Overview
Hogs Head Golf Club sits on the rugged Iveragh Peninsula, just outside the seaside village of Waterville in County Kerry. Opened in July 2017, the 18‑hole, par‑72 links course was the first Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in Ireland. It weaves through windswept dunes, heather‑clad embankments and the churning Finglas River, offering uninterrupted views of Ballinskelligs Bay, the Skellig Islands and the surrounding mountains. The resort also includes a 48‑room Lodge, five private cottages, three on‑site restaurants, a full‑service spa and a 14 km “Hogs Head Loop” walking route that showcases the same dramatic coastline.
History & Development
The property was conceived by New‑York‑based entrepreneurs Bryan Marsal and Tony Alvarez, who wanted a world‑class golf destination “built by friends, for friends”. Their vision attracted the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., who re‑imagined the former Skellig Bay Course (closed in 2006) into a modern links layout that respects the natural topography. Construction was overseen by Dublin firm Henry J Lyons and interior designer Robert Rizzo, who used locally quarried Kerry stone, slate roofs and oak detailing to blend the clubhouse, Lodge and cottages seamlessly into the landscape.
What to See & Do
Golf
- Course design – At 7,140 yards the layout combines classic links features (deep bunkers, firm fescues) with signature Irish touches such as the “biarritiz” green on the 6th and the dual‑green “Kathleen’s Choice” on the 13th, which offers two distinct putting surfaces and two separate vistas.
- Caddies – The club operates a mandatory caddie system. Rates are €100 for a single bag and €140 for a double bag, gratuity included.
- Public access – While the club has 550 members, 20 % of tee times are allocated to the public, making it possible to book a round without a membership.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single‑bag caddie | €100 |
| Double‑bag caddie | €140 |
Facilities & Practice Areas
The clubhouse houses a fully stocked pro shop, a covered driving range, a short‑game practice area and a state‑of‑the‑art putting green. A dedicated swing‑analysis suite and lessons from PGA‑qualified professionals are available for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Accommodation
- The Lodge – A sleek S‑shaped building with 48 guest rooms, two owner suites (one named after the course designer) and panoramic windows that frame Lough Currane and the surrounding mountains.
- Cottages – Five four‑bedroom, en‑suite cottages provide a “home‑away‑from‑home” feel, each with a private fire‑pit, living area and full kitchen.
Dining & Leisure
- Lough Currane Bar & Restaurant – Floor‑to‑ceiling windows overlook the lake and rolling greens; the menu blends Irish seafood with contemporary European flavours.
- Private Dining Room & Wine Cellar – An intimate space for wine tastings and special occasions, stocked with a curated selection of Irish and international labels.
- McCarthy’s Bar – A lively venue offering whiskey, cocktails, cigars and hearty Irish fare, situated in the clubhouse with views of the 18th hole.
- Gail’s Spa – Features indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a dry sauna, steam room, hot tub, neck massager and a fully equipped Technogym fitness centre.
Hogs Head Loop Walk
The 14 km (approximately 4‑6 hour) Hogs Head Loop is a moderate walking route that departs from Waterville village and follows quiet back roads and coastal paths. Highlights include:
- Loher Stone Fort – An early‑9th‑century dry‑stone fort with walls up to 3 m high, offering a glimpse into early Irish chieftainship.
- Panoramic coastal views – Lookouts over Ballinskelligs Bay, Bolus Head, the Skelligs, Derrynane Bay and Lambs Head.
- Derrynane National Park – The trail weaves through this protected area, showcasing native flora and sweeping sea vistas.
The loop forms part of the larger Kerry Way, allowing walkers to join or leave the national trail at Hogs Head.
Family & Group Activities
The walking loop is suitable for families with older children, and the spa offers family packages that include a parent‑child massage. Group bookings for corporate retreats or weddings can make use of the private dining room, the on‑site cottages and the scenic backdrop of the course.
Practical Information
Getting there – Hogs Head lies 5 km south of Waterville village on the N70 Ring of Kerry road. The nearest airport is Kerry Airport (KIR), about 30 km away, with shuttle services and car‑hire options. Private golf‑transport services are available from major Irish cities and from the airport.
Booking – Tee times, accommodation and spa appointments can be booked directly via the club’s website. The site provides a live‑map view of the course and a virtual tour of the Lodge.
Facilities – The club offers free on‑site parking for guests, Wi‑Fi throughout the Lodge and cottages, and a fully equipped pro shop selling apparel, clubs and Irish golf memorabilia.
Accessibility – The main clubhouse, restaurant areas and the Lodge are wheelchair‑accessible. The golf course itself is a walking‑only layout, and the Hogs Head Loop includes some uneven terrain and modest ascents (peak 138 m, total climb 380 m).
Season – The course is playable year‑round, though the most popular months are May through September when daylight hours are longest and the Atlantic breezes are milder.
Nearby attractions – After a round, visitors can explore the historic stone forts along the loop, visit the nearby town of Cahersiveen for its 16th‑century castles, or embark on a boat trip to the Skellig Islands. The Gap of Dunloe, a spectacular glacial valley, is also a short drive away and makes an excellent addition to a day‑trip itinerary.
Useful links