Dingle - Ceann Sibeal - Kerry - Ireland

Dingle Golf Club was originally a Gem on the Top 100 website and it became a ranked Irish course when we extended our list. Dingle was nominated by Hugh and was added to the site in February 2005. Hugh’s nomination comments are as follows:

“Dingle isn’t the easiest golf course in the world to find but it’s well worth seeking out the most westerly golf course in Europe. There is nothing fancy about this traditional and unpretentious links course, which was designed by the great Eddie Hackett. It’s sometimes referred to as Ceann Sibéal, which I believe translates to Sybil Point in Gaelic. The course overlooks Dingle Bay and it can get frighteningly windy here. At 6,700 yards, it’s a testing but fun course and I challenge anyone to leave here without thoroughly enjoying the experience…it’s truly a hidden gem and stunning value too.”

Situated a short drive from Ballyferriter on the Dingle peninsula, Ceann Sibeal is the most westerly golf club in Ireland. The original Dingle Golf Club was formed in 1924 at Doonsheane, three miles east of the town, near the racecourse. The club’s HQ was in Ashe’s pub in Dingle. It disbanded in the 1960s, as local farmers required the land back but the club stayed in existence and reformed in the 1970s at the links in Ceann Sibeal where it is today.

The club now play on a rugged and remote links course that has been updated over the years. It was originally a 9-hole course designed by Eddie Hackett and was later extended to 18 holes with input from Christy O’Connor Junior.

Little was done in the way of earth moving when the holes were laid out. Dingle has a simple, straightforward routing as holes are etched into the natural landscape with a meandering burn dissecting the property to add interest and a little danger in equal measure. Throw in some strategic bunkering and gently undulating terrain and it amounts to a real test of links golf.

The views out to the Blasket Islands in the Atlantic are simply spectacular and well worth the effort to seek out such a secluded golfing spot in an area rich in Gaelic tradition where the Irish language is still very much a part of everyday life – hence the names chosen for each of the 18 holes on the course.

The signature hole is the 197-yard, par three, 10th named “An Tiaracht” which is played uphill - out of bounds on the left – to a blind green nestled in front of a large sand dune with three pot bunkers offering further protection on the right. If the wind is up off the Ocean – as it often is on such an exposed course – then a three on the card will be very well earned!

The above article was updated on November 14 2008 following feedback from John, as there were inaccuracies in the text. John went on to say: “The course is, in my biased view, one of the best gems in Ireland. There is a fantastic welcome there always from Steve the Manager and John the barman. A must play course and place.”