Kilcoolys Country House Hotel

Things to See & Do

Ballybunion Golf Club

For our international visitors Ballybunion has long been renowned for her beautiful, challenging and most famous of Golf Courses; ‘The Old’.

A second has been added in more recent times so that now two of the finest links golf courses in the world battle the Atlantic Ocean every day. You can come to pit your wits against the resulting splendour. It’s just a click away! The Old Course has been in play since 1893 and Tom Watson’s famous quip that “Nobody can call himself a golfer until he has played at Ballybunion; you would think the game originated there” is most certainly not wide of the mark . Robert Trent Jones, the architect of the Cashen Course has described it as his greatest achievement.

Opinions will differ as to world rankings, but all will agree about the splendour and command that these courses hold over all who play them.

Cultural & Heritage Sites

There is a wealth of cultural and heritage attractions to visit whilst enjoying your stay, making Kilcooly’s the perfect base of exploration.

From Ballybunion Castle, Doon Promontory & Leck Castle on the doorstep.

Just a short 15-20 minute, drive to Listowel, brings you to Listowel Castle, Seanchai Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre, St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre as well as the famous Kerry Writers Week and of course Listowel Races.

Tralee is 30 minutes away, with the famous Rose of Tralee Festival, Kerry County Museum, The Wildlands Centre & Blennerville.

Killarney is 60 minutes drive , and brings you the Killarney Lakes (boat tours), Muckross House, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall & access to the many famous hiking/climbing spots including Mangerton, Old Kenmare Road and of course Carrauntoohill, Ireland’s highest mountain.

Wild Atlantic Way

Being situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballybunion plays host to stunning cliff walks, majestic beaches & famous Sea Weed Baths.

To our Irish guests Ballybunion has long been known as the Queen of Seaside Resorts, indeed as far back as the early 19th Century. The jewels that made her famous then are equally as intact today. All of the natural beauty is as pristine as ever.

Nearly 4 miles of beach are within as many minutes of your door, in addition there are another 5 miles of heavenly sandy shoreline walks only a few minutes further away.

Fishing & Angling

All of these beaches hold the typical spoils of beach-casting, with bass, flounder and plaice all to be caught. If your interests are more of a ‘game’ nature there are boats operating locally, we would only be too pleased to make the necessary arrangements for you.

What could be regarded as a very unusual sight would be the net fishing for Wild Salmon from native ‘Currachs’, these are small 16-18 feet flat bottomed boats that are generally rowed by 2-3 people while the ‘catch’ is ongoing. This is seasonal, but can often yield your dinner for the evening, a true feast. This takes place from the Cashen River, which is within view of Ballybunion Golf Club, Clubhouse.

Cliff Walks

Shorter in length, and accessible irrespective of the tide, the Cliff Walks in Ballybunion are an ideal stroll to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and take in some of the freshest air in the world. It will be hard for you to believe that you are so close to the town and yet feeling so at one with nature. There is plenty of local folklore associated with some the features you will encounter on this stroll, they will certainly arouse curiosity in most circles; ‘The Virgin’s Rock’, ‘The Nun’s Beach’ to name two. Ask any of the locals to tell you the stories. I defy anyone to feel stressed while strolling along watching the Dolphins playing in the Bay.

Horse Riding

Horse riding on the golden beaches surrounding Ballybunion makes for a unforgettable day. Available in the immediate locality, please contact us in advance of your arrival and we would be happy to arrange this for you.