Members have been left gobsmacked at the hike in prices
One member of the golf club was outraged by the prices(Image: Galwaybaygolf.ie)
Members of a well-known Galway golf club have been left outraged following the hike in membership fees.
A disgruntled member of the Galway Bay Golf Club told Galway Beo that the club’s membership fees have shot up from €1,350 to €2,600.
The news came as members received emails concerning their membership renewal heading into 2026.
The hike in price coincides with the announcement of the opening of Galway’s first five-star hotel in almost 20 years.
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is poised to offer a world-class hotel experience, a championship golf course, and an immersive wellness spa on the fringes of Galway Bay.
A member of the club told Galway Beo that the upgrade works “can only be good for Galway given it will likely bring both jobs and tourism to the area”.
However, he added that €2,600 is “an extraordinary sum of money in the current climate and the issuing of this fee by the resort will in effect kill off the golf club.”
He continued: “The resort will point to improvement works on the course and so on but many many clubs have undertaken course improvements over the years.
“While some will be able to pay this amount most will not, whatever is left of the membership next year the club will most likely cease to exist, I can only call it as I see it and it stinks of utter greed.”
In response to these claims, the Connacht Hospitality Group have said that their membership fees are in line with other major golf courses in Ireland.
Their full statement said: “We’ve been working on creating a world-class golf destination with world-class golf facilities for the West of Ireland.
“Since 2023, over €3 million has been invested in transforming Galway Bay Golf, with major upgrades to the championship course, equipment, sustainability practices, and the clubhouse, reinforcing our long-term commitment to quality, sustainability, and exceptional service for an elevated member experience.
“Our membership fees reflect this and are in line with other leading golf destinations on the island.”
The member went on to criticise the owners of the resort, saying that they have “turned their backs on the members of this great club who kept the place going when the place went under several years ago, the members were the ones out doing course maintenance, doing whatever was necessary to keep the lights on.”
Galway Beo’s top stories and breaking news service on WhatsApp.
Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
