, I’m taking a different tact for this part of the series.

In the town of Kenmare sits Crowley’s Bar, which is approximately a 25-minute drive from the Parknasilla Resort, and it’s a bar which will provide for a very different and authentic experience.

For starters, when I visited, the pub didn’t even have a till, so don’t bother taking your card out in this joint. You grab your drink and just chuck your money into a box and get on with enjoying your pint. You won’t find any tv’s here, and it truly is a joy to tuck into a pint of Guinness in front of one of the many open fireplaces at this little gem.

No thrills, no food and few tourists, Crowley’s is an old school bar that is all about drink, conversation and friendly locals who will give any visitors from abroad the red carpet treatment. In the evening you’ll also be able to enjoy live music, so don’t think you’ll be missing out on a good traditional music session should you decide to visit this bar.

While Crowley’s doesn’t provide food, Parknasilla Resort sure does, and its Pygmalion restaurant is the place to be after hitting the fairways. The restaurant is located in a large, stunning room within the complex, and offers up an excellent three-course meal including tea or coffee for $45 per person.

Where To Stay

Parknasilla Resort of course. If you’ve seen Yorgos Lanthimos’ film The Lobster, then you’ll know all about the beauty of this hotel and its surroundings. The film starring Colin Farrell was filmed in the resort, and it genuinely is as beautiful in person as it appears on the big screen.

The luxury hotel features an excellent spa, tennis courts, walking trails and more, and will provide you with the perfect spot to explore all that Kerry has to offer. A double room costs in the region of $140 per night.

Besides golf, there’s plenty to do in Kerry. I’d certainly recommend a visit to Killarney National Park which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Snow-capped mountains and waterfalls are just some of the highlights of the park.

The Dingle peninsula is also a beautiful area that is worth visiting should you ever find yourself in The Kingdom. With bars and restaurants galore, it’s one of the best spots in the county and a boat ride out to see “Funghi the Dolphin” is a great option if you have kids, or are just into dolphins in general!

How To Get There

If driving, then Kerry is around a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Dublin. The closest international airport to the county is Cork airport, which is 90 minutes away. The area’s popularity means that its accessible from pretty much anywhere on the island through public transport.