Ireland is a paradise for golf lovers, boasting some of the most stunning and demanding golf courses globally.
The lush green fairways, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills offer a truly exhilarating golfing experience. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, Ireland's premier golf courses cater to all skill levels. Let's delve into some of the finest golfing spots in Ireland.
This article provides an overview of the top golf courses in Ireland, presented in no specific order—all of them are excellent choices for a memorable golfing adventure.
Ballybunion Golf Club: (Ballybunion, Ireland)
The Ballybunion Golf Club is renowned as one of the premier links courses worldwide. Featuring undulating terrain, this course provides golfers with challenging yet fulfilling rounds. Nestled amidst sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, this gem offers stunning ocean views that enhance the overall golfing experience.
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Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland
Length: 6802 yards.
Par: 71
Designed by: Tom Simpson
Established: 1893
Hosted Irish Open: 2000
Where to stay: South West
Designers: Lionel Hewson, Tom Simpson
Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.33
The story behind the name Ballybunion is quite intriguing. Originally, the town was home to the Bunion family, who owned a local castle dating back to the 15th century. Over time, the town adopted the family's name.
In 1893, the golf course was established with just 12 holes. However, financial difficulties led to its closure in 1898. It was resurrected in 1906, redesigned by the renowned Irish golf journalist Lionel Hewson.
Driving to the golf club from this historic town, you'll be greeted by a winding road that relaxes the mind. The striking links land is a feast for the eyes, particularly along Sandhill Road, home to Ireland's most formidable sand dunes.
Ballybunion Golf Club not only promises an exceptional golfing experience but also offers unparalleled views of Ireland's southwest coast. The course gained fame during the 1937 Irish Championship and continues to surprise golfers, especially at the challenging 11th hole, where ocean breezes play a crucial role.
Stone paving paths wind alongside lush green grass around the 14th and 15th holes, adding to the course's stylish charm. Tom Watson, after his first round here, famously remarked, “after playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here. There is a wild look to the place, the long grass covering the dunes that pitch and roll throughout the course making it very intimidating… in short, it is a course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses. I consider it a true test of golf.”
Royal County Down (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)
Location: Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Length: 7186 yards
Par: 71
Designed by : George L. Ballie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt
Established: 1890
Hosted Irish Open: 4 times (1928, 1935, 1939, 2015)
Location: Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Designers: George L. Baillie, Old Tom Morris, George Combe, Harry S. Colt, Donald Stell
Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.95
Royal County Down golf club, nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland, combines unparalleled natural beauty with timeless elegance. Winds sweeping from the sand dunes and shores of Dundrum Bay provide a unique atmosphere. Its ever-changing weather and challenging layout present a true test of skill for golfers at every level.
Ranked first on Golf Digest’s 'World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses' in both 2016 and 2018, Royal County Down has been meticulously designed over its 130-year history. The course is renowned for its exquisite front nine, particularly the brilliantly crafted 2nd, 5th, and 9th holes, which feature challenging blind tee shots. On the back nine, a natural pond spanning 100 yards adds to the course's allure.
Regarded as one of the most visually stunning courses, Royal County Down offers expansive views of the Irish Sea, the Mountains of Mourne, and the red-brick steeple of the Slieve Donard Hotel. However, amidst its beauty, golfers must contend with narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers, demanding precise control of their shots.
Lahinch Golf Club: (Lahinch, Ireland)
Location Co. Clare, Ireland
Length 6950 yards
Par 72
Designed by Old Tom Morris, Dr Alister MacKenzie, Dr Martin Hawtree
Established 1892
Location Lahinch, Ireland
Course Founded: 1894
Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.89
Lahinch Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience set amidst stunning natural landscapes. Surrounded by rolling dunes and soothed by the Atlantic Ocean's gentle sounds, it provides an unforgettable atmosphere. From the clubhouse, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Liscannor Bay while savoring delicious Irish cuisine.
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The name "Lahinch" derives from the old Irish name Leithinsi, meaning a half island. Established in 1892 by three Limerick golfers with assistance from officers of the Scottish Black Watch regiment, the course gained accessibility with the development of the West Clare Railway in the 1890s. Since then, Lahinch has become a renowned destination for golfers, culminating in its hosting of the Irish Open for the first time in 2019, a memorable event for professional golfers.
Famed for its challenging layout and tricky blind shots that test players' skills, Lahinch Golf Club offers spectacular views from the 3rd hole, where a hidden fairway is nestled amidst hills. The 4th hole stands out with its unique challenges: the first shot must land on a narrow fairway between dunes, followed by a blind second shot from within a large sand dune. This distinctive hole promises a memorable experience for all who play it.
