The 10 best golf courses in Galway, ranked

Planning a golfing adventure in Galway is always a good idea, especially when you have top-quality courses. Here are the ten best golf courses in Galway.

Galway is home to some prestigious golf courses, which budding or avid golfers cannot overlook when searching for their next golfing getaway.

The west of Ireland has some of the Emerald Isle’s finest scenery, which makes perfect ground for world-class golf courses dotted across the Wild Atlantic Way.

For seaside courses with spectacular views or Championship courses with rugged curves, Galway has it all. So, stay tuned for the ten best golf courses in Galway.

10. Cregmore Golf Club – the place for all levels

Having opened for play in 2007, this par 72 championship course is the ideal choice for all levels of golfer in Ireland. If you’re looking to experience a stunning golf course and driving range amidst the rolling hills of Galway, this is for you.

Just 15 minutes from Galway City, this is an ideal getaway for the passionate golfers out there.

Address: Cashla, Claregalway, Co. Galway, H91 EE38

9. Loughrea Golf Club – one of the country’s best parkland courses

As one of Ireland’s best parkland golf courses, Loughrea Golf Club is a par 71 course. It offers golfers a challenging experience and can be accessed all year round due to the naturally draining soil on their courses.

This 18-hole parkland course also features a bar and restaurant near the 18^th green, perfect for a bite to eat or a social pint when the day is done.

Address: Loughrea Golf Club, Graigue, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 HX31

8. Connemara Isles Golf Club – for a challenging round or two

Hugging the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara Isles is a place of beauty. It is also home to a true Irish golfing experience for rounds of adventurous golf. 

They offer a short but difficult course, which is ideal for local and travelling golfers who are looking for their next challenge in a fantastic and friendly environment. For €20, you can play as much as you like.

Address: Annaghavane Island, Lettermore, Co. Galway, Ireland

7. Athenry Golf Club – for year-round golf in Galway

This championship parkland golf course has been on the go since 1902 .

It is a longtime favourite of locals and visitors to the area, due to its easy walking terrain, the ability to play all year round, and the quality and challenging course itself, which has hosted major competitions over the years.

Address: Palmerstown, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 HH5T, Ireland

6. Oughterard Golf Club – golf at the gateway to Connemara

Oughterard is an 18-hole championship golf club that is perfectly situated at the shores of Lake Corrib, the gateway to Connemara. It offers golfers a fantastic golfing experience in an idyllic location.

This very well-maintained course hosts visitors from all over the world and is one of the best golf courses in Galway without a doubt.

Address: Gurthreevagh, Oughterard, Galway

5. Bearna Golf & Country Club – the Gaeltacht golf club

Located in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht region of Galway, in the famous Connemara region, this well-designed golf course has unsurpassed vistas of the Aran Islands, The Burren, and Galway Bay, as well as being just a stone’s throw from Galway City.

Considered by many the best in the area, this challenging course offers a high-quality experience in a perfect traditional location with a beautiful golf course design. 

Address: Oddacres, Corboley, Co. Galway, H91 TN99

4. Portumna Golf Club – for splendid views and fantastic golf

With fabulous natural surroundings including Lough Derg, The River Shannon, and Portumna Forest Park, this highly acclaimed 18-hole parkland golf course is a top choice for many golfers, making it one of the best in the region.

Here, they can offer you a memorable game of golf complete with challenges at each hole. There is an abundance of wildlife and green trees for days with its stunning parkland, which complete the picture.

Address: Ennis Road, Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland

3. Galway Bay Golf Resort – a course for those with a sense of adventure

Regarded as one of the best golf courses in Galway and the top golf courses in Ireland, the Galway Bay Golf Resort championship course offers a unique sense of adventure all within a wonderful natural setting.

This picturesque course at Galway Bay also features The Trackman Room for lessons, delicious food at their onsite restaurant, and annual and overseas membership options.

This stunning location with amazing views has even reached the top 25 in the rankings of Golf Digest Ireland. Thus, making it one of the top-ranked golf courses on the Emerald Isle. 

Address: Renville Ct, Rinville West, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 T4A4, Ireland

2. Galway Golf Club – Galway’s historic golf club

Having existed since 1865, this historic golf course, located in the coastal town of Salthill on the west coast of Ireland, has previously been voted as one of the top 50 best-hidden gems golf courses in Europe.

Popular for its championship 18-hole course, panoramic views, and range of facilities, this is one of the best golf courses in Galway by far and a favourite for the accomplished golfer. 

Address: Blackrock, Salthill, Co. Galway, Ireland

1. Connemara Championship Golf Links – one of the best golf courses in Galway

Renowned as Galway’s number one course, this is the place to come if you want to experience an isolated links course in a superb location with beautiful views.

This also houses some fantastic top-quality facilities, making this a very welcoming spot to visit and enjoy. This 27-hole course offers a challenge to those looking for their next golfing adventure.

Address: Creggoduff, Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, H71 N243

Other notable mentions

Ballinasloe Golf Club: One of Connaught’s oldest clubs that offers golf all year round along its challenging parklands course.

Curragh West Golf Club: An 18-hole parkland course located in the southeast of Galway, nestled in the wonderful countryside.

Dunmore Demesne Golf Course: This 9-hole course designed by Eddie Hackett is a popular course set amidst mature trees and acres of parkland.

FAQs about the best golf courses in Galway

Are there golf hotels in Galway?

Yes, there are golf hotels in Galway, such as The Galway Bay Hotel, which is four-star. 

Does Connemara have a driving range?

Just on the outskirts of Galway City and the Connemara region lies Cregmore Park Golf Club, which has its own driving range.

Who are the most famous Irish golfers? 

These would be Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, and Paul McGinley. 

What are some of the best golf clubs in Ireland? 

These include Castlerock Golf Club, Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballybunion Golf Club, Carton House Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballyliffin Golf Club, Portstewart Golf Club, Westport Golf Club, Royal Portrush, and Malone Golf Club.