Discover The Top Golf Courses in Ireland | The Ultimate Guide

Ireland is a country with a rich golfing tradition and a stunning landscape that offers a variety of challenges and scenery for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a links course, a parkland course, or a resort course, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in Ireland.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the top golf courses of Ireland and give you some tips on how to plan your golfing trip.

The Top Golf Courses of Ireland

Ireland has over 400 golf courses, so it’s hard to narrow down the list to just a few. However, based on popularity, quality, and reputation, here are some of the top golf courses in Ireland that you should consider visiting:

Royal County Down

Located in Newcastle, County Down, this is widely regarded as one of the best links courses in the world. It has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the Irish Open and the Walker Cup.

The course is famous for its dramatic views of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, as well as its challenging layout that features blind shots, deep bunkers, and gorse bushes. The signature hole is the 9th, a par 4 that requires a tee shot over a large sandhill and a second shot to a green surrounded by bunkers.

Ballybunion

Situated in County Kerry, this is another iconic links course that attracts golfers from all over the world. It has two 18-hole courses, the Old Course and the Cashen Course, both of which offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.

The Old Course is considered the more famous and difficult one, with narrow fairways, undulating greens, and strong winds. The most memorable hole is the 11th, a par 4 that plays along the edge of a cliff and requires a precise approach shot to avoid the ocean.

Lahinch

Located in County Clare, this is a historic links course that dates back to 1892. It was designed by Old Tom Morris and later modified by Alister MacKenzie and Martin Hawtree.

The course is known for its natural beauty and its quirky features, such as the Klondyke hole (the 4th), where you have to hit over a large sand dune to reach the green, and the Dell hole (the 5th), where you have to aim at a white stone on a blind green.

Lahinch is also home to the South of Ireland Championship, one of the oldest amateur tournaments in Ireland.

Portmarnock

Located in County Dublin, this is a classic links course that has hosted many major events, such as the Irish Open, the British Amateur Championship, and the Canada Cup. The course is renowned for its fair and balanced design, with no two holes running in the same direction. The course also boasts some of the finest greens in Ireland, as well as some of the most challenging par 3s. The most famous hole is the 15th, a par 3 that plays over water to a narrow green guarded by bunkers.

Adare Manor

Located in County Limerick, this is a luxurious resort course that was recently renovated by Tom Fazio and reopened in 2018.

The course is set on an 840-acre estate that features a 19th-century manor house, a river, lakes, woodlands, and gardens. The course is designed to be playable for all skill levels but also challenging enough for professional tournaments.

It has hosted the Irish Open twice and will host the Ryder Cup in 2027. The most impressive hole is the 18th, a par 5 that wraps around a lake and ends at a green in front of the manor house.

Waterville

Located in County Kerry, this is another scenic links course that overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

It was originally founded in 1889 as a nine-hole course for local fishermen and was later expanded to 18 holes by Eddie Hackett and John Mulcahy.

The course has been visited by many celebrities and golf legends, such as Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara, and Payne Stewart.

It is known for its variety and challenge, with holes that range from short par 3s to long par 5s. The most notable hole is the 17th, a par 3 that plays over water to an island green.

Old Head

Located in County Cork, this is one of the most spectacular and unique golf courses in the world. It is situated on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and offers panoramic views of cliffs, lighthouses, caves, and waves.

The course was designed by Ron Kirby and Paddy Merrigan and opened in 1997. It has 18 holes, each of which is named after a famous shipwreck that occurred near the coast.

The course is not only stunning but also challenging, with strong winds, narrow fairways, and elevated tees and greens. The most dramatic hole is the 12th, a par 5 that curves along the edge of the cliff and offers a breathtaking view of the ocean.

How to Plan a Golf Trip to Ireland

Now that you have an idea of some of the top golf courses of Ireland, you might be wondering how to plan your golf trip to Ireland. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your golfing adventure:

Book with a company

If you want to save yourself the hassle of researching, booking, and managing all the details of your golf trip to Ireland, you might want to consider booking with a reputable golf travel company.

A golf travel company can help you customize your itinerary, secure tee times at the best courses, arrange transportation and accommodation, and provide local knowledge and support.

Booking with a company can also save you money, as they often have access to exclusive deals and discounts that are not available to individual travelers.

Check the weather

The weather in Ireland can be unpredictable and changeable, so it’s important to check the forecast before you pack and before you play. The best time to visit Ireland for golf is from April to October when the days are longer and warmer, but you can still expect some rain and wind at any time of the year.

The average temperature in Ireland ranges from 5°C (41°F) in January to 15°C (59°F) in July. The best way to prepare for the weather is to dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing and shoes. You might also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella.

Pack properly

Packing for a golf trip to Ireland can be tricky, as you need to balance your golf equipment with your personal belongings. You also need to consider the baggage fees and restrictions of your airline. The general rule is to pack light and smart. Here are some tips on what to bring and what to leave behind:

  • Bring your own clubs: Most golfers prefer to play with their own clubs, as they are familiar and comfortable with them. However, bringing your own clubs can be costly and cumbersome, as you need to pay extra fees for checking them in and carrying them around. You also run the risk of losing or damaging them during transit. If you decide to bring your own clubs, make sure you pack them securely in a sturdy travel bag or case. You can also use a club shipping service like Ship Sticks to send your clubs ahead of time and avoid the hassle at the airport.
  • Rent or buy clubs: If you don’t want to bring your own clubs, you have two options: renting or buying clubs in Ireland. Renting clubs can be convenient and economical, as you don’t have to worry about packing or transporting them. However, renting clubs can also be limiting and frustrating, as you might not get the exact model or size that suits your game. You also need to book them in advance and return them on time. Buying clubs in Ireland can be an option if you want to treat yourself to a new set or if you find a great deal at a local shop. However, buying clubs can also be expensive and impractical, as you still need to pay for checking them in on your flight back home or shipping them separately.
  • Pack essential accessories: Besides your clubs, there are some other accessories that you need for playing golf in Ireland. These include balls, tees, gloves, markers, divot tools, towels, etc. You can buy these items at any pro shop or golf store in Ireland, but it might be cheaper and easier to bring them from home. You can also pack some personal items that can enhance your golf experience, such as a rangefinder, a GPS device, a scorecard holder,

Conclusion

Ireland has a vast array of golf courses that cater to all levels of players, offering both a challenge and stunning scenery. You’ll be sure to enjoy the warm hospitality that Ireland is renowned for. Consider booking a trip to Ireland today and experience its exceptional golf courses.