History
Considered an ideal setting for links golf by the Scottish Black Watch Regiment as early as 1892, Doonbeg’s coastal site was thought to be too remote and inaccessible, so other areas were favoured for development. Fortunately, a century later the local community committed to bringing more tourism to the area, and it was two men from South Carolina – Buddy Darby and Leonard Long – who recognised the site’s singular magnificence and set about realising their vision on the site so many had left behind.
“When we stepped out on that site we realised that it might be the only time in our lives that we could be involved in something as rare as that. It was a magnificent piece of links land, and it was remarkable for such a site to be available anywhere in the world.”
– Buddy Darby
– Buddy Darby
Today, Doonbeg is one of the most dramatic and exclusive golf resorts in the world – a hidden retreat set amongst rolling sand dunes on one of the most breathtaking coastal sites in Ireland. Shannon Development brought the project to the world market, where it was embraced by Kiawah Development Partners (KDP), a South Carolina company already involved in luxury development and golf-related projects. Greg Norman created the acclaimed golf course, which opened in 2002, and recently Timbers Resorts, a leader in five-star luxury residence clubs worldwide, partnered with KDP to introduce The Links Cottages at Doonbeg – A Timbers Resorts Residence Club. Having such an accomplished team develop and operate these 380 acres is a promise that after such a long journey to create and complete it, Doonbeg is here to stay.
