Waterville Golf Links
A revered Eddie Hackett links on the Ring of Kerry — long, wild and beautiful, used by major champions to prep for The Open yet open to any visitor who books ahead.
Waterville Golf Links in photos
Can I play Waterville Golf Links?
Yes — Waterville welcomes visiting golfers and sells green-fee tee times to the public throughout its April-to-October season. There is no membership or letter of introduction required; you simply reserve ahead, as it is a fixture on the South West Ireland links trail. It is one of the most accessible of Ireland's great championship links.
How to book: Book directly through the golf office online or by phone; full pre-payment by card is required and is non-refundable. Main-season green fees run roughly €400–€425 per round depending on the day of the week. Caddies can be requested for an additional fee but cannot be guaranteed.
About Waterville Golf Links
Waterville Golf Links stretches across a dune-covered isthmus on Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula, framed by the Atlantic, the Inny estuary and native bogland. The modern championship links opened in 1973 to an Eddie Hackett design, with later refinements by Tom Fazio, and consistently ranks among Ireland's very best. It became a favourite retreat of major champions — Payne Stewart, honoured with a statue here, was honorary captain, and players such as Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara have used it to tune up for The Open. For all that pedigree it remains a public-access links where visitors are genuinely welcome.
Signature hole
The par-3 17th, 'Mulcahy's Peak', played from a towering elevated tee on a natural dune with panoramic views over the links and Ballinskelligs Bay — chosen by founder John Mulcahy as his favourite spot on the property.
What makes it special
Kerry links royalty
A cornerstone of the South West Ireland links trail alongside Ballybunion and Tralee.
Major-champion pedigree
A regular Open-prep venue and Payne Stewart's beloved captaincy home, marked by a statue on site.
Open to visitors
No membership needed — book a green-fee tee time online or by phone.
Need to know
Best time to play
May to September for the warmest weather and longest evenings; the links plays into late October. Atlantic wind is a constant companion, so calm mornings are prized.
Dress code
Neat golf attire — collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts and golf shoes. No denim or athletic wear on the course.
Good to know
No handicap certificate is required, though this is a long, exacting championship links best enjoyed by committed golfers. Caddies and buggies can be requested but are not guaranteed, so walking is the norm. Look out for the Payne Stewart statue by the clubhouse, honouring the 1999 honorary captain.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Kerry (KIR) ~1 hour 15 minutes; Cork (ORK) ~2.5 hours; Shannon (SNN) a longer alternative.
On arrival
From Kerry Airport it is roughly 75 minutes southwest through Killorglin and Cahersiveen along the Ring of Kerry. The links sits on a sandy isthmus just outside Waterville village on the Iveragh Peninsula.
Stay near the course
Golfers base themselves in Waterville village beside the links, or use Killarney and Kenmare as touring hubs for the South West links trail. The area pairs naturally with Ballybunion, Tralee, Dooks and Hogs Head for a Kerry golf tour.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Butler Arms Hotel
Waterville
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Brookhaven House
Waterville
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Currane Lodge
Waterville
A taste of the luxury stays near Waterville Golf Links — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Waterville — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Waterville.
Explore WatervilleFrequently asked questions
Can the public play Waterville Golf Links?
Yes. Waterville sells green-fee tee times to visitors throughout its April-to-October season, with no membership or introduction required — just book ahead.
How much does it cost to play Waterville?
Main-season green fees are roughly €400 per round midweek (excluding Wednesday) and about €425 on Wednesdays, weekends and bank holidays; shoulder-season rates are lower.
Do I need a handicap to play Waterville?
No handicap certificate is required, but it is a long, demanding links that rewards a solid standard of play.
When is the best time to play Waterville?
May to September gives the best weather and longest days; the links stays open into late October, and calm, wind-free mornings are the pick.
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Lahinch Golf Club — Old Course
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Old Head Golf Links
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The Golf Course at Adare Manor
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Mount Juliet Estate (Jack Nicklaus Course)
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.