Off to West Ireland: Galway Bay Golf Club
An early start and a long drive took us to Galway, where we played a round at the stunning Galway Bay Golf Club. Upon arriving at the clubhouse, we were struck by the beautiful views overlooking Galway Bay and the course itself.
The clubhouse is lovely, featuring a board of honorary members, including Bill Murray and Gary Player. The restaurant sits beside the course, allowing you to enjoy your meal while admiring nearly the entire course or soaking in the sea views. The pro shop is neat and well-stocked with great Galway Bay Golf Club merchandise.
There was construction ongoing next to the clubhouse, as the club plans to build a hotel resort with a gym and swimming pool to attract more international visitors. Future plans include renovating the course layout to give it a more traditional links course feel, with dunes being built around holes and adjustments to some layouts. It will be exciting to see how the course evolves over the next few years and how it competes with other top links golf courses in Ireland.
Warm-Up and Front Nine
Before teeing off, I headed down to the excellent practice facilities, working on iron shots, chipping, and putting. The first hole is a challenging par 5, followed by a short par 4 second hole.
The fourth hole is one of the club’s signature par 3s, approximately 150 yards, often played into a strong wind from Galway Bay, with a hidden bunker on the left — a truly testing shot. The fifth hole is a tricky par 4, with out-of-bounds on the right and dense rough on the left. The rough is so thick it’s easy to lose a ball, so a provisional is recommended.
The seventh hole, another par 3, is surrounded by water up to the green, testing both accuracy and nerves, especially against seaside winds. The front nine provides a great mix of challenge and spectacular views of Galway Bay, keeping you engaged every step of the way.
Par 3 4th hole Galway Bay Golf Club
“Washed on three sides by the wild Atlantic Ocean … all of it combines to make Galway Bay one of the truly great courses of Ireland.”
Back Nine: Challenge and Stunning Views
The back nine continues to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The 12th hole is particularly tough: after a precise drive, you face a decision on your second shot — attempt the green over the lake or lay up safely. Low-handicap players might go for the green, while high-handicap players may opt for caution.
The 14th and 16th holes are long par 5s, particularly testing when playing against the wind, but both reward accuracy and strategy with stunning sea views. The 17th is a short par 4 requiring a solid drive and careful approach, with bunkers guarding the green. The walk up to the 18th is enjoyable, with the clubhouse framing the final hole beautifully.
15th hole, par 5
Final Thoughts on Galway Bay Golf Club
After completing the round, we enjoyed a meal and a pint of Guinness while reflecting on the challenging and scenic round. Galway Bay Golf Club is a truly lovely course, combining strategic design with spectacular views of Galway Bay.
I would definitely return, and I’m eager to see how the planned renovations — adding dunes and redesigning holes — will enhance the course in the coming years. It’s one of the must-play courses in Ireland for any golf enthusiast, especially for those who enjoy links-style golf against the backdrop of the Irish coast.
12th hole, Par 4, Index 1 - Galway Bay
📸 Quick Tips for Visitors
Best time to play: May–September offers the best conditions with long daylight and mild weather. It’s possible to play from October to April, but weather can be unpredictable, and rounds may be canceled. *We played our round in October, see the photos.
Location: Galway Bay Golf Club is in Oranmore, County Galway, roughly 3 hours from Dublin and 1.5 hours from Shannon Airport.
Green fees: Check the official Galway Bay Golf Club website for current rates and booking information.
Nearby attractions: Take a walk along Galway Bay, explore Oranmore village, or enjoy pubs and local seafood in Galway city.