Amidst the dunes and sands of Lahinch
Live the goats that mow in a pinch.
Rare a course that fits the bill,
For all who come to share in the thrill.

To walk its paths and feel its glory,
Of grass and sea, the history and story.
Bringing golf to the grounds for it to stand,
A most brilliant test in all the land.

With the Atlantic Ocean to the west of town, the River May to the South and the Inagh River to the north, Lahinch in Irish translates to “partial island.”  However, the original name - Leach Ui Chonchubhair, or O’Connor’s Cairn, takes to history when the O’Connors of Corcomroe (or the Clan Corc), resided in the northern part of county Clare’s sea coastline. They would build the Dough Castle, a structure that would serve as their main stronghold, situated prominently to control both land and water.  Disturbing history shares that the castle was the slaying scene of one of the O’Connors, Lord of Corcomroe, by his own nephew.  The remains were laid to rest at the end of what is now main street of Lahinch, and a cairn established in his memory, “O’Connor’s Cairn.”  It is also to note that the castle as seen today near the 7th hole of the newer Castle Course is but a ruin of several since the original date of 1306.  The sandy grounds that are splendid for a golf course, are quite unsuitable for the weight of heavy stone needed to sustain the foundation of such a regal formation.