DESTINATION GOLF 2026
Westport
Loughrea
This quiet country course was first extended to 18 holes by Eddie Hackett in 1992, but built four new holes in the 200os. It is the natural feel of Loughrea’ s terrain that makes golf here such a pleasure. There is no need for glamorous touches on a course where the landscape does all of the work. Trees frame holes on the opening nine especially. The back nine elevates proceedings with some tricky water features and open, tossing countryside. Even so, you can open the shoulders here, especially on holes 13 to 15 where you’ ll get a true feel for Loughrea’ s shapely terrain.
Westport
Westport sits on the edge of Clew Bay, where the sea laps up to the best holes and the ever-present Croagh Patrick looms large. Given the mountain’ s iconic status, golfers may go searching for inspiration. On the par three 14th, you hit directly at it. This is a par 73 of 6,800 yards( middle tees). There are five par fives, with the 15th being the pick of the bunch, curling around the waters of the bay and demanding a big drive to clear it. Westport shifts gear considerably from the 7th on, when some significant ridges appear. Holes 11 to 16 are superb, using the best elevation changes, the best views and the water to thrill you.
Oughterard
There is no need for glamorous touches on a course where the landscape does all of the work.
Oughterard has two things that make it stand out: the greens are large and beautifully shaped( thanks to new ones built at the end of the 1990s); and eight par fours fall between 370 and 400 metres, from the middle white tees … making Oughterard quite the test. The par of 70 stretches to 5,876 metres. The real fun comes on the approach shots through avenues of trees to raised and inviting greens. They promise deliciously tempting shots. There is only one significant dogleg and it’ s the double dogleg par five 8th … which also happens to be the best hole on the course.
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