Dingle Golf Links in County Kerry: One of Ireland's undiscovered links gems
DINGLE, County Kerry, Ireland -- The trail of links in southwest Ireland is a well-worn path cut by Americans: Ballybunion, Tralee, Waterville and Dooks.
Veering a little off course reveals Dingle Golf Links, another fantastic addition to any itinerary. The 6,737-yard Ceann Sibeal (its Irish name) is the westernmost course in Europe, nestled at the tip of the stunningly beautiful Dingle peninsula.
It's a hair-razing drive over a mountain pass from Tralee to reach Dingle town. Its lovable links hides on the town's outskirts surrounded by lush Irish hills and the Blasket Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Most holes gallop up and down rolling countryside, providing an amicable mix of pleasure and punishment. A burn dissects the first fairway at Dingle and shows up throughout the day on 11 other holes.
"We are a little out of the way, but it's a fabulous course," said Donald O'Loingsigh, the 2014 club captain. "We are very proud of it."
Dingle Golf Links - fourth hole
The fourth hole at Dingle Golf Links provides the best views of the water.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 1
This hidden burn causes concern on the first hole at Dingle Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 3
Two golfers stroll up the third fairway toward the elevated green at the Dingle Golf Links, AKA Ceann Sibeal.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 5
The par-3 fifth on the Dingle Golf Links plays 202 yards long.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 9
It's a long slog up to the green on the ninth, the no. 1 handicap hole at Dingle.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 11
Wood planks, a look straight out of Pete Dye's playbook, guard the right side of the 11th hole at Dingle Golf Links.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - no. 14
It's a forgiving downhill run to the 14th green at Dingle Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 16
A burn guards the 16th green at Dingle Golf Links.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Dingle Golf Links - Ceann Sibeal - hole 17
It's best to layup short of the burn, setting up a long approach to the 17th green at Dingle Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
