Ireland is preparing for one of the biggest events in its sporting history as the Ryder Cup returns to the island in September 2027. Hosted at the magnificent Adare Manor in County Limerick, the tournament will mark 100 years since the competition was first staged in 1927, bringing the world’s finest golfers and an international audience to one of Europe’s most celebrated golf destinations.
The competition, scheduled for September 13–19, 2027, will see Europe face the United States in the second Ryder Cup to be staged in Ireland. The first took place at The K Club in County Kildare in 2006, when Europe secured a memorable victory.
For Ireland, however, the 2027 Ryder Cup represents much more than a prestigious sporting event. It provides an extraordinary opportunity to introduce international travelers to the country’s remarkable golf heritage, championship courses, luxury accommodations, and landscapes that make every round an unforgettable experience.
A Golf Destination Unlike Any Other
Ireland has long held a special place in the hearts of golfers. With more than 400 golf courses across the island, including approximately one-third of the world’s natural links courses, the destination offers an exceptional variety of golfing experiences.
According to Tourism Ireland, approximately 250,000 golf visitors travel to the island annually, drawn by its championship layouts, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, historic clubs, and welcoming atmosphere.
Some of the world’s most celebrated courses are found here. Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush on the Causeway Coast, and Ballybunion Golf Club’s Old Course in County Kerry are consistently recognized among the world’s finest golfing destinations.
Each provides a distinctive experience. Royal County Down is renowned for its rugged dunes and spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains, while Royal Portrush combines championship history with dramatic coastal scenery. Ballybunion delivers a traditional links challenge, where rolling fairways, towering dunes, and Atlantic winds make every round memorable.
For golfers accustomed to manicured parkland courses, playing traditional Irish links golf can be a revelation. The contours of the land, constantly changing weather, and strategic bunkering demand creativity and precision.
But the reward extends far beyond the scorecard. Few golfing experiences compare to walking an Irish fairway with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance before retiring to a welcoming clubhouse for the traditional 19th hole.
For more inspiration, explore DRIFT Travel’s guide to the 13 Most Beautiful Golf Courses in Ireland.
Adare Manor: A Spectacular Setting for the Ryder Cup
At the center of the 2027 celebrations will be Adare Manor, one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury resorts.
Set within an expansive country estate in County Limerick, the five-star property combines Gothic Revival architecture, beautiful gardens, woodland walks, fine dining, and an exceptional championship golf course.
The resort’s parkland course, redesigned by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, offers a striking contrast to Ireland’s traditional coastal links layouts. Meticulously maintained fairways, strategically positioned bunkers, and water features create a championship setting designed to challenge the world’s best players.
Adare Manor previously hosted the Irish Open in 2007 and 2008, along with the prestigious JP McManus Pro-Am, establishing its reputation as a world-class tournament venue.
With the Ryder Cup approaching, the estate is preparing to welcome one of the largest international audiences in golf.
European Captain Luke Donald, who will lead Europe for a third consecutive Ryder Cup, has described playing golf in Ireland as “always special” and praised Adare Manor’s spectacular course.
American Captain Jim Furyk, meanwhile, will lead the United States as it attempts to reclaim the trophy on European soil.
The setting promises to make the centenary tournament one of the most memorable editions in Ryder Cup history.
Luxury Golf Resorts Across Ireland
Although Adare Manor will command international attention in 2027, Ireland’s luxury golf experiences extend well beyond County Limerick.
Across the island, historic castles, contemporary resorts, and elegant country estates offer golfers exceptional accommodations alongside championship courses.
Dromoland Castle, in County Clare, combines a historic castle setting with an 18-hole championship golf course, fine dining, and an extensive selection of estate activities. The property is undergoing a major redevelopment, with the hotel scheduled to reopen in June 2027, just ahead of the Ryder Cup.
Read more about the transformation in DRIFT Travel’s article, Dromoland Castle Announces €55 Million Transformation.
The K Club, located in County Kildare, remains one of Ireland’s most recognizable golf resorts. Host of the unforgettable 2006 Ryder Cup, the property features two championship golf courses, luxury accommodations, and a beautiful countryside setting.
