Berehaven Golf Club

Overview

Nestled on the dramatic Beara Peninsula in south‑west County Cork, Berehaven Golf Club is a 9‑hole parkland course that feels like a coastal escape. Overlooking Bantry Bay with the Caha Mountains and Bere Island in the distance, the course delivers sweeping Atlantic vistas from every tee. Three of the nine holes (7, 8 and 9) play directly beside inlets of water, giving the layout a classic links feel while the rest of the course winds through rolling fairways and mature trees.

The club is part of a small but vibrant complex that includes a camper‑van park adjacent to the clubhouse, a family‑run bar and restaurant (open seasonally), and a practice putting green situated across the road from the first tee. Whether you are a touring golfer, a weekend visitor, or a camper exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, Berehaven offers a memorable blend of sport, scenery and hospitality.

History & Background

The origins of golf on the Beara Peninsula go back to the 1890s when a British military unit laid out the short‑lived Royal Berehaven Golf Club. The present club was formally founded in the early 1900s – sources give the year as 1902, 1906 or 1907 – by local enthusiasts who wanted a permanent venue on the dramatic coastline. The original designer is unknown, but the layout has been refined over the decades. A major milestone came in 1994 when the current clubhouse was opened, providing modern changing facilities, a bar and restaurant, and space for the on‑site camper‑van park.

In 2021 the club’s members captured a national championship, raising Berehaven’s profile on the competitive circuit. Historic markers such as the Cillineach stone near the 1st green and the old watchtower behind the 8th green remind players that they are walking a landscape steeped in local lore.

The Course

• Layout – 9 holes, par 68 (women’s par 70), total length 5,121 m. The front nine uses yellow tees; the back nine switches to white tees, altering both distance and, on two holes, the par itself. This dual‑tee system lets you experience a fresh challenge on the return round, effectively creating an 18‑hole experience.
• Designer – While the original architect is unknown, the current layout is credited to local designer James Healy (1golf guide).
• Water Features – Holes 7, 8 and 9 skirt inlets of Bantry Bay, demanding accurate long‑iron or fairway‑wood shots over water. The final three holes are especially photogenic, offering picture‑perfect panoramas of Bere Island and Hungry Hill.
• No Bunkers – Unlike many Irish courses, Berehaven has zero bunkers, placing the emphasis on water navigation, blind approaches and strategic tee‑shot placement.
• Blind Shots & Varied Tees – The 1st, 4th, 5th and 11th greens are partially hidden, encouraging players to walk up and assess the landing area. Different tee positions on the back nine can change a hole’s par, adding tactical depth.
• Winter Play – Thanks to excellent drainage, the course is seldom closed in winter, making it a reliable stop year‑round.

Green Fees & Booking

Green‑fee rates are quoted in euros and apply to visitors without a club membership.

Booking: Tee‑times can be booked by phone up to 24 hours in advance – the club does not currently offer online booking. Call +353 27 70700 and ask for the next available slot.

Facilities & Services

• Clubhouse – Open daily 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. It houses a bar and a seasonal restaurant (serving all‑day meals from June to September). When the bar is closed, guests may bring their own refreshments.
• Leisure – Small crazy‑golf area, a tennis court and a sauna provide non‑golf options for families and groups.
• Equipment Hire – Clubs, pull‑carts, soft‑spike shoes and a limited stock of golf balls are available. Caddies can be arranged on request.
• Practice Facilities – A putting green sits opposite the first tee; a short‑game area is also available.
• Golf Lessons – A teaching professional is listed on the club’s facilities page; lessons can be arranged by contacting the clubhouse.
• Technology & Safety – The clubhouse claims to offer free Wi‑Fi and a defibrillator is mentioned on the club’s facilities page, but visitors should confirm on arrival.
• Camper‑van Park – Adjacent to the clubhouse, pitches have basic utilities and are suitable for motorhomes, caravans and tents.
• Pro Shop – Stocked with apparel, accessories and a small selection of clubs.
• Parking – Level parking is available beside the clubhouse; the entrance is wheelchair‑friendly.

