Overview
Doohoma Golf Club sits on the rugged north‑west coast of County Mayo, overlooking Blacksod Bay, Achill Island and the Mullet Peninsula. The compact 9‑hole Par 3 layout winds along the shoreline, giving every tee and green a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Its intimate design makes it ideal for beginners sharpening their short game, yet the ever‑changing wind and undulating greens provide a satisfying challenge for seasoned players.
The club is run by a dedicated group of local volunteers, fostering a warm, community‑focused atmosphere. After a round, the modest clubhouse offers a cosy spot to relax, share a drink, and soak in the sea‑air ambience. The course is fully mapped on the Hole19 app and ProVisualizer, allowing visitors to navigate each hole with GPS precision and even view 3‑D fly‑overs.
History & Community Roots
While the golf club itself is a relatively recent addition to the Doohoma peninsula, the surrounding village has a rich heritage dating back to the 19th‑century fishing and farming community. Doohoma endured the hardships of the Great Famine, later developing a strong sense of self‑reliance that is still evident today. In the 1970s the area saw the establishment of Eagle Isle Seafoods, an exporter of wild Atlantic salmon, underscoring the community’s connection to the sea.
The golf club emerged from this same spirit of local initiative in the 2010s. Volunteers built and maintain the nine greens, and the course has quickly become a point of pride for residents and visitors alike. A 2019 review on Hole19 described it as a “hidden wonder” managed entirely by volunteers, noting its rapid development and the potential for the course to mature further.
Facilities & Amenities
The clubhouse is modest but welcoming, featuring a wood‑burning fire, a small bar and simple kitchen facilities where visitors can purchase tea, coffee and light snacks. A limited range of clubs and balls can be hired on the day. Adjacent to the clubhouse is a practice area with a short‑game bunker and a driving net, ideal for warming up before a round.
Seasonal & Weather Advice
The Atlantic location means the course is exposed to strong, shifting breezes, especially in spring and autumn. Summer months generally offer calmer conditions, but golfers should be prepared for occasional gusts that can affect ball flight and green speed. Dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear is advisable year‑round.
What to See & Do
Play the Course
Doohoma Golf Club offers a full 18‑hole experience despite its nine‑hole layout. After completing the front nine, players return to a second set of tee boxes that present a fresh angle on each green, effectively creating an 18‑hole round. The scorecard is as follows:
| Hole | Par | Yards | S.I. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 116 | 16 |
| 2 | 3 | 127 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 | 128 | 18 |
| 4 | 3 | 128 | 10 |
| 5 | 3 | 101 | 6 |
| 6 | 3 | 126 | 14 |
| 7 | 3 | 145 | 2 |
| 8 | 3 | 133 | 8 |
| 9 | 3 | 128 | 12 |
| OUT | 27 | 1,132 | – |
| 10 | 3 | 144 | 5 |
| 11 | 3 | 119 | 13 |
| 12 | 3 | 114 | 17 |
| 13 | 3 | 114 | 15 |
| 14 | 3 | 105 | 7 |
| 15 | 3 | 144 | 11 |
| 16 | 3 | 168 | 1 |
| 17 | 3 | 157 | 3 |
| 18 | 3 | 131 | 9 |
| IN | 27 | 1,196 | – |
| TOTAL | 54 | 2,328 | – |
The front nine is characterised by shorter, more technical holes, while the back nine introduces longer tees that test distance control against the ever‑present Atlantic breezes.
Practice Facilities
A small practice area sits adjacent to the clubhouse, providing a driving net and a short‑game bunker. Golfers can warm up before their round or work on specific aspects of their game under the watchful eye of local volunteers who are happy to share tips on navigating the windy links conditions.
Nearby Walks & Beach
Doohoma Head (An Ceann Ramhar) offers a long sandy beach with panoramic views of Achill Island. The beach is popular for kite‑surfing, walking, and simply watching the tide roll in. The Doohoma Loop Walk, a coastal trail of about 5 km, starts and finishes near the club and takes walkers past the beach, cliffs and the historic St Pius Church.
The village itself has two pubs – The Sea Rod Inn and Tra Bui – both serving hearty Irish fare and a welcoming atmosphere. Accommodation options include self‑catering homes and the Sea Rod Inn B&B.
Events & Community Fundraising
Sean Gaughan Memorial Cup
Doohoma Golf Club hosts the annual Sean Gaughan Memorial Cup, a 9‑hole competition that draws players from across the Erris region. Reported in the Western People (July 2024), the event features a post‑round barbecue and awards for best scores, nearest‑the‑pin and most improved player. Recent winners include Edmund Gaughan (top prize) and Cormac O’Muirithe, who set a course record on the Hackett layout.
Murie Henry Memorial Cup (2016)
In May 2016 the club held the Murie Henry Memorial Cup, a Singles Stableford Open organised to raise funds for Galway Hospice. The event attracted players from across the west of Ireland, raised €7,555 for the hospice and was followed by an auction and music night at Trá Buí, Holmes’ Doohoma. The success of that fundraiser highlighted the club’s role as a community hub for charitable initiatives.
The club continues to support local charities and schools through occasional charity matches and fundraising evenings.
Nearby Attractions & Activities
- Bangor Trail – a rugged 7‑km walk through the hills and coastline of North Mayo. See Bangor Trail.
- Achill Island – just a short drive away, offering dramatic cliffs, beaches and the historic Achill Archaeological Field School. Link: Achill Island.
- Belmullet – the nearest town with shops, restaurants and the Belmullet Golf Club – Carne Golf Links. Link: Belmullet.
- Mulranny Golf Club – another coastal links course worth a visit on the same day. Link: Mulranny.
- Wild Atlantic Way – the club sits on this iconic coastal route, perfect for scenic drives. Link: Wild Atlantic Way.
Booking, Facilities & Practical Information
- Tee‑times – managed informally by the volunteer committee; visitors can book on‑the‑day at the clubhouse or via the Hole19 app (which also provides GPS navigation and score‑keeping).
- Green fees – modest and collected at the clubhouse; exact rates vary seasonally and are not listed online.
- Equipment hire – a limited set of clubs and a few balls are available for hire from the clubhouse.
- Practice area – includes a short‑game bunker and a driving net.
- Parking – a small free car park is located beside the clubhouse; space is limited during peak times.
- Accessibility – the course is relatively flat but the terrain can be uneven; no dedicated wheelchair facilities are noted.
- Typical opening hours – the club operates during daylight hours; there is no fixed opening time posted online, so visitors should check locally or arrive early in the day.
- Weather – the Atlantic can bring strong gusts, especially in spring and autumn; many players prefer the calmer summer months.
- Maps & Visuals – detailed satellite and 3‑D terrain maps are available on ProVisualizer, useful for planning strategy.
Getting there: From Dublin, take the M6 to Castlebar, then the N59 north to Ballina and follow the R314 to Doohoma. The journey takes roughly three hours, offering scenic views of the Irish countryside along the way.
Accommodation: Doohoma offers a range of self‑catering homes and the Sea Rod Inn B&B, both providing comfortable bases for a golf‑focused stay.
Enjoy a round at Doohoma Golf Club and experience the unique blend of sport, community, and Atlantic beauty that defines this Mayo gem.