Ballybunion is a charming seaside resort in the south west of Ireland that has been attracting tourists to its sandy beaches and golf clubs for many decades.
Part of the appeal of this small town is that it’s one of the few towns in the area that hasn’t completely succumbed to being a tourist trap, and thus thankfully retains much of its old country charm. As a result, it tends to have a more laid-back vibe and is a favorite with the Irish from nearby cities looking for a secluded weekend or day trip.
Many visitors come in search of two main activities: enjoying the area’s beaches and playing golf at Ballybunion Golf Club.
In high season, many families take day trips to Ballybunion to enjoy its family-friendly sandy beach. For older kids and the adventurous, there’s a thriving beach-focused surf scene. It is a good option for beginners or advanced surfers to test their surfing skills as the waves are not particularly high.
The cliffs overlooking the beach offer good panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside and are well worth the walk. The ruins of Ballybunion Castle sit on the cliff, but various sieges over the centuries have reduced the castle to a shadow of what it once might have been. The scenic cliff walk winds its way to some of the other beaches in the area, notably ‘Nuns’ Beach (so named for its proximity to a local convent).
Consisting of the Old Course and The Cashen, Ballybunion Golf Club is recognized as one of the most prestigious golf courses in Ireland, and is regularly ranked in the top 25 courses in the world by most golf magazines (and certainly in the top 5 of the world links style courses). This links-style course was founded in 1893 and has panoramic views on every hole of the Atlantic Ocean. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and advance reservations are recommended during the summer. Just like bringing good waterproof protective clothing!
A notable golf visitor to the city in 1998 was former United States President Bill Clinton when he visited, primarily, to play at Ballybunion Golf Club. To honor the visit, local civic leaders have a statue in Ballybunion’s main street of Bill Clinton playing.
However, the remote location of the city results in a lack of hotels and accommodation. This has been touted as one of the main reasons why the Irish Open Golf Championship has not been played there. As a result, many visitors stay in hotels in the nearby towns around Kerry, Clare and the Dingle Peninsula.
The town of Ballybunion has a small tourist office on its main street which provides details on local services, information and attractions, such as details on the local bus service to the town of Listowel. However, please note that the tourist office is only open in the summer season.