This is a west Clare trip that explains movement, not just tee times. You are following the N67 with the Atlantic on your left — Spanish Point and Lahinch at the northern end, Doonbeg in the middle, Kilrush and Kilkee toward the Shannon Estuary. You do not need every course on the list. You need a route that matches how many nights you have and whether the ferry or Loop Head matters to the wider journey.
Choose your anchor
Three bases solve different problems. Lahinch or Spanish Point if you want the northern links cluster and may continue north to the cliffs. Doonbeg if the headline round is Doonbeg links and dinner is at Morrissey's or the resort. Kilrush or Kilkee if the Killimer ferry, Scattery Island or Loop Head are part of the plan — see places to stay for researched options in each area.
Day 1 — arrive and orient
Fly into Shannon Airport and drive west. Shannon to Lahinch is about 50–55 km — typically 40–50 minutes — before you even think about golf. If you land with energy, Spanish Point is an honest first round: compact links beside the beach, lower fee than Lahinch Old, about 11–15 minutes south of Lahinch village. If you land late, eat in Lahinch — Vaughan's on the Prom, Flanagan's, Dodi — and save the serious golf for tomorrow.
Spanish Point Golf Club
Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay · Links
A compact nine-hole links beside the Atlantic at Spanish Point, playable as either nine or eighteen holes.
Day 2 — the headline links round
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland
Doonbeg, Doughmore · Links
A modern championship links running through the dunes beside Doughmore Bay on the west Clare coast.
Book Doonbeg for the premium tee time if west Clare is why you came. From Lahinch to Doonbeg is about 30 minutes on the N67 through Miltown Malbay — a full day with travel and dinner, not a morning warm-up before another eighteen. Morrissey's in the village or the resort if you are staying on site.
Kilrush after Doonbeg is the pairing many visitors miss — parkland, member-run, €35 — not because it rivals the links, but because it balances the green-fee bill.
Day 3 — contrast on the estuary
Kilrush Golf Club
Kilrush, Parknamoney · Parkland
A member-run 18-hole parkland course just outside Kilrush, offering a lower-cost alternative to the premium links of West Clare.
Play Kilrush when you want a different test and a fraction of the links cost. From Doonbeg village to Kilrush is about 25–30 minutes. Oileán in Kilrush town for dinner. With an afternoon free, Vandeleur Walled Garden is just outside the town — a calm hour if a partner is not playing. Scattery Island ferries from Kilrush Marina when sailings run — check scatteryislandtours.com before building it into the day.
Day 4 — Kilkee, Loop Head or north to Lahinch
- Kilkee Golf Club — nine holes on the cliffs, about 20 minutes west of Kilrush.
- Loop Head lighthouse — beyond Kilkee; allow 40+ minutes from Kilrush to the car park.
- Lahinch Old or Castle — if you are moving north instead of out to the peninsula.
Ferry day or homeward
The Killimer–Tarbert ferry is a 20-minute crossing — useful if Kerry is next, not if you are simply adding golf. From Killimer to Doonbeg is about 20 km via Kilrush per local directions. Returning to Shannon for an afternoon flight, a morning at Shannon Golf Club beats squeezing in Kilrush and a long drive east. Getting around has the driving notes.
Shorter versions: west Clare golf weekend (two nights) or Doonbeg golf base if you are not moving bases. North Clare extension: what to do around Lahinch when golf pauses for cliffs or the Burren.
