I love golf and Ireland’s stunning landscapes and top-notch courses have won me over. From the Wild Atlantic Way’s rugged coasts to the Emerald Isle’s lush hills, Ireland is a golfer’s dream.
My golf journey in Ireland started at Ballybunion Golf Club. Standing on the first tee, I saw the Atlantic Ocean and felt the course’s beauty and challenge. Since then, I’ve explored Ireland’s best golf courses, each offering a unique experience.
This article will guide you through Ireland’s top golf courses. You’ll discover hidden gems and must-play spots that make Ireland a golfing paradise. From Royal County Down in Northern Ireland to Adare Manor, these courses will challenge and delight you.
If you love golf and want an unforgettable adventure, bring your clubs to Ireland. It’s a beautiful and rewarding place to play golf.
Key Takeaways
- Ireland is home to some of the world’s most renowned and challenging golf courses.
- The Emerald Isle’s stunning coastlines and lush landscapes make it a prime destination for links golf.
- From the iconic Ballybunion Golf Club to the prestigious Royal County Down, Ireland offers a diverse array of golfing experiences.
- Golfers can expect to encounter unpredictable wind and weather conditions that add to the thrill and challenge of playing in Ireland.
- Many of Ireland’s top courses, such as Lahinch Golf Club and Portmarnock, have been designed by renowned architects, ensuring an exceptional playing experience.
Royal County Down: A Masterpiece on the Shores of Irish Sea
The Royal County Down Golf Club sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. It’s a golfing gem since 1889. It’s among the world’s top-10 golf courses.
The Royal County Down Championship Course is 7,186 yards long. It’s set on a rugged, windy landscape. Golfers of all levels will find a challenge here. Old Tom Morris designed it, with later tweaks by Harry Vardon and Harry Colt.
The course has a par of 71 and a Slope Rating of 144 for men and 141 for women. Golfers face bunkers, dunes, and tricky fairways. The Irish Sea breeze adds to the challenge.
The Royal County Down Golf Club has hosted big events like the Irish Open and the Walker Cup. These events have made the course famous. Players and fans come from all over to see the action.
It’s perfect for seasoned golfers or newcomers to links golf. The Royal County Down Golf Club offers a unique experience. Its beauty, history, and challenge make it a top spot for links golf in Northern Ireland.
Royal Portrush: The Only Irish Open Championship Host
The royal portrush golf club is a gem of links golf in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1888. It’s the only Irish course to host The Open Championship, in 1951 and 2019.
The Dunluce Links, the main course, stretches over 7,337 yards. It has a record score of 63 by Shane Lowry in 2019. Harry Colt designed it, and Martin Ebert made changes before the 2019 Open, making it tougher for top golfers.
There’s also the Valley Links, a shorter course by Harry Colt. The Dunluce Links is ranked fourth in Golf World’s top 100 courses in the British Isles. Golf Magazine placed it twelfth in their Top 100 Courses in the World.
The 2019 Open was a big deal, coming back to Northern Ireland after 68 years. The course got longer, reaching 7,337 yards with new holes.
Before 2019, the last big event was in 1951, won by Max Faulkner. The Irish Open was held here in 2012, with Jamie Donaldson winning. The Open Championship will return to Royal Portrush in 2025, making it a top links golf spot.
Portmarnock: A Traditional Links Experience near Dublin
Just 12 miles north of Dublin’s city center is the beautiful Portmarnock Golf Club. It’s a famous links course loved by golfers all over the world. Since 1894, this club has offered 27 holes of top-notch links golf. It challenges golfers with its fair but tough layout.
Portmarnock Golf Club is known for its big tournaments. It has hosted the British Amateur Championships in 1949 and 2019, the Walker Cup in 1991, and the Irish Open 19 times. The championship layout, with the blue and red nines, is one of Ireland’s best links courses. It’s famous for its beautiful views and dramatic coastal setting.
This true links course tests golfers with its fairness and challenges. It rewards those who play accurately and strategically. Golf lovers will find it a must-visit spot. The area around Dublin has lots to see, like the ancient Passage Tombs at Newgrange, from 3,200 BC.
From Dublin’s lively city to the quaint towns of Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wexford, the area is perfect for golfers and sightseers. You can enjoy a tough round of golf or dive into the local culture. Portmarnock and its surroundings offer a memorable golf and travel experience.
