The Dunes Championship Links Course at Enniscrone Golf Club is a must-play on any North West Ireland Golf trip. This unique course is often described as a ‘moonscape’ thanks to its towering dunes, which are amongst the tallest in the world.
Enniscrone Golf Course is located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, enjoying spectacular views of Killala Bay, and framed by the stunning Ox Mountains and Nephin Beg Range. Part of the beautiful North West Ireland Golf Tour, this unique course cleverly utilizes the natural landscape for its elevated tees and plateau greens, providing an unforgettable golfing experience.
The Enniscrone Championship Links, playing over 7,000 yards from the tips and to a par of 73. The Club began in 1918 with a modest nine holes on the flatter land beside the dunes.
In 1974 the great Eddie Hackett was brought in to work his magic and extend the design to 18 holes. Then Donald Steel was engaged to make further improvements. His greatest contribution was to eliminate the opening of two flat par 5s and instead turn the new links directly into the magnificent dunes.
Enniscrone now boasts 27 holes, the original opening was incorporated into a new nine holes. Called Scurmore, after the stunning beach that borders the layout.
Irish folklore is legendary and the town of Enniscrone is synonymous with ‘The Black Pig.’ In ancient times, according to legend, an evil spirit turned a wild boar into a killer. Covered with poisonous burrs the pig attacked and killed anyone in his path. A group of town’s people finally were able to trap the killer on Scurmore beach and kill it with long spears. Due to the poisonous burrs, it couldn’t be eaten, so the townsfolk buried it where it lay.
Today that mound still stands on the beach and is immortalized by a sculpture of the pig in town. If you are visiting in July, stop by the popular Enniscrone Black Pig Festival.
The story of The Black Pig is entwined with the course as the 18th is called ‘Muckduff’ (Black Pig in Irish). The 465-yard hole is a strategically challenging par 4 requiring an accurate drive. 255 yards to reach the menacing bunkers or at least 290 in the wind to clear them, with OB lurking down the left side. A carefully crafted approach is needed to get near the pin, a mishit will require a deft touch back up the mounded runoff areas.
After a day on the links and in the wind, make time for a rejuvenating trip to the Kilcullen Seaweed baths in town. You might not be familiar with Enniscrone, but it is one course you will never forget on your Ireland golf trip.
Situated on the Bartragh Peninsula, Enniscrone Golf Club is an exceptional stop on a North West Ireland golf tour. Offering a challenging and natural layout through towering dunes, the Enniscrone Golf Course also provides players with breathtaking views of Killala Bay, the Ox Mountains, and Nephin Beg Range.
Enniscrone Golf Club in Ireland complements its surroundings beautifully, utilizing the natural landscape for elevated tees and plateau greens, creating a breathtaking and memorable experience for all. Founded in 1918, the club has continuously evolved to become one of North West Ireland’s best golf courses. Since its inception, Enniscrone Golf Club has hosted several major championships, such as the Irish Close Championship and several Irish Open editions.
Enniscrone Golf Club
As a highly regarded links course, The Dunes course at Enniscrone Golf Club offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and a challenging layout that delivers a true links golf experience. The Dunes course began as a nine-hole course in 1918 and was extended to 18 holes in 1974 by Eddie Hackett.
On this Enniscrone Golf Course, the fairways undulate between towering, shaggy dunes, creating a dramatic and ever-changing landscape. Some greens perch high on plateaux, guarded by deep valleys and rugged ravines, while others are tucked into the base of soaring dunes. Elevated tee shots offer sweeping views of the ocean, adding to the course’s visual drama. Hole 13, a 350-yard par four blind shot, is a standout feature, with its own traffic light system that flashes green when it’s safe to hit
Enniscrone Golf Club
The Scurmore third nine is located next to the main Dunes Course, on slightly flatter ground and away from the dunes. This course was designed for Enniscrone Golf Club in 1999 by Donald Steel and completed in 2001, providing relief for players on a 27-hole round. While a predominantly flat course, several holes still offer some challenging ditches for players, creating a fun and memorable game.
The course offers a mix of short and long holes, making it a great course for new players or experienced golfers looking for a more relaxed game. The par-three 7th hole is a standout moment on the course, dipping into the dunes and requiring a skillful shot. The Scurmore course layout follows the traditional links style of “nine out” and “nine back” to the clubhouse.
Allan O’Connor, Ireland Operations Manager
The Glasshouse Hotel sits right on the Garavogue River and has amazing views of the water and the city. It’s a modern, 4-star spot with big windows, clean lines, and a really nice vibe- kind of a contrast to all the old-world charm you’ll get out on the courses. You’re also right in the heart of Sligo town, so you can walk to restaurants, pubs, and shops in minutes.
Don’t miss a nightcap in View Bar, where you can watch the sun set over the river with a pint of Guinness or a fine Irish whiskey in hand.
North West Ireland is a hidden gem of a golfing destination. In comparison to better know tours of Northern Ireland or the South West, unearth some of the finest links on the emerald Isle including Rosapenna, Ballyliffin, Donegal and Carne.
6 nights accommodation and 5 rounds of golf
From $4,608 per golfer
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To book a tee time at Enniscrone Golf Club, you can conveniently arrange it through Premier Golf as part of a Northwest Ireland golf package.
In 2023, the green fees for playing at Enniscrone Golf Club are €175, with winter rates as low as €40, on both Scurmore and The Dunes Course.
You can rent golf clubs and equipment and hire buggies, caddies, and trolleys at Enniscrone Golf Club.
Enniscrone has two courses; The Dunes Championship course and the Scurmore course, which are 18 and 9 holes, respectively.