25 Best Golf Courses in Ireland

The Best Golf Courses in Ireland: Introduction

If you love golf, it’s like heaven on earth for the best Golf courses in Ireland. With its green fairways, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills, Ireland has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. But here, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a piece of Irish history and pride. The game has deep roots in Irish culture, and you can feel that when you step onto these courses.

There are over 350 golf courses across Ireland. From historic links along wild coastlines to parkland courses nestled in the peaceful countryside, each one has its own story and its own challenges. Many of these courses were shaped by the natural landscape and the unpredictable Atlantic weather, which can change your game in seconds. Some of them rank among the world’s best, bringing in golfers from all over the globe.

For me, playing golf in Ireland is a mix of beauty and adventure. I remember standing on a cliffside course, feeling the strong ocean breeze as I lined up my shot, and thinking, “This is why people come here.” It’s not just about the game; it’s about the views, the history, and the thrill of the challenge.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Ireland’s golf courses have something special for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top golf destinations in Ireland. There’s no ranking here – you really can’t go wrong with any of them. So, let’s dive in and discover the best golf courses Ireland has to offer.

Dublin Area: Best Golf Courses

The Island Golf Club

Location: Donabate, Co. Dublin
Length: 6,650 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Martin Hawtree
Established: 1890

Nestled between towering dunes and bordered by the sea on three sides, The Island Golf Club offers a peaceful escape just 30 minutes from Dublin City. This classic links course demands precise shot-making, with wind and rugged terrain keeping golfers on their toes. The standout here is the par-3 13th hole, where a brave shot over the beach is rewarded if you get it just right.

The Island’s natural, no-frills design makes it feel perfectly in tune with the surroundings. The Island Golf Club is a piece of Irish golfing history and a favorite for players looking to experience pure links golf.

Portmarnock Golf Club

Location: Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Length: 7,463 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: William Pickeman
Established: 1894

Portmarnock Golf Club is a legendary links course with challenging bunkers, fast greens, and unpredictable coastal winds.

Portmarnock Golf Club is famous for the par-3 15th, known as “The Dell,” where you aim over a valley to reach a green surrounded by dunes. Set along the coast with views of the Irish Sea, Portmarnock has hosted the Irish Open 19 times, attracting legends like Seve Ballesteros. This historic course is known for its scenic, yet challenging play, offering the best Golf courses in Ireland.

Royal Dublin Golf Club

Location: Bull Island, Dublin Bay
Length: 6,488 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Harry Colt
Established: 1885
Pro Tip: Mind the burn on the 18th hole.

Set on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, Royal Dublin Golf Club is a historic links course with an old-school charm. Founded in 1885 and redesigned by Harry Colt in 1920, it’s known for its flat, narrow fairways and challenging deep bunkers. The swirling bay winds add an extra test, especially on the back nine.

A memorable spot here is the 18th hole, where players are warned to “mind the burn” as they finish. With a classic out-and-back layout and a legacy of hosting top tournaments, Royal Dublin Golf club is a must-play for anyone wanting to experience true Irish golf heritage.

Southwest Ireland’s Legendary Golf Courses

Ballybunion Golf Club

Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland
Length: 6,802 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Tom Simpson, with updates by Lionel Hewson
Established: 1893
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 8.33

Ballybunion Golf Club is world-famous for its rugged beauty and challenging layout. Set along the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by sand dunes, the course offers breathtaking coastal views and a true test of skill. The wind plays a big part here, especially on the iconic 7th hole, “Castle Green,” perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Tom Watson himself once praised Ballybunion as a place every golf architect should study, calling it a “true test of golf.” This is a must-play for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty and thrilling challenge of Irish links golf.

Lahinch Golf Club: Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Location: Co. Clare, Ireland
Length: 6,950 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Old Tom Morris, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Dr. Martin Hawtree
Established: 1892
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 7.89

Lahinch Golf Club, with its rugged dunes and ocean views, offers the best Golf courses in Ireland that’s both challenging and scenic. Known for its tricky blind shots, this course keeps golfers on their toes. The famous 4th hole, “The Klondyke,” demands a precise shot over a massive dune, while the par-3 5th, “The Dell,” features a hidden green marked by a white stone.