Lough Erne Resort, in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, offers a picturesque lakeside retreat with championship golf, spa experiences, and elegant accommodations surrounded by the natural beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
Galgorm, in County Antrim, combines luxury hospitality with an expansive thermal spa experience and access to championship golf at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
Together, these properties demonstrate how Ireland’s golf tourism offering extends beyond the fairways, creating opportunities for couples, families, and groups to combine golf with wellness, dining, and cultural experiences.
New Investments Strengthen Ireland’s Golf Appeal
With international attention building ahead of the Ryder Cup, Ireland’s golf industry is also experiencing significant investment.
Among the most anticipated developments are two links projects scheduled to welcome golfers in 2027.
At Brittas Bay in County Wicklow, the former European Club is being transformed into Brittas Bay Club, with renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips overseeing an extensive redesign. The reimagined course is expected to reopen in 2027, offering a fresh experience along the Irish Sea.
In County Wexford, Curracloe Links is preparing to welcome golfers in July 2027. Designed by Dana Fry and Jason Straka, the new course will introduce another distinctive coastal golf experience to Ireland’s southeast.
Elsewhere, Lahinch Golf Club has completed a major clubhouse redevelopment, while Ballybunion Golf Club has invested in improvements to its Cashen Course.
These projects reflect the continuing demand for high-quality golf experiences and Ireland’s commitment to strengthening its appeal to international travelers.
The island’s ability to host major competitions was further demonstrated in September 2026, when Lahinch welcomed the Walker Cup and Doonbeg hosted the Irish Open.
Beyond the Fairways: Discover Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
For travelers planning a golf vacation around the Ryder Cup, Ireland offers an extraordinary opportunity to combine championship golf with one of Europe’s most spectacular road trips.
The Wild Atlantic Way, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers along Ireland’s western coastline from County Donegal to County Cork, provides a magnificent backdrop for discovering the country’s landscapes, villages, historic attractions, and culinary traditions.
From Adare, travelers can explore County Clare, home to the towering Cliffs of Moher, the unique limestone landscape of the Burren, and the traditional seaside village of Lahinch.
Continuing south into County Kerry, visitors will discover Ballybunion, the Dingle Peninsula, and the celebrated Ring of Kerry, where dramatic coastal scenery and charming communities create unforgettable road-trip experiences.
Ireland’s southwest also offers exceptional food experiences, with fresh Atlantic seafood, artisan producers, locally sourced ingredients, and welcoming restaurants adding another dimension to the journey.
For travelers who enjoy combining golf with outdoor adventures, the region also offers hiking, cycling, fishing, and scenic drives.
Discover another way to experience the area in DRIFT Travel’s feature, South Kerry Greenway Expands Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Planning a Golf Vacation in Ireland
Ireland is accessible from major international gateways, with direct flights from numerous North American and European cities into Dublin Airport.
Shannon Airport is particularly convenient for travelers visiting Adare Manor and the golf courses of western Ireland, while Cork and Ireland West Airport provide additional regional access.
Golf travelers planning a multi-course itinerary should consider allowing at least a week to experience several destinations without rushing between rounds.
Advance tee-time reservations are strongly recommended, particularly at the country’s most celebrated championship courses. Some clubs have limited visitor availability, especially during the peak golf season.
Travelers attending the 2027 Ryder Cup should also plan accommodations and transportation well ahead of the event. Adare Manor itself is not accepting regular guestroom reservations during September 2027 because of its tournament commitments.
Official ticketing and hospitality information is available through the Ryder Cup website.
A Historic Year for Irish Golf
Ireland has produced some of the sport’s most recognizable names, including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, and Leona Maguire.
Their international achievements have helped strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a golfing powerhouse, but the country’s enduring appeal rests equally on the character of its courses, the beauty of its landscapes, and the genuine warmth of its hospitality.
As the golfing world prepares for the 2027 Ryder Cup, Ireland has an opportunity to showcase everything that makes it one of the world’s great golf destinations.
For visiting fans, the tournament will be an unforgettable sporting experience. For travelers inspired to discover Ireland for themselves, it may be the beginning of an extraordinary golfing journey.
For more information on planning a golf vacation, visit Ireland.com.
