Lahinch, named from the old Irish Leithinsi meaning “half island,” has a history dating to the 18th century, gaining fame through George I’s beliefs in periwinkles and sea-grass. Golf began in 1892 when local Limerick golfers, aided by Scottish Black Watch officers, established an 18-hole course. Old Tom Morris enhanced the layout in 1894, utilising Lahinch’s natural sand dunes, which he regarded highly.
The arrival of the West Clare Railway in the mid-1890s boosted Lahinch’s accessibility, leading to its renown as a golfing hub. Bernard Darwin praised it as a favourite among amateur golfers in his 1910 book. Dr. Alister MacKenzie redesigned the course in 1927 with undulating greens near the bay, later flattened in 1935 but restored to MacKenzie’s vision by Martin Hawtree in 1999.
Lahinch offers a captivating golfing experience, set against Liscannor Bay’s scenic backdrop. Notably, it hosts the South of Ireland Championship since 1895, featuring unique holes like the 446-yard par four 3rd and the quirky par five 4th named Klondyke. The blind par three 5th, Dell, remains unchanged since Old Tom Morris’ era, tucked amidst towering dunes.
The Old course at Lahinch, cherished for its challenges and coastal views, hosted the Irish Open in 2019, where Jon Rahm emerged victorious amidst Robert Rock’s notable performance.
