Golf

Galway Bay Golf Resort. An 18-hole parkland course near the village of Renville, 16 km (10 miles) from the city, Galway Bay Golf Resort is on the shores of Galway Bay, opposite the city, and was designed by former Ryder Cup and World Cup golfer, Christy O'Connor Jr. The Atlantic Ocean forms a dramatic backdrop to a course featuring mature trees, concealed bunkers, and highly praised putting surfaces. Renville, Oranmore, Co. Galway. 091/790–711; www.galwaybaygolfresort.com. Oct.–Mar. €95; Apr.–Sept. €135.

Galway Golf Club. Galway Golf Club was established in 1895, and moved to its present location in suburban Salthill in 1925. At that point it was redesigned by course architect Alister McKenzie, who was also responsible for Augusta, home of the U.S. Masters. It has been the home base of two famous Irish pros, Christy O'Connor, Sr., and his nephew, Christy O'Connor, Jr. In spite of its proximity to the city, there are excellent views of Galway Bay, the Burren, and the Aran Islands. It has an abundance of trees, prickly gorse bushes in the rough, and some tricky fairways that run close to the ocean. Blackrock, Salthill, Galway City, Co. Galway. 091/522–033; www.galwaygolf.com. May--Sept. €110, Oct.–Apr. €40–€50.