Ballybunion Hotels

In the south-west corner of Ireland lies the small seaside village of Ballybunion. Many golfers will recognize the town name due to its world class course, while many Irish know its name due to numerous childhood summer holidays to its wonderful beach.

This resort town is seeing a resurgence in popularity of late principally for the fact that it has held on to its old style charm and not given in to the waves of fast-food restaurants and caf bars. This factor has drawn in Irish & foreign visitors looking for a more traditional Irish experience.

The brunt of tourism to the area is drawn to the family-friendly beach and secondly to the local golf courses.

In summer, Ballybunion beach becomes the focal point for most visitors. Some come to relax on the beach, swim in the clean sea water or even join in with some of the surfing (the local surf school also rent out equipment).

Ramblers, and those seeking a more tranquil setting, can set off from the main beach along the cliff walk. This takes in some magnificent sea & countryside views, passing the ruins of Ballybunion castle and leads to a number of quieter beaches.

Ballybunion Golf Club, which consists of the Old Course and The Cashen course, is renowned as one of the most prestigious golf courses in Ireland, regularly making the top 25 courses in the world according to 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 all holes out across the Atlantic Ocean. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and booking ahead is certainly recommended during summer. As is bringing good protective waterproof clothing!

One notable golfing visitor to the town in 1998 was former President of the United States Bill Clinton when he visited, principally, to play at Ballybunion golf club. To honor the visit the local civic leaders have a statue on the Ballybunion's main street of Bill Clinton teeing off.

The only downside to the village's old style charm is that there are not many Ballybunion hotels and those that are would largely be considered as guesthouses. Therefore, most visitors choose to base themselves in hotels in the surrounding countryside and make day trips in to Ballybunion. Given that this area of County Kerry has some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland it won't be such a bad thing to be based outside the village.

Ballybunion town has a small tourist office on its main street providing details of local amenities, information and attractions, such as details of the local bus service to Listowel town. Note however that the tourist office is only open in the summer season.