Castlerosse, Killarney
On the shore of Lough Leane in Killarney, with the MacGillycuddy Reeks rising behind, Castlerosse is a relaxed nine hole parkland attached to a lakeside resort. Harry Wallace laid it out in 2000, a par 36 of about 3,000 yards with real elevation change and postcard views, an easy round to pair with Kerry's championship links.
Photo: Castlerosse Park Resort via Google.
The verdict
Castlerosse is not trying to be a championship test, and that is the point. It is a friendly nine hole parkland on a glorious site by Killarney's lower lake, with the Reeks filling the horizon and the resort's lodges a short walk from the tee. Harry Wallace used the natural fall of the land to give the holes interest, and on a clear evening the views do the rest.
For the travelling golfer it is a perfect warm up or wind down alongside the heavy hitters of the southwest, an unpressured round when the legs are tired or the weather closes in on the links. Base in Killarney and you have Castlerosse on the doorstep and a wealth of Kerry golf within an easy drive.
Castlerosse at a glance
- Opened
- 2000
- Designer
- Harry Wallace
- Type
- Lakeside parkland
- Holes
- 9
- Par
- 36
- Yardage
- About 3,000 yds
Designer, opening year, layout and par verified June 2026 from Castlerosse Park Resort and leading course databases. Harry Wallace designed the nine hole parkland course, which opened in 2000, a par 36 of about 3,000 yards on the shore of Lough Leane. It is a resort and public course; green fees are set by the resort and change by season, so always confirm current rates directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The strength of Castlerosse is its setting and its variety over nine holes. The land tumbles toward the lake, giving uphill and downhill shots, blind crests and tee boxes that open onto the Reeks and the water. It plays comfortably for most standards, with trouble that punishes the wild rather than the merely loose.
The lakeside holes are the photographs of the round, parkland turf running down to Lough Leane with the mountains beyond. It is short enough to play twice for a full eighteen, or to enjoy as a quick nine when time or weather is tight.
Treat it as the gentle counterpoint to Kerry's great links, a scenic, walkable round that asks for placement and rewards a good eye for the slopes.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort and public course; visitors and resort guests welcome, booking advised in summer |
| Green fee | Set by the resort and varies by season; a modest nine hole parkland rate (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Reserve through the resort or your trip planner as part of a Killarney golf break |
| On the day | Walkable parkland with real elevation; carts available; relaxed resort dress code |
| Getting there | On the edge of Killarney town, about 90 minutes from Kerry and Cork airports |
| Best months | May to September for the longest evenings and the best chance of settled weather |
Access and fees verified June 2026; policies change, so always confirm directly with the resort or your trip planner before planning a visit.
Where to stay nearby
Castlerosse sits within its own lakeside resort on the edge of Killarney, with lodges and a hotel a short walk from the first tee, which makes it an easy and central base. Killarney town, with its hotels, pubs and restaurants, is minutes away.
A Killarney base is ideal for a southwest Ireland golf trip, putting the championship links of Kerry within reach. Pair Castlerosse with Killarney's own Killeen and Mahony's Point courses, and the famous links a little farther afield, for a full Kerry itinerary.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Castlerosse.
Build a Kerry golf trip
We pair Castlerosse with the championship links and parkland of the southwest, then book the lodging around your tee times. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Castlerosse questions
Who designed Castlerosse and when did it open?
Castlerosse was designed by Harry Wallace and opened in 2000, a nine hole parkland course on the shore of Lough Leane on the edge of Killarney.
What is the par and length of Castlerosse?
Castlerosse is a nine hole par 36 of about 3,000 yards, a lakeside parkland with real elevation change and views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
Can visitors play Castlerosse?
Yes. It is a resort and public course welcoming visitors and resort guests, with booking advised in the summer. Confirm green fees directly before booking.
What else can I play near Castlerosse?
Killarney's own Killeen and Mahony's Point courses are minutes away, and the championship links of Kerry are within an easy drive for a fuller southwest Ireland trip.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.