Lahinch is more than a golf course; it’s woven into the town itself, making it a vibrant spot for both golf and local culture. It’s a must-play for those wanting a unique, historic course on the stunning Irish coast.

Old Head Golf Links

Location: County Cork, Ireland
Length: 7,200 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins, Eddie Hackett, Joe Carr
Established: 1997
Type: Links

Perched on a dramatic headland jutting two miles into the Atlantic, Old Head Golf Links is as breathtaking as it is challenging. Each hole reveals a new thrill, especially the cliffside par-4 4th and the daring par-5 12th, aptly named “Razor’s Edge.” The ever-present Atlantic winds add to the challenge, making it a true test for any golfer.

Old Head offers more than just a round of golf—it’s an experience, with crashing waves below and panoramic ocean views at every turn. Playing here feels like a journey, blending skill, nature, and sheer Irish beauty.

Northern Ireland’s Premier Golf Courses

Royal County Down Golf Club

Location: Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Length: 7,186 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: George L. Baillie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt
Established: 1890
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 8.95

Royal County Down Golf Club, set against the Mountains of Mourne and Dundrum Bay, combines breathtaking scenery with a tough, world-class layout. Known for its narrow fairways and rugged “bearded” bunkers, this course requires precise ball control. The front nine, especially holes 2, 5, and 9, are renowned for their blind shots, making every round a challenge.

Ranked among the world’s best, Royal County Down is as challenging as it is beautiful—a must-play for those seeking the best Golf courses in Ireland of Northern side.

Royal Portrush Golf Club

Location: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Length: 7,143 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Harry Colt
Established: 1888
Golfweek’s Best Rating: 8.53

Royal Portrush Golf Club, home to the renowned Dunluce Course, is set along the stunning Northern Ireland coast with views of Dunluce Castle. Known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens, the course keeps even the best players on their toes. The par-3 14th hole, “Calamity Corner,” is especially famous, demanding a precise tee shot over a deep chasm.

As the only club outside mainland Britain to host The Open Championship (in 2019), Royal Portrush is a bucket-list course for golfers seeking a blend of history, beauty, and challenge.

West Ireland’s Scenic Golf Courses

Connemara Golf Links

Location: Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, Ireland
Length: 7,200+ yards
Par: 73
Designed by: Eddie Hackett
Established: 1973

Set on a rugged Atlantic peninsula, Connemara Golf Links offers an authentic links experience with its craggy rocks and sweeping coastal views. Known for its challenging layout, this course rewards precision and skill, especially around the rocks that line many of its fairways.

Connemara’s Championship course is a demanding 18-hole layout, while the shorter 9-hole section provides the best Golf courses in Ireland. With its wild beauty and tough design, Connemara is perfect for those seeking a true Irish links adventure.

Enniscrone Golf Club

Location: Co. Sligo, Ireland
Length: 6,948 yards
Par: 73
Designed by: Eddie Hackett, Donald Steele
Established: 1918

Enniscrone Golf Club is set along the rugged shores of Killala Bay, offering an unforgettable links experience. Known for its towering dunes and natural contours, the course combines stunning coastal views with challenging holes. Elevated tees provide great views, while occasional blind shots add excitement to the approach.

If your putt doesn’t go as planned, the incredible scenery more than makes up for it, making Enniscrone a must-play for lovers of dramatic landscapes and true links golf.

County Sligo Golf Club

Location: Rosses Point, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Length: 6,609 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Harry Colt
Established: 1894

County Sligo Golf Club, located at Rosses Point, combines stunning ocean views with the striking backdrop of Benbulben mountain. Known for its classic Harry Colt design, the course offers a gentle start on the front nine before challenging players with the Atlantic winds on the back nine. The par-4 17th is especially tricky, requiring a well-thought-out approach.

This course rewards strategic play, making it perfect for those who enjoy using skill over power. Hosting the annual West of Ireland Amateur Open, County Sligo is a must-visit for any serious golfer.

