Overview:

Carne Golf Links, also known as “Belmullet” due to the tiny village in Northwest Ireland where it is located, is one Irish golf course that will exceed your expectations.  “Is this a world top 100?” most Pioneer Golf visitors ask themselves after playing this seaside links on their Ireland golf tour package.  It’s really that good!

Designer:

Completed by Eddie Hackett (his last course before passing) in 1993, Carne is located an hour drive or more west from Ballina or Enniscrone, but it is certainly worth the drive.  The tall sand dunes are among the highest in the world and the course weaves in between them in dramatic fashion.  The most stunning holes in Northwest Ireland golf can be found at Carne and it’s been called the “most remote and rugged” links in Ireland.

It’s hard to pick out the most memorable holes, but the 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th … ah heck, they are all pretty amazing!  It’s hard to find a golf course in Ireland where you will take more photographs (perhaps only Old Head).

The most apparent thing is that the Carne golf course was already there for a million years, or so they say.  The course was constructed without heavy machinery.  Carne was hand-formed with shovels and very little earth was moved.  It can be said that Carne is the most minimalist layout in Ireland, and a feast for golf course architecture connoisseurs.

New Nine Holes at Carne:

A third nine at Carne (the Kilmore Course par 35) was opened in 2013 and designed by Jim Engh.  Visitors should consider a full day at Carne with lunch and 27 holes, the they even have some carts if you want to rest your legs. Make sure to visit the cozy clubhouse and try some of the superb hot soups and a Guinness or two!

The residents of Belmullet treasure the course as their magnet to the outside world. They take tremendous pride in the layout and authentically welcome all visitors to the town and club. Everyone stops to talk and welcome you to their cherished corner of the world.  Your day at Carne Golf Links will be treasured for years to come!