| Ballybunion is a charming seaside resort town in | | | | Ballybunion Golf Club, which consists of the Old |
| the south west of Ireland which has been drawing | | | | Course and The Cashen course, is renowned as |
| in tourists to its sandy beaches and to its golf | | | | one of the most prestigious golf courses in |
| clubs for many decades. | | | | Ireland, regularly making the top 25 courses in the |
| Part of the appeal of this small town is that it is | | | | world according to most golf magazines (and |
| one of the few villages in the area that has not | | | | certainly in the top 5 of the world links-style |
| fully succumbed to being a tourist trap and | | | | courses). This links-style course was founded in |
| therefore thankfully retained a good deal of its old | | | | 1893 and has panoramic views on all holes out |
| country charm. As a result, it tends to have a | | | | across the Atlantic Ocean. Prices can fluctuate |
| more laid-back atmosphere and is a favorite for | | | | depending on the time of year and booking ahead |
| the Irish people from nearby cities seeking a | | | | is certainly recommended during summer. As is |
| secluded weekend break or day trip. | | | | bringing good protective waterproof clothing! |
| Many visitors arrive to seek out two main | | | | One notable golfing visitor to the town in 1998 |
| activities: enjoying the beaches in the area and | | | | was former President of the United States Bill |
| golfing at Ballybunion Golf Club. | | | | Clinton when he visited, principally, to play at |
| In the high season, many families take day trips | | | | Ballybunion golf club. To honor the visit the local |
| to Ballybunion to enjoy its family friendly sandy | | | | civic leaders have a statue on the Ballybunion's |
| beach. For older children, and the adventurous, | | | | main street of Bill Clinton teeing off. |
| there is a flourishing surfing scene centered on | | | | The town's remote location does however result |
| the beach. It's a good choice for beginners or | | | | in a lack of hotels and accommodation. This has |
| improvers to try out their surf skills since waves | | | | been touted as a principal reason why the Irish |
| are not particularly high. | | | | Open Golf Championship has not been played |
| The cliffs overlooking the beach offer good | | | | there. As a result, many visitors base themselves |
| panoramic views of the sea and surrounding | | | | in hotels in the nearby towns around Kerry, Clare |
| countryside and are well worth the walk. The | | | | and the Dingle Peninsula. |
| ruins of Ballybunion Castle are situated on the cliff, | | | | Ballybunion town has a small tourist office on its |
| but several sieges over the centuries have | | | | main street providing details of local amenities, |
| reduced the castle to being a shadow of what it | | | | information and attractions, such as details of the |
| must have once been. The scenic cliff walk winds | | | | local bus service to Listowel town. Note however |
| its way to some of the other beaches in the | | | | that the tourist office is only open in the summer |
| area, notably, the 'Nuns' beach (named for its | | | | season. |
| proximity to a local nunnery). | | | | |