East Ireland’s Notable Golf Courses

The European Club: Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Location: Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Length: 7,149 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Pat Ruddy
Established: 1993

The European Club, designed by Pat Ruddy, is a modern links masterpiece with a unique 20-hole layout. Known for memorable holes like the par-5 13th, which stretches 596 yards along the coast, it demands precision with its massive 127-yard deep green. Two extra holes, 7a and 12a, offer added challenges and flexibility for maintenance.

While the course is long, its true test lies in the weather, making the best Golf courses in Ireland. On calm days, it’s an open invitation to go for a great score.

Druids Glen Golf Club

Location: Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Length: 7,222 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Tom Craddock, Pat Ruddy
Established: 1995

Druids Glen, part of the renowned Druids Golf Resort, is a scenic parkland course known for its lush, tree-lined fairways and challenging water hazards. Often compared to Ireland’s other top inland courses, the front nine offers views of the Atlantic, while the back nine looks toward the Wicklow Mountains.

Known as “Ireland’s Augusta,” Druid’s Glen tests accuracy with its bunkers and water-laden approach shots. Recently renovated to USGA standards, it’s a must-play for golfers seeking a beautiful yet demanding course.

Powerscourt Golf Club

Location: Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Length: East Course: 6,441 meters; West Course: 6,352 meters
Par: Both courses are Par 72
Designed by: East Course: Peter McEvoy; West Course: David McLay Kidd
Established: 1996

Nestled within the scenic Powerscourt Estate, Powerscourt Golf Club offers two impressive parkland courses. The East Course, designed by Peter McEvoy, is known for its panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and Irish Sea, with highlights like the par-3 16th hole that plays over water with Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop.

The West Course, designed by David McLay Kidd, is slightly more challenging, with wide fairways and larger greens that blend naturally into the landscape. Its signature hole, the 577-yard par-5 16th, features cross bunkers that make this dogleg a true test. Powerscourt is a fantastic spot for those looking for both beauty and variety of the best Golf courses in Ireland.

Midlands Ireland’s Top Golf Courses

The K Club: Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Location: Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Length: Palmer North Course: 7,350 yards (6,722 meters)
Par: 72
Designed by: Arnold Palmer
Established: 1991

The K Club’s Palmer North Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, is a stunning parkland course that gained fame as the host of the 2006 Ryder Cup. Known for its rolling fairways and strategic water hazards from the meandering River Liffey, the course features memorable holes like the island green on the par-4 7th.

The Palmer South Course, though less renowned, offers a rugged challenge with dune-like mounds and spacious greens. With its beautiful layout and rich tournament history, The K Club is a premier golfing destination in Ireland, perfect for both pros and enthusiasts alike.

Carton House Golf Club

Location: Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Length: O’Meara Course: 7,006 yards; Montgomerie Course: 7,301 yards
Par: Both courses are Par 72
Designed by: O’Meara Course: Mark O’Meara; Montgomerie Course: Colin Montgomerie
Established: O’Meara Course: 2002; Montgomerie Course: 2003

Carton House Golf Club offers two distinct championship courses. The Montgomerie Course, designed by Colin Montgomerie, is an inland links with challenging bunkers and pristine greens, demanding skill, especially in windy conditions. The O’Meara Course, by Mark O’Meara, showcases lush Irish parkland, ancient trees, and the scenic River Rye, makes it the best Golf courses in Ireland.

With top-notch facilities and a chance to spot pros like Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy, Carton House provides an elite golf experience in a beautiful setting.

Mount Juliet Golf Club

Location: Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Length: 7,300 yards (6,675 meters)
Par: 72
Designed by: Jack Nicklaus
Established: 1991

Mount Juliet Golf Club, crafted by Jack Nicklaus, balances accessibility with strategic challenges, making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The 3rd hole requires a precise 180-yard shot over water, while the par-3 11th keeps players on their toes with wind-dependent club choices. Generous fairways welcome all, but strategically placed bunkers and water hazards demand focus.

Beyond golf courses, the estate’s scenic beauty, mature trees, and rivers create a peaceful ambiance, complemented by fine dining at the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant. Mount Juliet provides an outstanding golf and luxury experience in the Irish countryside.

