Ireland is a fantastic place for people who love playing golf. It has some of the most beautiful and difficult golf courses globally.
You can have a really fun time playing golf here because of the lush green fields, rough coastlines, and hilly landscapes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a super experienced golfer or just starting out – Ireland’s top golf spots have something for everyone.
Let’s check out some of the coolest places to play golf in Ireland. In this article, I’ll talk about the best golf courses in Ireland. They’re all awesome, so you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
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Ballybunion Golf Club: (Ballybunion, Ireland)
Ballybunion Golf Club is thought to be one of the best links courses globally. Its rolling landscape makes for tough but satisfying rounds for golfers. This special place boasts stunning views of the ocean since it sits nestled between sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Location: County 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 pretty fascinating. Once upon a time, there was a family named Bunion who owned the local castle back in the 15th century. Over time, the town came to be named after them.
In 1893, they started the golf course here with just 12 holes. But by 1898, they had to shut it down due to money troubles caused by a financial crisis. It reopened in 1906, thanks to the efforts of Lionel Hewson, a well-known Irish golf writer, who designed it.
As you drive from this old town to the golf club, the winding road is quite calming. The views of the land along the way are simply stunning, especially the Sandhill Road with its impressive sand dunes, considered the most challenging in Ireland.
Ballybunion Golf Club not only offers an amazing golfing experience but also gives you the best views of the southwest coast of Ireland. It gained fame during the 1937 Irish Championship and can really surprise you, especially at the 11th hole, where the ocean breeze plays a big role. Near the 14th and 15th holes, there are stone paths next to the lush green grass.
Tom Watson, a famous golfer, had high praise for this course, saying, “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, with long grass covering the dunes that roll and pitch throughout the course, making it very challenging… in short, it’s a course where many golf course designers should spend time before they build their own 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
- Established: 1890
- Hosted Irish Open: 4 times (1928, 1935, 1939, 2015)
- Designers: Old Tom Morris, George L. Baillie,George Combe, Harry S. Colt, Donald Stell
- Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.95
The Royal County Down golf club sits at the bottom of the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland. It’s known for its stunning natural scenery and classy vibe. The winds blowing in from Dundrum Bay add to its charm. The weather here changes a lot, and the course is tough, making it a real challenge for all golfers.
In 2016 and 2018, it was ranked as the number one golf course in the world by Golf Digest. It’s been around for 130 years, and its layout has always been praised. The first nine holes are particularly impressive, with tricky shots and some parts where you can’t see the target. The back nine has a big pond.
It’s famous for its views of the Irish Sea, the Mountains of Mourne, and the Slieve Donard Hotel. But it’s not just about the views; the course is tough too. You need to be really good at controlling your shots to navigate the narrow fairways and tricky bunkers.
Lahinch Golf Club: (Lahinch, Ireland)
- Location: Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
- Length: 6950 yards
- Par: 72
- Designed by: Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Old Tom Morris, Dr. Martin Hawtree
- Established: 1892
- Course Founded: 1894
- Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.89
The Lahinch Golf Club is a special place where you can enjoy golfing surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It’s all about the rolling dunes and the calming sounds of the Atlantic Ocean nearby. And when you’re done playing, you can kick back in the clubhouse and savor some tasty Irish food while taking in the stunning views of Liscannor Bay.
The name “Lahinch” comes from an old Irish term meaning a half island. Back in 1892, three golfers from Limerick teamed up with officers from the Scottish Black Watch regiment to create an 18-hole course. As the West Clare Railway was built around the same time, it made Lahinch more accessible, turning it into a golfing hotspot. In 2019, it hosted the Irish Open for the first time, making it a big deal for professional golfers.
This course isn’t just pretty; it’s also known for its challenging layout and tricky shots that’ll really put your skills to the test. The view from the 3rd hole is breathtaking, and there’s a hidden fairway surrounded by hills. The 4th hole is particularly unique – you have to hit your first shot onto a narrow fairway between dunes, followed by a blind second shot into a big sand dune. It’s a quirky hole that’s sure to keep you entertained!