Membership Options & Deals

Berehaven offers a range of membership categories for locals and visitors alike (prices quoted in €):

• Full 7‑Day Adult – €385 per year, unlimited access to the course and clubhouse.
• Student – €190 per year.
• Junior (11‑18, full competition) – €130 per year.
• Junior (11‑18, junior‑only) – €70 per year.
• Under‑10 – €20 per year.
• Introductory (first year) – €110, second‑year rate €220.

New‑member special: 2023 reports a €100 first‑year rate and €200 second‑year rate, with full membership thereafter at €350. All memberships have no joining fee and include access to the practice putting green.

Events & Competitions

Berehaven runs a busy calendar of club competitions throughout the year, including:

• Captains’ Prize – late May / early June (men & women).
• Mixed Seniors 50+ – Thursday series March‑August.
• Junior Open – late June.
• President’s and Lady Captain’s Prizes – July‑August.
• Mixed Team Rumble – late May.
• Micheál O’Hehir Classic – a multi‑day summer tournament (fixture list 2026).

Many of these events are open to members and, on occasion, to visitors who pre‑book a tee time. The club also hosts occasional open tournaments that welcome guest players.

Practical Visitor Tips

Contact & Directions

• Phone: +353 27 70700
• Email: info@berehavengolf.com
• Website: https://berehavengolf.com/
• Address: Millcove, Castletownbere, Co Cork, P75 FW27, Ireland
• Map: https://goo.gl/maps/pRxH3fB8PKF87Tm79

Getting There

• 5‑minute drive from Castletownbere town centre (on the R572).
• 25‑minute drive from Glengarriff.
• Approximately 120 km from Cork Airport and 115 km from Cork city centre.

Seasonality

• The course is open year‑round thanks to good drainage.
• The bar and restaurant operate seasonally (generally June‑September); on off‑days you may bring your own refreshments.
• Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days – consider a weekday tee‑time for a quieter round.

Accessibility

• Clubhouse entrance and parking are level and wheelchair‑friendly.
• The course itself includes uneven terrain, blind shots and water hazards, which may limit full accessibility for mobility‑impaired golfers.

Wi‑Fi & Safety

• The club states that free Wi‑Fi is available and that a defibrillator is on site, but visitors should verify these facilities on arrival.

Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

• Walking & Cycling – The club sits on the route of the Beara Way, a long‑distance trail that links coastal villages and offers spectacular sea‑side walks. A short detour to the Dursey Island ferry (departing from Castletownbere) adds a unique island‑hopping experience.
• Nearby Attractions – After a round, explore the bustling fishing port of Castletownbere, the historic Berehaven Harbour, the Gaeltacht village of Adrigole, the copper‑mining landscape at Allihies, and the seaside town of Ballylickey.
• Scenic Views – Keep an eye on the 7th, 8th and 9th holes for the best photo opportunities of Bantry Bay, Bere Island and Hungry Hill.
• Accommodation – The area offers several self‑catering options such as Hungry Hill Lodge and local B&Bs within a short drive of the club.

Beyond Golf

Because the club sits on the Wild Atlantic Way, it makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions: the bustling fishing port of Castletownbere, the historic Berehaven Harbour, the Beara Way walking and cycling routes, and nearby sights such as the Cillineach stone monument and the watchtower on the 8th green.

Other nearby places worth a detour include the Gaeltacht village of Adrigole, the historic copper‑mining landscape at Allihies, and the scenic seaside town of Ballylickey.

Conclusion

Berehaven Golf Club is more than a round of golf; it is a chance to play a challenging, water‑laden course while soaking in some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re chasing a national championship feel, looking for a scenic stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, or simply want to enjoy a day on the greens with the Atlantic as your backdrop, Berehaven delivers a uniquely Irish golfing experience.