Northwest Ireland’s Hidden Gems

Ballyliffin Golf Club: Best Golf Courses in Ireland

• Location: Ballyliffin, Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland
• Length: Glashedy Links: 7,217 yards (6,600 meters); Old Links: 6,937 yards (6,340 meters)
• Par: Both courses are Par 72
• Designed by: Glashedy Links: Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock; Old Links: Eddie Hackett (original design), with later modifications
• Established: Old Links: 1947; Glashedy Links: 1995

Ballyliffin Golf Club, situated on the rugged Inishowen Peninsula, offers two stunning links courses. The Glashedy Links, where the 2018 Irish Open was played, features dramatic holes like the par-3 7th, which drops 100 feet to the green, and the lengthy par-5 13th.

The Old Course, crafted by Nick Faldo and nature itself, winds through sand dunes with tricky fairways and greens. Both courses provide breathtaking views and a true challenge, where the unpredictable wind adds an extra layer to the best Golf courses in Ireland.

Rosapenna Golf Resort

Location: Downings, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Length: Old Tom Morris Links: 6,900 yards; Sandy Hills Links: 7,255 yards
Par: Both courses are Par 72
Designed by: Old Tom Morris Links – Old Tom Morris; Sandy Hills Links – Pat Ruddy
Established: Old Tom Morris Links – 1893; Sandy Hills Links – 2003

Rosapenna Golf Resort boasts three stunning courses along the Donegal coast. The historic Old Tom Morris Links offers a classic links experience with rolling fairways and strategic pot bunkers. Sandy Hills Links, designed by Pat Ruddy, winds through towering dunes with narrow fairways, demanding accuracy and skill.

The newest addition, St Patrick’s Links, designed by Tom Doak, is already acclaimed as one of Ireland’s best modern courses. Each course embraces the natural landscape, offering a true links experience in a breathtaking setting.

Donegal Golf Club

Location: Murvagh Peninsula, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Length: 7,280 yards
Par: 73
Designed by: Eddie Hackett, with updates by Pat Ruddy
Established: 1972

Located on the serene Murvagh Peninsula, Donegal Golf Club is a championship links course that combines rugged beauty with a challenging layout. Known for its wide, undulating fairways and iconic holes like the “Valley of Tears” par-3 5th, Donegal demands accuracy and skill, especially when the Atlantic winds come into play.

Pat Ruddy’s enhancements to Eddie Hackett’s original design have made Donegal even more dynamic, with new bunkering and elevated greens. Surrounded by panoramic views of Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains, Donegal Golf Club offers a raw and unforgettable links experience, perfect for golfers seeking both a challenge and natural beauty.

South Ireland’s Distinguished Golf Courses

Fota Island Golf Club

Location: Fota Island, Co. Cork, Ireland
Length: Deerpark Course: 6,927 yards; Belvelly Course: 7,121 yards; Barryscourt Course: 6,954 yards
Par: All courses are Par 71
Designed by: Deerpark – Christy O’Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy; Belvelly and Barryscourt – Jeff Howes
Established: Deerpark – 1993; Belvelly and Barryscourt – 2007

Set within a scenic 780-acre estate near Cork Harbour, Fota Island Golf Club offers three beautiful parkland courses that blend rolling fairways with mature woodlands. The Deerpark Course, originally designed by Christy O’Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy, is known for its strategic bunkers and water hazards, especially on the memorable par-5 10th, which snakes through trees to a lakeside green.

Fota Island has hosted the Irish Open multiple times, attracting players with its challenging layout and multi-tiered greens, especially on the 18th hole. With its variety of tee boxes, Fota Island is both challenging for the best Golf courses in Ireland.

Dooks Golf Club: Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Location: Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Length: 6,586 yards (6,023 meters)
Par: 71
Designed by: Members, with later updates by Eddie Hackett and Martin Hawtree
Established: 1889

Set on the southern side of Dingle Bay, Dooks Golf Club offers a truly natural links experience with breathtaking views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Mountains and the sandy shores of Rossbehy and Inch Point. This is Kerry’s oldest golf course, known for its friendly atmosphere and traditional charm.

Though relatively short at 6,586 yards, Dooks provides an enjoyable challenge, with undulating greens like the memorable par-3 13th. As one of the last habitats for the Natterjack toad, this tranquil course proudly adopts the toad as its emblem, adding a unique touch to an already special golfing destination.

