Golf has been played in Dooks since 1889, which makes the course one of the oldest in Ireland.  Originally named Dooks & Caragh GC, it was nine quirky holes for the best part of 90 years until extended to 18 holes in the 1970s under the design guidance of Eddie Hackett. The course was altered and ‘modernized’ in 2002 by Martin Hawtree. 

Although a charming site and a warm, friendly club the links themselves occupy a small site that feels somewhat cramped. Despite appearances, however, the holes are actually comfortably spaced and certainly more than playable.

Like at Western Gailes in Scotland, the golf holes are ‘fair’ and present few mysteries to the visitor. That’s not to suggest they aren’t fun or enchanting in their own right, it’s just these links are not covered in quirk like a Lahinch. We liked the holes with internal movement, such as the 12th and 14th, as well as the doglegging 3rd, which plays across a short bunker to a fairway zone that is hidden from the tee.

With some beautiful views of the Dingle Peninsula and a wonderfully accommodating membership, Dooks is a solid links that we are certain most golfers will enjoy.

In Volume 1 of The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, Tom Doak published that.

“I have not seen the recent modifications here, but I hope they have not spoiled the wonderful atmosphere of this beautiful links at the top of the Ring of Kerry, with views across the water to the Dingle peninsula and the giant dunes of Inch. The ultra-severe green at the short 13^th was always a spectacle, but there were a lot of fine holes threaded through some medium-sized links undulations, and at barely 6000 yards it was built for fun.”

Dooks received a score of 5 out of 10 from Tom Doak and one of his co-authors.