Carne Golf Links, set amid the rugged dunes of County Mayo's wild Atlantic coastline, epitomizes authentic Irish links golf. Located near the village of Belmullet, Carne was designed by the revered Irish course architect Eddie Hackett, whose minimalist philosophy embraced nature's shaping of the land, avoiding heavy machinery to preserve the untouched character of the terrain. First opened in 1993, Carne was Hackett's final project and is often regarded as one of his finest.
In 2013, an additional nine holes, known as the Kilmore nine, were crafted by American architect Jim Engh, complementing Hackett's original eighteen and further showcasing the property's dramatic dunes, considered among the tallest in Europe. Together, these 27 holes provide golfers with a deeply rewarding and varied experience, challenging strategic play while immersing visitors in the remoteness and raw beauty of Mayo's windswept coast.
Following storm damage to the Kilmore nine, which resulted in a two-year closure, the holes reopened for the 2019 season. Two years later, Carne proudly hosted the Irish PGA Championship, utilizing the newly named Wild Atlantic Dunes layout-an exciting 18-hole routing combining the Kilmore nine with the back nine of Hackett's original course.
Today, visitors to Carne Golf Links have a uniquely dynamic golfing experience: the club alternates daily between layouts, meaning golfers can play either Hackett's classic original 18 or the acclaimed Wild Atlantic Dunes combination. Each routing highlights Carne's distinctive personality, weaving through towering sandhills and undulating fairways sculpted by centuries of relentless Atlantic winds. Signature holes include the par-4 11th, a narrow fairway protected by steep dunes, and the dramatic par-3 16th, where a small, elusive green demands precision amid coastal gusts.
Known for its welcoming spirit and sense of adventure, Carne Golf Links retains a natural charm untouched by commercialism, capturing the true spirit of Irish golf as it once was-remote, unspoiled, and unforgettable.
Getting Here: The Journey to Carne Golf Links
Most golf travelers visiting Carne Golf Links fly into Dublin Airport, embarking on a scenic yet challenging journey across Ireland's countryside. The route from Dublin to Belmullet winds through narrow, twisty roads that hug the rugged landscapes of the West Coast-definitely not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth the adventure.
To make your trip even more memorable, pair Carne with rounds at other celebrated northwest courses such as Enniscrone, County Sligo (Rosses Point), Strand Hill Golf Links and experience some of the best links golf Ireland has to offer.
For a hassle-free experience, it's recommended to arrange your golf tee times, lodging, and transportation through the trusted tour operator, Links of Ireland, who specialize in curating authentic and seamless Irish golf vacations.
More Information Carne Golf Links Links of Ireland
