Ballybunion Golf Club has announced that it has awarded a catering contract to local specialists Truffle Honey.
The Kilgarvan-based company is headed by husband-and-wife duo Mike and Collette Hayes and already manages the food offerings at two other golf clubs in Kerry: Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and Tralee Golf Club, since 2020 and 2023, respectively.
Truffle Honey had a team of 65 people on its books during the 2024 summer season, and with the awarding of the catering contract at Ballybunion Golf Club, this may grow to 80 staff members in 2025.
“The management and members at Ballybunion Golf Club have put their trust in Truffle Honey to deliver a foodservice product that matches the golfing experience at one of the most famous golf venues on the planet,” said Mike Hayes, who heads up the Truffle Honey private-chef and kitchen team.
“We are looking forward to serving food that is not only tasty, but also comforting, while showcasing the local ingredients that are on offer.”
Ballybunion Golf Club is located on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the restaurant overlooks the first tee, with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is estimated that 70,000 rounds of golf are played on the Old and Cashen links courses every year, with 20,000 being visitor rounds, primarily from the USA, and 50,000 from members and their guests.
“The catering is the last interaction that a guest has with our golf club, so it’s vital to give a lasting impression at that touchpoint that is fantastic because it is a parting shot for Ballybunion Golf Club,” said John Eggleston, its general manager.
“As an experienced operator in the golf industry, with their other clients in Tralee and Killarney, we are confident that Truffle Honey understand our visitors’ and our members’ needs and will deliver a service and standard commensurate with the standards that Ballybunion has in all other aspects of this operation.”