Unique Experiences and Notable Tournaments Hosted

Adare Manor Golf Club

Location: Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Length: 7,509 yards (6,867 meters)
Par: 72
Designed by: Originally Robert Trent Jones Sr., redesigned by Tom Fazio in 2018
Established: 1995, redesigned in 2018
Notable Tournaments Hosted: Irish Open (2007, 2008); Ryder Cup (scheduled for 2027)

Adare Manor Golf Club, redesigned by Tom Fazio, is a luxurious parkland course known for its meticulous layout and high-end amenities. Located within the historic Adare Manor estate, the course is beautifully set along the River Maigue, featuring pristine fairways, elevated greens, and strategically placed bunkers.

The par-5 18th provides a memorable finish with water hazards and a stunning view of the manor. With SubAir systems under every green and extensive drainage improvements, Adare Manor stands as one of Europe’s finest courses, setting the stage for the 2027 Ryder Cup and an unforgettable golfing experience.

Waterville Golf Links: Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Location: Waterville, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Length: 7,378 yards (6,748 meters)
Par: 72
Designed by: Eddie Hackett, with modifications by Tom Fazio
Established: 1889
Notable Tournaments Hosted: Frequent celebrity and charity events

Waterville Golf Links, set on a stunning promontory between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane, offers the best Golf courses in Ireland surrounded by breathtaking views of Ballinskelligs Bay and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. Known for its diverse layout, Waterville has three notable par-3s and challenging par-5s, including the scenic 17th, “Mulcahy’s Peak,” and the par-4 16th, “Liam’s Ace,” where a hole-in-one set the course record.

The course’s unique design and remote beauty have attracted famous golfers worldwide, leaving visitors with a sense that Waterville is truly special. A statue of Payne Stewart, once designated honorary captain, honors his deep connection to this remarkable course.

Portstewart Golf Club

Location: Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Length: 6,895 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Willie Park Jr., Des Griffin
Established: 1894
Notable Tournaments Hosted: 2017 Irish Open

Portstewart Golf Club, known for its remarkable Strand Course, offers a classic links experience on the Causeway Coast. The Strand Course is the star attraction, with elevated tees, towering dunes, and breathtaking views of the Donegal Hills and Atlantic Ocean. The par-4 first hole sets the tone with stunning vistas and a thrilling challenge.

Portstewart also boasts three 18-hole courses, including the Old and Riverside Courses, making it one of the few clubs in Ireland with this variety. Hosting the Irish Open in 2017, where Jon Rahm claimed victory, has solidified its reputation as a premier golf destination.

Golfing Tips for Visitors to Ireland

If you’re planning a golf trip to Ireland, there are a few things to keep in mind. The weather here can change quickly, so it’s good to be prepared.

• Best Seasons for Golfing
  The best times to golf in Ireland are usually late spring through early fall, from May to September. The weather is warmer and generally more predictable. I once made the mistake of golfing in early April without a rain jacket – let’s just say I learned my lesson fast!
• Booking in Advance
  The best Golf courses in Ireland can get busy, especially in the summer, so it’s smart to book your tee times early. I once waited too long and missed out on a round at Royal County Down. Now, I always book at least a month in advance to make sure I get to play.
• Bring Weather-Proof Gear
  The weather in Ireland can go from sunny to rainy in minutes. A lightweight rain jacket and water-resistant golf shoes are a must. I’ve played rounds where I started off in a t-shirt and ended up in a raincoat and hat. Trust me, it’s better to be over-prepared!

My Personal Experience on Irelands Golf

Visiting Ireland’s golf courses was an unforgettable experience, each course offering something unique—from the rugged beauty of the Northwest to the pristine, championship layouts in the Midlands and beyond. Playing at renowned clubs like the K Club and Ballybunion felt like a journey through both challenging terrains and Ireland’s deep golfing heritage. If you’re looking for an exceptional golfing adventure, these courses truly reflect the spirit of Irish golf.

And for anyone captivated by Ireland’s charm, don’t miss our article on how to rent a castle of Ireland, where we explore some of the most iconic and hidden fortresses across the country. You can also check out Dublinz for more travel insights and hidden gems. Happy golfing!