Killarney Killeen
The Killeen is the championship course at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, laid out on the wooded shore of Lough Leane with the MacGillycuddy's Reeks rising beyond. Shaped by Dr Billy O'Sullivan and Eddie Hackett, then lengthened and modernised by Donald Steel for a 2006 reopening, it is a par 72 of about 7,121 yards that has hosted the Irish Open four times.
Photo: Killarney Killeen Course via Google.
The verdict
The Killeen has long been the bigger and more demanding of Killarney's two flagship courses, a parkland test that runs right to the edge of Lough Leane. Originally developed by club stalwart Dr Billy O'Sullivan with Eddie Hackett in the early 1970s, it was reworked by Donald Steel, who lengthened the layout, moved greens closer to the water and rebuilt the bunkering for a 2006 reopening.
The result is one of the most scenic championship tests in Ireland, host to the Irish Open in 1991, 1992, 2010 and 2011. Water is in play on hole after hole, the lakeside closing holes are genuinely thrilling, and the backdrop of the Kerry mountains is among the finest in the game. It is the centerpiece of a Killarney trip and an easy pairing with the great links of the Kerry coast.
Killarney Killeen Course at a glance
- Opened
- Early 1970s; redesigned 2006
- Designer
- Billy O'Sullivan and Eddie Hackett; Donald Steel redesign
- Type
- Lakeside parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 7,121 yds
- Green fee
- Seasonal
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the club and leading course databases. Green fees are indicative for 2026 and change by season, so always confirm current rates and access directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Killeen plays its full length from the championship tees and rewards length off the tee married to a steady nerve on the approach, with water threatening a clear majority of the holes and the lake itself forming the backdrop to the closing run.
Donald Steel's redesign pushed several greens hard against Lough Leane, so the second shots demand commitment as much as precision. The par 3s are exposed to the wind coming off the water, and the long par 4s into the breeze can be a stern examination even for low handicaps.
The finish is the signature of the course, a string of holes hugging the lakeshore with the mountains beyond, where a good card can unravel quickly and a brave one can be made. It is championship golf in a setting that few venues anywhere can rival.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Visitors welcome; the Killeen is the premium of the club's courses, so book well ahead in summer |
| Green fee | Published seasonal visitor green fees apply and the Killeen sits at the top of the Kerry parkland range (indicative, 2026); always confirm the current rate directly before booking |
| Booking | Reserve through the club; combined rounds with Mahony's Point are often available as a package |
| On the day | Parkland walking; buggies and caddies can be arranged in advance; smart golf dress expected |
| Getting there | About 10 minutes from Killarney town, County Kerry, and roughly 90 minutes from Cork and Kerry airports |
| Best months | May to September for the best of the weather, with early autumn often calm and quiet |
Access and fees verified June 2026; policies change, so always confirm directly before planning a visit with the club or your trip planner.
Where to stay nearby
Killarney is one of Ireland's most established golf and touring bases, with a deep choice of hotels, from grand lakeside resorts to town center options, plus the restaurants and bars of a lively tourist town. The club sits just outside town on the road toward the lakes.
For a golf focused trip, a Killarney base pairs the Killeen with Mahony's Point at the same club and puts the great Kerry links of Waterville, Ballybunion and Tralee within an hour or two. It is the natural hub for a southwest Ireland itinerary.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Killarney Killeen Course.
Build a Kerry golf trip
We pair the Killeen with the great links of the Kerry coast, secure the tee times and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Killarney Killeen Course questions
Who designed the Killeen Course at Killarney?
The Killeen was developed by Dr Billy O'Sullivan with Eddie Hackett in the early 1970s, then lengthened and modernised by architect Donald Steel for a reopening in 2006.
What is the par and length of the Killeen Course?
The Killeen is a par 72 measuring about 7,121 yards from the championship tees, played on the wooded shore of Lough Leane in County Kerry.
Has Killarney hosted the Irish Open?
Yes. The Killeen Course has hosted the Irish Open four times, in 1991, 1992, 2010 and 2011.
Can visitors play the Killeen Course?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. The Killeen is the premium course, so booking well ahead is advised in summer. Always confirm current green fees directly before booking.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
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.