“Portmarnock Golf Club is a true test of links golf, requiring precision and strategy from the very first tee to the final green. It’s a course that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate players from around the world.”
Ballybunion: An Iconic Links Gem on Ireland’s Southwest Coast
In County Kerry, Ireland, the Ballybunion Golf Club is a top spot for links golf. It started in 1893 and has been a favorite for over a century.
The course is known for its stunning views. It goes through sand dunes and cliffs, offering sights of the Atlantic Ocean. The Old Course is one of the best places to play links golf in the world.
Even though it doesn’t host many big tournaments, stars like Tiger Woods and Tom Watson love it. They come for the tough layout, deep bunkers, and the true links golf feel.
| Course | Par | Length (yards) |
|---|---|---|
| Ballybunion Golf Club – Old Course | 71 | 6,738 |
| Dooks Golf Club | 71 | 6,511 |
| Tralee Golf Club | 72 | 6,870 |
| Waterville Golf Links | 72 | 7,347 |
| Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club | 73 | 6,663 |
| Cork Golf Club | 72 | 6,813 |
| Killarney Golf and Fishing Club – Mahoney’s Point | 72 | 6,564 |
| Killarney Golf and Fishing Club – Killeen | 72 | 6,470 |
| Old Head of Kinsale Golf | 72 | 7,130 |
If you love golf or are just starting, you must visit Ballybunion Golf Club in Ireland. It’s a mix of tough links golf and stunning nature that you won’t forget.
Best Golf Courses in Ireland | Lahinch: The St. Andrews of Ireland
Lahinch Golf Club sits on County Clare’s stunning coastline and is called the “St. Andrews of Ireland.” It was first designed by Old Tom Morris in 1892. Later, Dr. Alister MacKenzie made big improvements in the 1920s.
The Old Course at Lahinch is Ireland’s second-best course. It’s between a sandy bay and the town of Lahinch. This course is famous for its beauty and challenging play.
Lahinch has hosted big events like the Irish Open and Amateur Golf Championship. It’s known as one of the top places to play golf. Its natural beauty, classic links design, and dedication to excellence make it a top spot for golfers.
| Course Name | Location | Ranking | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) | Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland | 2nd Best Course in Ireland | Links |
“Lahinch is one of the most beautiful and challenging links courses in the world. It’s a true test of golf, with its rolling dunes, treacherous bunkers, and ever-changing winds. Playing here is an unforgettable experience.”
Key Facts about Lahinch Golf Club
- Location: Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland
- Length: The Championship Course stretches to 6,950 yards.
- Par: 72
- Founded: 1892
- Course Type: Links
- Designed by: Initially designed by Old Tom Morris, with significant later redesigns by Dr. Alister MacKenzie in the 1920s.
Waterville: Where History and Natural Beauty Converge
In County Kerry, Ireland, Waterville Golf Links combines history with stunning views. It started in 1889 for telegraph workers, then got a big upgrade by famous golf architects.
Its spot by the Atlantic Ocean makes it a peaceful place for golfers. The course stretches 7,225 yards, drawing top golfers to practice for big tournaments.
“Waterville Golf Links is a true gem, where history and natural beauty converge to create an unparalleled golfing experience.”
Waterville’s history is deep, not just in golf. The town has been a tourist spot since the late 1700s
. Its beauty has inspired famous writers and poets.
Waterville Golf Links is perfect for golfers and nature lovers alike. It’s where history and nature come together in County Kerry, Ireland.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | County Kerry, Ireland |
| Established | 1889 |
| Length | 7,225 yards |
| Course Type | Links |
| Designers | Eddie Hackett, Tom Fazio |
Old Head Golf Links: An Ocean-Framed Gem in County Cork
The Old Head Golf Links is a unique golfing spot in County Cork, Ireland. It’s on a 220-acre peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. This par-72, 7,200-yard course is a masterpiece of golf design.
It was designed by famous golf architects like Joe Carr and Ron Kirby. Other contributors include Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins, and Eddie Hackett. Later, Dr. Martin Hawtree also helped. Now, it’s a top spot for golf lovers worldwide.
The course is known for its stunning views. It’s surrounded by cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. The 12th hole, called the “Canyon Hole,” drops 300 feet from the tee to the fairway. It’s a big challenge for even the best players.
