Ballybunion in County Kerry, Ireland, is a popular seaside resort in the South West corner of Ireland (population 1500). For many decades it has been a popular beach location for locals and those on weekend breaks from the larger cities of Limerick, Killarney, Galway and Cork.
Part of the Ballybunion’s appeal is that it is not one of the more traditional touristic towns that are dotted around the Irish coast so it tends to have a more mellow and laid-back feel to it.
Many visitors arrive to seek out two main activities: enjoying the beach and golfing at Ballybunion golf courses. Traditional tourist attractions are represented by the ruins of Ballybunion Castle down by the beach.
The town is located about 15km drive from Listowel, also in County Kerry, and is serviced by regular Bus Eireann buses (with Listowel and Tralee principally).
The beach itself was the scene of a major battle between two rival clans. Thankfully this occurred in 1834. The town has a small tourist office on its main street with details of local amenities, information, attractions and contact details for Ballybunion hotels and B&B’s (full listings are also available from the home page of this site).
In high season, many families are drawn to Ballybunion for its pleasent sandy beach. The nearby cliffs offer good panoramic views of the beach and surrounding countryside and are well worth the short trek to get away from the crowds during the busy summer period. For older children, and the young at heart, there is a thriving surfing scene down by the beach for the more adventurous. Wave heights are not that extreme and generally suitable for beginners.
In summer, the Ballybunion nightlife consists principally of visits to the few bars that are set along the main street of the town.
Of the two golf courses nearby, the famous Ballybunion Golf Club is rightly seen as one of the most prestigious golf courses in the region, if not in all of Ireland. The course was created in 1893 and is a windswept links style course with views out across the Atlantic ocean on all holes. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and booking ahead is certainly recommended during summer. As is bringing adequate rain gear!
One notable visitor to the town recently was former President Bill Clinton in 1998 when he visited principally to play the Ballybunion golf course. To commemorate the visit the local have now put on display a statue (on the main street, outside the Garda station) of Bill Clinton teeing off.
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