Ballybunion (Cashen Course)

The Cashen Course at Ballybunion is a fitting side dish to one of the best golf courses in Ireland.

It will always play a supporting role to the revered Old Course alongside, but Ballybunion’s Cashen Course actually boasts bigger dunes and promises a different links experience. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, the course does not play like a true links as there are few opportunities to play bump and run. 

RELATED: Tralee Golf Club review

Greens are often set into the dunes, demanding target golf. Certainly, the green settings are among the most dramatic you will find anywhere and it is an intriguing foil for the Old course. 

One panellist believes it is the most underrated course in Ireland. While it can be viewed as a bit too severe in spots, it is a great and heroic course that is worth a trip on its own; when you add in the Old Course next door, Ballybunion is one of the world’s best golf destinations.

RELATED: Ballybunion Golf Club Old Course review

Opened in 1982 to accompany the celebrated old, the Cashen is just as difficult when the wind is strong, and the club is proud to report “her dunes are higher, her valleys are deeper and her greens more undulating”.  

The Cashen Course offers just as good ocean views, tonnes of quirkiness and 18 very individual holes. Some feel it is too random, others love it.

RELATED: Golf World Top 100 Best Golf Courses and Resorts

• Course does not have: Bar
• Course does not have: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course does not have: Pro Shop
• Course does not have: Restaurant
• Course does not have: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course does not have: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap