What a scenic drive it is to get to Connemara, through the famous 12 bens, and past Ireland’s only fjord, to the remote town of Ballyconneely and the Connemara Golf Club, one of famous Irish architect Eddie Hackett’s many design triumphs in this region. This one is really unique because of the moonscape of granite outcroppings that he had to overcome when building the course. It is amazing that he could succeed in building it considering the landscape, even more so that none of the granite really comes into play! The course is a monster on the card, the longest in Ireland, and the setting calls to mind the Monterey Peninsula, perhaps what it was like half a century ago, still unspoiled by development. The course is actually 27 holes, and the “third nine” is the one that comes closest to the sea. The 27th is especially attractive, heading straight for the clubhouse, elevated on top of the rocks behind the green. We recommend playing them all!