Old Head Golf Links also has a rich history. It sits near an 800-year-old castle once owned by the Knights Templar. This adds to its historic beauty.
Players of all levels can enjoy the course. It has different tee boxes and pin positions. The owners work hard to keep the course top-notch for everyone.
If you love golf or are just starting, you should visit Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. It offers amazing ocean views, tough play, and a touch of history. This links golf spot is a true treasure in Ireland.
| Location | Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 7,159 yards from the championship tees |
| Par | 72 |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Course Type | Links |
| Designers | A collaboration among Joe Carr, Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins, the late Eddie Hackett, and later contributions by Dr. Martin Hawtree |
Adare Manor: A Parkland Paradise Prepped for the Ryder Cup
In the beautiful county of Limerick, Ireland, Adare Manor golf club is a gem of golfing history. It started in the 1990s and got a big update in 2018, earning lots of praise.
A Masterful Redesign by Tom Fazio
Tom Fazio, a famous golf architect, worked on Adare Manor’s redesign. He made it a stunning parkland course, mixing nature with luxury and precision.
Now, the course has top-notch SubAir systems under all 18 greens for perfect moisture control. It has rolling fairways, high greens, and a great drainage system. This has made Adare Manor one of Ireland’s top golf spots.
The resort is all about quality, with over 250 pieces of equipment and a team of 50 staff in season.
Hosting the Ryder Cup and Beyond
Adare Manor is now a top choice for the Ryder Cup in 2027, thanks to its excellent facilities and hardworking team. It also hosted the JP McManus Pro-Am, showing it’s a leading golf spot.
There’s more to Adare Manor than golf. The village of Adare is stunning, with a long history and culture. You can visit the 13th-century Holy Trinity Abbey Church and learn about the Augustinian monks and the Earls of Dunraven.
For golf lovers or travelers looking for something special, Adare Manor is a top choice. It offers the best of Irish golf, luxury, and history.
Tralee: Arnold Palmer’s Seaside Masterpiece on Ireland’s West Coast
On the west coast of County Kerry, Ireland, lies the Tralee Golf Club. This hidden gem, designed by Arnold Palmer, offers a top-notch golfing experience. It combines stunning natural beauty with a strategic and challenging links-style layout.
Since 1983, Tralee Golf Club has been a favorite, featuring Palmer’s first European design. It stretches over 6,806 yards, making it a par 71 with a Course Rating of 73. Golfers enjoy breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views and pristine beaches from almost every hole.
The front nine at Tralee is a delight, with standout holes like the doglegging par five 2nd and the demanding par three 3rd. The back nine, from the 10th to the 18th hole, offers an unforgettable experience, considered one of the finest in golf.
Players face challenges at Tralee, like the 12th hole, rated the most difficult. This hole requires avoiding a huge depression to land on the green. The 16th hole, “Shipwreck,” is a par three that demands a precise iron shot to a green protected by bunkers and the Atlantic waves.
Tralee Golf Club is known for its natural beauty, strategic design, and challenging play. It’s one of Ireland’s top golfing spots. Designed by famous architects, including Arnold Palmer, it’s been in the Top 10 Golf Courses in Ireland since 1984.
For seasoned golfers or casual players, Tralee Golf Club is a must-visit. It offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, capturing Ireland’s links golf tradition.
The European Club: Modern Links Greatness Near Dublin
The European Club is a new links course in Ireland that has quickly become famous. It was designed by Irish golf architect Pat Ruddy. The course challenges top players but is also fun for all skill levels. Since 1993, it has been in the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses list, proving its high quality.
It’s just 30 miles south of Dublin, Ireland’s most visited city. The course is a 7,490-yard, par 71 links course by the Irish Sea. From nineteen of its twenty holes, you can see the sea. The course has a tough layout and a unique design, like the longest green in the world at hole twelve. Famous golfers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Padraig Harrington have played and won here, showing its quality.
The European Club is also known for its friendly vibe and family atmosphere. Pat Ruddy and his sons run the club, offering many amenities. These include golf club rentals, push trollies, golf carts, and a clubhouse with changing rooms and a restaurant. With its beautiful seaside spot, unique challenges, and warm welcome, The European Club is a must-visit for modern links golf in Ireland.
