Tralee Golf Club

While Tralee Golf Club traces its origins back to the 1800s, the course we know today was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1984, making it one of Southwest Ireland’s most modern destinations. And frankly, it’s easy to see why the land wasn’t developed until recent years. The golf course, especially the back nine, sits amongst some of the largest dunes you’ll ever find on a golf course. Its aggressive landscape would have been nearly impossible to traverse with older equipment.

Surrounded by Barrow Beach and Barrow Harbour, Tralee sits out on a finger of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Its setting is undeniably one of the most scenic in the world, so it’s no surprise that it has become such a hot spot for international travelers. The club also played host to the 2026 Palmer Cup, a dramatic competition that saw the International Team defeat Team USA 30.5-29.5.

Take Note…

The quote. Front and center on the Tralee website (really anywhere you read about Tralee) is a quote from Arnold Palmer that reads, “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.” No matter your level of religious interest, you get the meaning when you reach the inward nine. Whether or not it’s truly applicable is a conversation we’ll have later on.

Say it right. As Americans tend to do, mispronunciations of “Tralee” are very common. It’s pronounced “Tr-Uh-Lee,” not “Tray-Lee.” Don’t be daft.

The winter green. The most difficult green at Tralee isn’t one played by most visitors. In the winter, the club often shuts down the par-3 third green that sits out on the point and instead plays an alternate hole that begins at the base of the tower. According to one of the caddies in our group, the narrow alternative hole is easily the most difficult hole on property.

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