10th hole – Par 5
Carraig Fada

This long, arcing par five over the undulating landscape starts the back nine with a flourish. Two good shots are required to leave a mid-iron third to the green, nestled in a cosy nook, surrounded by dunes and bunkers.

11th hole – Par 3
Roaninish

This is a par three which favours a right-to-left tee shot to a well-contoured, kidney-shaped green, guarded by two deep bunkers on the left and one on the front right. A precise tee shot is required to par this hole and a birdie here is a rare bonus

12th hole – Par 4
Vinny’s Corner

A dog-leg par four, this time to the right, around a large dune. The second shot is played to a sloping green from back to front. The deep bunker at the front left gathers many an errant shot. A two-putt finish is always a relief.

13th hole – Par 5
Hemmersbach’s Gap

This is the first in a trio of consecutive par fives. A straight-forward tee-shot to a right-to-left sloping fairway and a good second to the brow of a little hill sets up the opportunity of a short pitch to a friendly green. A good birdie opportunity.

14th hole – Par 5
Sweeney’s Bank

Usually played downwind, this is a snaking par-five, played through a narrow corridor amidst towering dunes. The elevated and challenging green is protected by sloping terrain and strategically placed bunkering.

15th hole – Par 5
Inis Caoil

This par five is probably one of the most scenic holes that you will ever play, with the Atlantic Ocean and the golden sands of Narin Beach on your right, backed by the historic religious site of Inniskeel Island. The course serves the golfer a daunting tee shot to a tight fairway, with dunes and a bunker on the left, and out of bounds on the right. The landing area for the second shot is guarded by bunkers on both sides and also requires a controlled golf shot. The third shot will bring you to a generous-sized contoured green, which is slightly raised. If the wind blows, a par is a great result here!

16th hole – Par 3
The High Altar

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the shortness of this picturesque par three. Missing the green has wrecked many a card, so accuracy is at a premium. On the positive side, it has yielded more holes-in-one than any other hole on the course!

17th hole – Par 4
The Dorleens

This penultimate par four is a classic links hole, with a myriad of bumps and slopes on the fairway. One will have to negotiate an infinite variety of stances and lies and a good drive will still require a mid-iron at least to a banked green. If you get your four, run to the final tee before the golfing gods take offence!

18th hole – Par 4
O’Boyle’s Fort

A pleasant par four finish features a slight dog-leg to the right. Out of bounds threatens on the right, so the best option is to drive to the left of the fairway, opening up the green for an easier approach. Avoid the bunkers on the right of the green and once finished, be gratified for the refreshing presence of the well-appointed clubhouse.