From the dazzling coastal cliffs to the very essence of the links golf concept, golf courses in Ireland are where picturesque landscapes come together with the highest standards of golf. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, golfscape takes you on a quick tour of the top Ireland golf courses. We recommend making a stop at the 19th Hole just to get the full experience of the well known Irish hospitality…
13 – Adare Manor
In addition to its stunning resort facilities and fairytale-like landscape, Adare Manor is home to a magical, world-class golf course. In a like manner, this championship course features immaculate greens, glamorously shaped by the serene waters of the River Maigue. Moreover, the course has a reputation of a championship course, playing host to renowned tournaments.
12 – The K Club Resort
The K Club is an exceptional golf venue and is home to two stunning courses, each one being exceptionally charming. The Ryder Cup course is the design courtesy of Arnold Palmer and is set to bring out the best in every golfer. In all honesty, the course will entice players with the quality of the game and the exceptional setting. “In addition to the outstanding golf, the K Club is known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class hospitality. Staying at the resort allows guests to enjoy an immersive experience, combining excellent golf with fine dining, spa facilities, and a range of outdoor activities, ensuring that the entire stay is as memorable as the golf itself“, according to Matt Roberts, UK and Ireland Golf Break Specialist at 360 Golf Holidays.
11 – Old Head Golf Links
Nestled on a unique piece of headland just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head is home to one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. The fact that it is the design of the iconic John O’Connor and his brother Patrick makes this course one of the most sought golf experiences on earth.
10 – Mount Juliet
Mount Juliet, a masterpiece laid out by Jack Nicklaus, opened its door to golfers in 1991. The course prides itself as one of the best golf courses in Ireland. Thus the layout is nestled in midst of Irish woodland, boasting rolling pastures of East Ireland. According to Tiger Woods, Mount Juliet presented “perfect fairways” and the “best greens we’ve putted on all year”.
9 – The Royal Dublin Golf Club
The Royal Dublin Golf Club was established in 1885 and holds the title of Ireland’s second oldest golf club. Nestled on the UNESCO-protected North Bull Island, the course boasts stunning views of Dublin and oceanic landscape.
Indeed, it is one of the best Dublin golf courses out there.
8 – Trump International Golf Links – Doonbeg
Trump Doonbeg embodies the true values of Irish golf heritage with its superb course ranking amongst Ireland’s top links courses. The course is particularly eye-catching because of its elegant positioning on the crescent-shaped coast of County Clare, featuring stunning sea views from 16 of its 18 dazzling holes.
7 – The European Club
When it comes to golf, Dublin is truly a sanctuary for lovers of the game. The European Club is a glorious 20- hole layout and features sweeping sea views from nineteen of the holes. The course is known to be played by legendary golfers like Tiger Woods and Rory Mcllroy.
6 – County Louth Golf Club
More affectionately known as “Baltray”, County Loth Golf Club is a splendid championship layout, featuring River Boyne on the South and the Irish Sea on the East. The course has an exquisite natural setting, with calming sounds of nature nurturing its river landscapes. However, the calm gets gently blended with the muted sounds of ships as the course sweeps its way towards the port.
5 – Waterville Golf Links
Waterville Golf links is a jaw-dropping links course that is truly representative of Ireland’s rich links golf scene. Thus the course prides itself with a collection of unique golf holes, each one magical and challenging in its own way.
Moreover, Waterville is located on a remote piece of land, gently curved into the scenic coastline, just in between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane lake.
4 – Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion Golf Club is located on the Northwest coast
of County Kerry and boasts two majestic courses. Not to mention the
breathtaking Ocean views that will captivate your senses. North Kerry links is
one of the most recognized brands in the world whilst the Old Course adds a
distinct experience of its own.
3 – Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links is home to a spectacular links course that gloriously reflects all the elements of traditional Irish links course legacy. Situated on the beachfront where unpredictable coastal winds mesh across the rugged fairways, testing roughs, and challenging bunkers. Alternatively, this par-71 championship gem stretches over 7124 yards and is indeed one of the most awe-inspiring layouts in Ireland.
2 – Ballyliffin Golf Club
Ballyliffin Golf Club comprises of two stunning links courses. The Old Links and Glashedy links are notably some of Ireland’s best golf courses, having played hosts to prestigious tournaments. The Glashedy Links hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2018, the North West of Ireland Open in 2002, and the Ladies Irish Open in 1998.
1 – Tralee Golf Club
Designed by legendary Arnold Palmer in 1984, Tralee Golf Club boasts undulating fairways and scenery that was captured in the 1970 Academy Award-winning movie Ryan’s Daughter. Majestic cliff top tees, stunning panoramic views, and traditional seaside golf links make this layout one of world’s most acclaimed links courses in the world.