Portmarnock Golf Club
- Location: Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
- 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 is a classic links course with a rich history and lots of tradition. It’s surrounded by water on three sides, giving it a unique feel. The layout of the course is really strategic, with narrow fairways, fast greens, and deep bunkers. And when you’re out there playing, you’ll have stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Dublin Mountains to enjoy.
This course is famous for its traditional links-style setup, meaning it’s built right along the coast with sandy dunes and natural grasses.
When you’re playing at Portmarnock, the wide fairways and deep bunkers add some spice to the game. Those bunkers are like big sand pits that can be tricky to get out of. And watch out for the fast, smooth greens – they’ll really test your putting skills.
But the real highlight of Portmarnock is the view. As you play, you’ll have the beautiful Irish Sea stretching out in front of you.
Now, let’s talk about the standout holes. “The Dell,” the par-3 15th, is something special. You’ve got to hit a precise shot over a valley to a green surrounded by dunes – it’ll really get your heart pumping. And then there’s the par-4 14th, which hugs the coastline and offers amazing views of the Irish Sea.
Portmarnock is a big deal in the golfing world. It hosts prestigious events like the Walker Cup and the Irish Open. It’s known as one of the best golfing spots in Ireland, with legends like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, and Ian Woosnam claiming victory here.
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 real hidden treasure just waiting for you to discover it. You’ll fall in love with the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the charming town of Tralee. The course winds its way through tall sand dunes and along the rugged coastline, giving you an unforgettable golfing experience with its exciting ups and downs and tough holes.
Arnold Palmer, the designer, really knew what he was doing when he created this course. You’ll see his strategic touch in every hole you play. And with the natural beauty all around you – the rolling dunes and panoramic ocean views – it’s a truly exceptional place to play golf.
The course offers a fair but challenging layout, with different tee options to suit players of all levels. One hole that stands out is the par-3 3rd, nicknamed “Castle Beach.” You’ll need to make a precise shot over a rocky inlet to reach the green tucked between the cliffs and the sea.
And if you want to improve your game, there are practice facilities available, including a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. After your round, you can relax in the clubhouse, which has locker rooms, dining options, and a pro shop stocked with everything you need for your golfing adventure.
Royal Portrush Golf Club
- 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 is one of the most respected golf clubs in the whole world. It was originally designed back in 1888 by Harry Colt, but over time, other famous architects like H.S. Colt, Harry S. Colt, and Martin Ebert have made changes to it. The club has two main courses: the Dunluce Course and the Valley Course.
The Dunluce Course is the star of the show at Royal Portrush. It offers amazing views of Dunluce Castle and the coastline, but it’s not just pretty – it’s a real challenge for professional golfers with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and tricky greens.
This course is famous for its special holes, like the par-3 14th, which they call “Calamity Corner.” It takes a big shot over a deep gap to hit the narrow green.
In 2019, the club hosted The Open Championship for the first time ever. The Dunluce Course got rave reviews from the players during the tournament. It’s actually the only golf club outside of mainland Britain to have ever hosted The Open Championship.
Recently, they’ve added two new holes to the course, which has made it even more exciting for golfers.
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 is one of the newest links courses in Ireland. It was designed by Irish golf architect Pat Ruddy, who aimed to make a top-notch course that would both challenge and inspire golfers. And let me tell you, he succeeded!
This club has 20 holes, including two extra ones as a bonus for golfers to enjoy. It throws all sorts of challenges at you, like bumpy fairways, deep bunkers, and greens that slope and speed up.
The standout hole here is called “The Ocean.” It’s absolutely breathtaking, and you need to be super precise with your tee shot as you play along the coastline. This club has hosted some big events, like the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Amateur Close Championship.
Now, there are some other golf courses you definitely shouldn’t miss if you’re in Ireland. Places like Waterville Golf Links, St. Patrick’s Links, County Louth Golf Club, and Adare Manor are all worth checking out!
From the windy dunes of Ballybunion to the majestic mountains of The Royal Portrush, Ireland’s top golf courses offer a golfing experience like no other. Whether you’re after a tough links course or just want to soak in some coastal views, Ireland has it all. So grab your clubs and get ready for an adventure!