Portmarnock Golf Club
Location Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Length: 7463 yards
Par 72
Designed by: William Pickeman
Established: 1894
Hosted Irish Open 19 times (1927-2003)
Golfweek’s Best rating 7.42
Portmarnock Golf Club stands as a classic links course rich in history and tradition, bordered by water on three sides. Its strategic layout features narrow fairways, fast-running greens, and deep pot bunkers, offering a challenging experience amidst serene views of the Irish Sea and the Dublin Mountains. Built in the traditional links style along the coast, it boasts sandy dunes and natural grasses that define its character.
Playing at Portmarnock, golfers encounter wide fairways and daunting bunkers reminiscent of large sand pits, adding intrigue to every round. The greens, known for their speed and smoothness, present an enjoyable putting challenge.
Beyond the gameplay, the course's greatest allure lies in its panoramic views of the Irish Sea, a constant backdrop throughout your round.
Among its standout holes, "The Dell," the par-3 15th, demands a precise tee shot over a valley to a green surrounded by dunes, leaving a lasting impression. The par-4 14th also captivates, hugging the coastline with breathtaking vistas of the Irish Sea.
Portmarnock Golf Club has hosted prestigious events such as the Walker Cup and the Irish Open, solidifying its status as Ireland's premier golfing destination. Legends of the game like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, and Ian Woosnam have triumphed in Irish Opens held here, adding to its illustrious history.
Tralee Golf Club
Location Co. Kerry, Ireland
Length 6975 yards
Par 72
Designed by Arnold Palmer
Established 1892 (current course 1984)
Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.01
Tralee Golf Club is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Tralee. Its links course winds through towering dunes and along the rugged coastline, delivering an exhilarating golfing experience with dramatic elevation changes and challenging holes.
Designed by Arnold Palmer, known for his strategic approach to course design, Tralee Golf Club blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings of rolling dunes and panoramic ocean vistas. The course features a challenging yet fair layout with multiple tee options catering to golfers of all skill levels.
A standout feature is the signature hole, the par-3 3rd known as "Castle Beach." Golfers must execute a precise tee shot over a rocky inlet to reach a green nestled between cliffs and the sea, providing a memorable challenge.
Facilities at Tralee Golf Club include practice areas such as a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. The clubhouse offers amenities such as locker rooms, dining options, and a pro shop stocked with essential golfing gear, ensuring a complete experience for visitors.
Royal Portrush Golf Club: (Portrush, Northern Ireland)
Location Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Length: 7143 yards
Par 72
Designed by Harry Colt
Established 1888
Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.53
The Royal Portrush Golf Club stands as one of the world's most prestigious golfing destinations. Established in 1888 and primarily designed by Harry Colt, the course underwent modifications by renowned architects H.S. Colt, Harry S. Colt, and Martin Ebert. It features two championship courses: the Dunluce Course and the Valley Course, with the Dunluce Course being the crown jewel of Royal Portrush. Offering breathtaking views of Dunluce Castle and the coastline, it challenges players with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens.
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Noteworthy among its holes is the par-3 14th, famously dubbed "Calamity Corner," where golfers face a daunting tee shot over a deep chasm to reach a narrow green.
In a historic milestone, the club hosted The Open Championship in 2019 for the first time, receiving accolades from players for the Dunluce Course's quality and challenge. Royal Portrush is the only golf club outside of mainland Britain to have hosted this prestigious tournament.
Recent enhancements include the addition of two new holes, further enhancing the course's appeal and excitement for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
European Club
Location Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Length 7337 yards
Par 71
Designed by Pat Ruddy
Established 1987
Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.18
The European Club stands out as one of Ireland's younger links courses, conceived by Irish golf architect Pat Ruddy with a vision for a world-class venue that challenges and inspires golfers. This vision has been fully realized, offering 20 holes including two bonus holes for added enjoyment. Golfers encounter a variety of challenges such as undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, sloping greens.
A highlight of the course is the signature hole known as "The Ocean," a breathtaking challenge that demands a precise tee shot along the coastline. The European Club has hosted prestigious events like the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Amateur Close Championship, cementing its reputation in the golfing world.
Notable mentions in the Irish golfing landscape include courses like Waterville Golf Links, St. Patrick’s Links, County Louth Golf Club, and Adare Manor, each offering unique experiences worth exploring. From the windswept dunes of Ballybunion to the majestic settings of The Royal Portrush, Ireland's top golf courses promise unforgettable adventures whether you seek challenging links courses or scenic coastal views. Grab your clubs and prepare for an unparalleled golfing journey!