Killarney (Killeen)

The Killarney Golf & Fishing Club was founded in 1893, making it more than 130 years old and one of the oldest venues on the NCG Top 100s: Ireland list.  1937 saw the club move to its current venue on the northern banks of Lough Leane. The 1960s saw Fred Hawtree create 18 new holes, with the 36 holes then sorted into the Killeen Course and Mahony's Point Course.   The Killeen Course at Killarney has played host to several high-profile tournaments during its history, including hosting the Irish Open on the DP World Tour (opens in a new tab) on four occasions. Sir Nick Faldo won the event in 1990 and 1991, with Ross Fisher and Simon Dyson victorious in the 2010s.   Killarney has been the home of the European Amateur Team Championship, Curtis Cup and the Irish Ladies Open in the last five decades as well.

Thanks to its hosting of the four Irish Opens, the Killeen Course is the jewel in the crown at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. Six of the 18 holes on the Killeen Course are played with Lough Leane at their side, bringing the water into play. From the championship tees, the course plays at more than 7,200 yards, but that is brought down significantly when moving to the forward tees, allowing for golfers of all abilities to enjoy their rounds.   The Killeen Course begins with a tempting yet dangerous opening hole where the green can be seen away to the right across a finger of the Lough. Of relatively modest length, it should be comfortably negotiated with a fairway wood and a mid-iron but first-tee nerves doubtless mean that many play safe to the left and therefore have a much longer shot in. The 2nd is another dog-leg right, but without having to play over the water this time. By anyone's standards the 3rd is a stern test, measuring around 200 yards and most of it being carried over water. The 4th is a tricky par 4 which plays with the water down its right, and at the back of the green. The 5th is a brute of a par 4 at more than 460 yards, and playing as a dog-leg right around the trees. The 6th is another par three with water threatening but thereafter, the holes move away from the Lough’s edge.  However, the last three holes of the front nine also have their own small water hazards in the form of streams. 7 is a short par 5 at just over 500 yards, before the course gets its own back with a pair of strong par 4s to finish opening side.  The back nine on the Killeen Course begins with the spectacular 10th hole, which is the last par 3 on the course, and one where water comes into play again. It is only 170 yards, but there is a pond on the left side of the green, while the Lough is the backdrop to the hole, and anything long has the chance of finding it. 11 is a straight away par 5, and at just over 500 yards, it is a birdie opportunity. The 12th and 13th immediately fight back. 13 is almost 500 yards, but plays as a par 4, while the 12th is only slightly shorter.   14 provides momentary respite with a wide opening in the landing zone, but the 15th and 16th are both difficult holes as you come towards the conclusion of a round on the Killeen Course. The final two holes are both excellent. The 17th is played to an awkward raised green while the last is long and unforgiving. They offer a fitting conclusion to a course that is rightly regarded as a classic of its type.

Ed Battye: A postcard perfect setting for good quality parkland golf. The holes by the lake steal the show.

Lewis Marr: The most charming setting, the views across the lake with the hills in the backdrop make this course a must play. The course itself utilises the landscape very well.

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Where is Killarney Golf & Fishing Club located?  
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is located on the northern banks of Lough Leane in the southwestern corner of Ireland. It is just outside the town of Killarney, with good road links thanks to the N22, N71 and N72 all meeting on the outskirts of the town. Killarney National Park is just to the south of Lough Leane, while the border with County Cork is less than 20 miles to the east.   Killarney is also home to its own railway station, which is on the line between Tralee in the west and Dublin Heuston in the east. Cork and Shannon Airports are the closest to Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, with the former being around 60 miles from the venue. For international visitors, Dublin Airport may well be the best option, with the airport servicing the nation’s capital sitting 200 miles to the northeast, around a four-hour drive. How many courses are at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club?
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is home to two great layouts - the Killeen Course and the Mahony's Point Course. Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Ireland venues nearby?
There are plenty of great golfing venues in this part of the Republic, with many on the NCG Top 100s: Ireland list. Dooks, Tralee, Waterville and Ballybunion - home to the Old Course and the Cashen Course - are all within 40 miles. Slightly further afield, the likes of Ceann Sibeal, Cork, Fota Island, Adare Manor and Old Head Links are also within 70 miles of Killarney.
What golf facilities does Killarney Golf & Fishing Club offer?  
Along with the Killeen Course and Mahony’s Point Course, Killarney Golf Club is also home to a sublime Golf Academy. There is a 9-hole Academy Course, along with a superb driving range and a wonderful short game area to hone your skills.  
What are the green fees at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club?  
The price of a green fee at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.   For more information on current green fees at Killarney, visit their website here (opens in a new tab).   Visit Killarney's website here (opens in a new tab). Go back to the NCG's Top 100s Homepage.