Killarney GC

leesidegolfer

Just wondering if there are any members here from Killarney GC. I know they are closed for membership at the moment but it's something I'm thinking about for 2026 onwards, even if it means going on a waiting list for a while. I live in Cork , would be approx 1 hr 15 mins drive.

I'm currently weighing up the pros/cons of it. Obviously it's a bit of a drive which is the big con at moment, the Macroom bypass has helped big time though and made it a possibility. The big plus is that's it's a fantastic course which I absolutely love playing and then having access to another quality 18 hole course in Mahonys Point is very appealing. Add in the practice facilities and just the general scenic location it's got a lot going for it. Entrance fees etc are nothing crazy from what I gather in comparison to anything here around Cork for the bigger clubs. I feel if I even played it just once a week id still be getting value for money.

Couple of questions for any members here, feel free to PM me if you don't want to share the information publicly.

• Is there men's comps every weekend on Saturday and Sunday. One comp played over 2 days or separate competitions?
• How easy is it to get on timesheets etc?
• How much do members pay when entering the comps on open days?
• Does membership include full access to academy and practice facilities?
• Any other pros and cons I should be aware of.

Any feedback or information would be greatly appreciated

big_drive

Would be a great course to be a member of no doubt. Adding on 2 hours travel time to your round is a lot though, makes a long day of it. Hard too to just head for a few holes on a evening with that drive.

Break80

It might be an idea to look at membership options in Fota Island.

They have a reciprocal arrangement with Killarney, Carlton House and Arklow. You can play any of those courses free weekdays.

Best of both worlds maybe?

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123719543#Comment_123719543

I dunno how much information the poster has got regards money, fees, etc. But last I heard Fota is €15k joining fee. You'd be in Killarney for around €3k including your sub. So big difference

JVince

1hr 15 is in reality 1hr 30, then you'd want to arrive 15-30 min ahead. Then tea/coffee/chat after 4 hour golf and 1hr 30 back home. All in all abut 8 hours.

I'd look at Cobh or Kinsale as two decent courses in Cork that are open for membership. Kinsale has a excellent clubhouse whereas Cobh has stunning views but a little hilly (but not as bad as you'd expect)

The_Kew_Tour

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058421814/killarney-gc

1000% join but your journey for me is not worth it. Way too long

big_drive

It probably comes down to factors like job, other commitments, family life, etc. Everyone is different in this regard, some people have more time available than others. If it works great but it certainly wouldn't suit the majority id say.

slave1

I joined a course 35mins away, only lasted a year, the extra effort to get there became tiresome with other options within 10minutes, it also made evening golf more difficult during the Summer.

I think you might regret sinking entrance fees and being "stuck" there

Break80

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123719679#Comment_123719679

Yes I agree. Mad money but if you're willing to spend that kind of money, it would be a lifetime investment in your golf.

My point was,you would have the benefit of using the other courses without the regular travel every week.

leesidegolfer

Thanks for all the replies lads, yeah it's hard to figure out the best thing to do. As mentioned above the money side is great for what you are getting. Joining fee is low compared to similar courses in other parts of Ireland. Yearly sub is only just over €1,200 then so seriously good value. Obviously it's the distance thing that is the issue really. Will just have to keep thinking and come to a decision

moycullen14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123723160#Comment_123723160

Agree with the others. Proximity is one, if not the most, important factors when considering membership. The closer it is, the more you use it. Simple as that, really

Love Killarney, btw

JIdontknow

Realistically, after the initial buzz wears off the journey will become a chore and turn you off it. Your round of golf will be roughly 7.5 - 8 hours door to door including signing in, getting gear ready, etc. and think about that in the winter months especially. Yes it has the practice facilities, but again will you drive 75-90 minutes just to do some practice? Just playing devils advocate but as others have said, proximity plays a big part in how often you'll play, considering you have options closer to you. How much is joining fee in Castlemartyr if you want one of the larger resort type setups? I see on their website full 7 day membership is 1550 but doesn't state how much joining fee is.

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123732902#Comment_123732902

The Castlemartyr joining fee in early 2024 was €3,500 as I enquired. Not sure if that's moved since then.

daithi7

Killarney is undoubtedly lovely but that commute for regular golf would be a killer imho.

You could instead look at joining your favourite big city club as a corporate member (higher subs, no, or a nominal entrance fee normally), then wait for the next recession until the joining fees drop significantly (it's the first thing normally to go/ drop in downturns).

If you're Cork based I know which club I'd join...

No contest!!

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123733068#Comment_123733068

I've heard corporate membership mentioned before, how exactly does that work? Is it something only available to companies

Which cork club you talking about? To me there's 2 well ahead of the rest - Cork or Fota

daithi7

Corporate memberships are often offered to individuals also if requested.

Cork or Fota, no contest imo, Cork is much better!!

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123733145#Comment_123733145

I'd be in agreement with you on that one, id still rate Fota as an excellent course but Cork would be my no.1

big_drive

Out of interest, how far is the max anybody here would drive to be a member at a top club? For me I'd say 45 mins would be max. For that I'd want a top club with great facilities, practice areas, nice clubhouse, etc. And it would need to be a course I'd really enjoy playing every week which was maintained to a very high standard.

Salvadoor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058421814/killarney-gc

To answer your actual questions:

• Is there men's comps every weekend on Saturday and Sunday, yes One comp played over 2 days or separate competitions? One comp over the 2 days
• How easy is it to get on timesheets etc? yes, exchange days to Tralee, BallyB, Dooks etc are very busy though so you may not get a time that you actually want
• How much do members pay when entering the comps on open days? €10/€15
• Does membership include full access to academy and practice facilities? Yes
• Any other pros and cons I should be aware of. 2 courses so times are always available for members casual golf 7 days a week.

big_drive

One thing I'd never thought about is the fact a club like Killarney have exchange days, getting to play the likes of Tralee, Ballybunion for €10 is a serious perk of the membership.

leesidegolfer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123765837#Comment_123765837

Thanks so much for all the information there. It sounds pretty good, the club ticks all the boxes for me really. The distance is the only issue really but everything else is great

golfguy1

iI'm also a member

not many cons but just to make you aware

killeen course closes mon-thurs from dec 1st till April 1st. Also closes for long spells during winter as low lying holes near lake flood.

Mahonys also closes for long spells in recent yrs.

Fairways on both courses closed on above dates aswell

mens club membership is very active with a lot of new members. competition timesheets are in high demand for sat and sun morning timesheets.

Exchange days are brilliant value but very hard to get a spot due to demand

Saying all that it's a great club😁

leesidegolfer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123767193#Comment_123767193

Great , thanks for all the information also. Was presuming alright that the holes near lake would have to be hit with flooding at some stages.

Have ye heard any information about club opening for new members next year?

golfguy1

the normal rule was take in 2026 what left in 2024.

best to put in your application ASAP and be 1st in queue for next yr