Our Story

Our History

Originally opened in 1993, Galway Bay Golf Resort has been welcoming golfers of all levels to Renville, Galway ever since – as we like to say here, an outstanding experience is par for the course.

We offer a golfing experience for passionate lovers of golf, and we have taken pride in creating an amazing time for everyone who visits us. Today, Galway Bay Golf Resort is a contemporary golf course and clubhouse in Galway that is the only headland golf course on the West of Ireland, offering a unique setting for every round of golf.

Over the years, we have welcomed Hollywood A-listers, Irish sporting icons, and local heroes – plus our fantastic members and visitors who are the lifeblood of our community. Because although many years have passed since we first arrived on the scene, what remains is our commitment to helping everybody enjoy a memorable time.

Our course itself was designed by Christy O’ Connor Jr, an Irish golfing legend who achieved so much during his time in the game – not least his incredibly pivotal role in the 1989 Ryder Cup. O’ Connor Jr. remains golfing royalty many years after his passing and his legacy lives on in the phenomenal course he brought to life all those years ago.

For over 30 years, Galway Bay Golf Resort has been a challenging and enjoyable course to play on, and that is because of O’ Connor Jr.’s brilliant design. On top of this, we have a talented team who have successfully enhanced the original splendour with clever flourishes and expert maintenance year after year. The greens, bunkers, fairways, and tee boxes are all fantastically kept by our team to create a marvelous experience every time.

Because while we are incredibly proud of our history, we are also very focused on the present and how we can continue to build a future where Galway Bay Golf Resort’s impeccable standards set the tone for years to come.

Galway Bay Golf Resort one of the best 18 hole golf courses in Galway
18 hole golf course near Galway City, Galway Bay Golf resort

Connacht Hospitality Group

Galway Bay Golf Resort is part of the Connacht Hospitality Group and has seen a lot of exciting developments since it became part of the CHGL family.  

In 2023, a major refurbishment saw the 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant introduced, the Bay View Suite was unveiled, and the clubhouse facilities were given an incredible revamp. This is all part of our push to make our resort an even bigger draw for people who love the game of golf. 

The group has lots of plans to further enhance Galway Bay Golf Resort in the years to come, and we’re excited to continue writing new chapters as our golfing story continues.   

Christy O'Connor Jnr

With close to forty years of playing professionally on tour, the two-time Senior British Open Champion has had the opportunity to compete on some of the greatest golf courses in the world. Working closely with his team Christy aimed to create something seamlessly with nature whilst bearing in mind the playing skills of golfers of all levels. What sets Christy apart from other signature designers is his level of enthusiasm and dedication to each project.

A winning blend of natural beauty and golfing adventure, the championship golf course at Glway Bay Golf Resort is regarded among the very best golf courses in Ireland.

When designing the course, former Ryder Cup and World Cup golfer Christy O’Connor Jnr. superbly blended the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay and the rugged curves of the Atlantic coastline with mature trees, water hazards, concealed bunkers, and highly acclaimed putting surfaces.

With variable wind speed and directions, this Championship golf course plays differently each day, posing a considerable challenge to even the lowest handicap golfers, yet it is a true and fair test of golf.

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