Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

These are the can’t-miss golf courses to play in Ireland

Check out one of these incredible golf courses on your next trip to Ireland

By
Ballybunion Golf Club
morrison / Shutterstock

The “Emerald Isle” is not only celebrated for its lush landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant culture but also for its world-class golf courses. For golf enthusiasts seeking a memorable challenge, Ireland should be next on your list. From the rugged coastlines of County Kerry to the rolling hills of County Wicklow, each region boasts unique courses that blend natural beauty with rich golfing heritage.

Ireland’s golf courses are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes. When you go, it will give you chills to tee off against a backdrop of towering cliffs, crashing waves, and sweeping views of rolling green hills. Each course in Ireland offers a unique glimpse into the country’s natural beauty, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer the dramatic dunes of a links course or the tranquil surroundings of a parkland, there’s something here for every golfer. Here are our top five club recommendations for teeing off in Ireland.

Recommended Videos

Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) in County Kerry

Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion Golf Club / Ballybunion Golf Club

Located in County Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland, Ballybunion Golf Club’s Old Course is a quintessential links course set amidst rugged dunes and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its challenging layout, rich history dating back to 1893, and stunning views make it a must-play for golfers seeking an authentic links experience.

Related

In 2015, this club went through an extensive renovation, replacing all eighteen of its soft pot annual greens with fine fescue putting surfaces. They also added pathways and stone pavings to enhance the overall aesthetic of the course.

Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) in County Clare

Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch Golf Club

Ireland is not only beautiful, but it’s chock-full of golfing heritage that spans centuries. Many of the golf clubs in this list have extensive histories, and the Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare is no exception. Playing golf in Ireland allows you the chance to walk in the footsteps of golfing greats and experience courses that have shaped the sport’s history.

Designed by Old Tom Morris and later enhanced by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Lahinch offers a classic links challenge amidst breathtaking scenery and has hosted prestigious tournaments over the years.

Portmarnock Golf Club (Championship Course) in County Dublin

Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock Golf Club / Portmarnock Golf Club

Ireland is home to numerous championship-caliber golf courses that test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers. These courses have hosted international tournaments and continue to attract golfers from around the globe seeking a competitive and memorable golfing experience. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on a links course tested by professionals or explore a lesser-known gem, Ireland’s championship courses offer something for everyone.

Portmarnock Golf Club’s Championship Course, located on a peninsula northeast of Dublin, is revered for its classic links layout and challenging design. With a history dating back to 1894 and a reputation for hosting prestigious tournaments, Portmarnock provides an authentic links golf experience near Ireland’s vibrant capital city.

The European Club in County Wicklow

The European Club
The European Club / The European Club

Located in Brittas Bay, County Wicklow, The European Club, designed by Pat Ruddy, offers a modern links golf experience with 20 unique holes set amidst rugged dunes and overlooking the Irish Sea. Its challenging design and scenic setting make it a standout destination for links golf enthusiasts.

Links golf is synonymous with Ireland, thanks to its rugged coastline and challenging seaside courses, just like The European Club. Known for their natural hazards, unpredictable weather conditions, and strategic layouts, these courses often require golfers to navigate sand dunes, deep bunkers, and windy conditions. Playing links golf in Ireland is a test of skill and adaptability, offering golfers a chance to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the coastal landscape.

Rosapenna Golf Resort (St. Patrick’s Golf Links) in County Donegal

Rosapenna Golf Resort
Rosapenna Golf Resort / Rosapenna Golf Resort

Beyond the fairways, Ireland offers a warm welcome and rich cultural experience that enhances any golfing adventure. If you’re looking for a cultural experience, too, there are plenty of resorts to choose from, like the Rosapenna Golf Resort in County Donegal. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the traditional Irish pubs serving hearty meals and lively music sessions. Ireland’s hospitality truly extends beyond the golf course, so take advantage of it! Golfers can explore quaint villages, sample local cuisine, and immerse themselves in Irish culture, creating lasting memories both on and off the course.

Rosapenna Golf Resort in County Donegal features St. Patrick’s Golf Links, designed by Pat Ruddy. This links golf course offers a challenging experience amidst stunning coastal scenery. The resort’s amenities and warm hospitality make it an ideal base for exploring Ireland’s northwest and enjoying a complete golfing getaway.

All-in-all, Ireland stands out as a premier destination for golfers seeking a blend of natural beauty, rich history, championship-caliber courses, and warm hospitality. Plan your next golfing adventure in Ireland and discover why it remains a top choice for golf enthusiasts from around the world.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Post-Hurricane Milton update: Pelican Golf Club will still host LPGA’s The Annika event
The Annika show will still go on at the Pelican Golf Club
hurricane milton pelican golf club annika event

The entire country waited to see what Hurricane Milton would do to the Gulf Coast of Florida. We watched people come up with inventive ways to protect their homes, saw the lines of cars stuck in traffic for hours trying to evacuate, and hoped the people who stayed would get through okay. Now that the aftermath has been properly assessed, things are being put back together and restored to pre-hurricane conditions. For those in Belleair, Florida, that means shifting focus back on preparing for the LPGA's The Annika event, which is held annually at the Pelican Golf Club. Not even post-hurricane conditions will stop golfers from swinging for the Annika Award.
The Pelican Golf Club

The Pelican Golf Club sits on Florida's Southeast side, less than three miles away from Clearwater's downtown. The club took on heavy flooding due to Hurricane Milton, with winds and heavy rains flooding the course. Chris Corr, the Director of Grounds, and the rest of the team at the Pelican have been working to ensure the course is good to go for the LPGA's penultimate event. The COO of Pelican Golf Club reported that the club took the hurricane on with exceptional grace and that cleanup efforts will see things ready in time for the event.
The Annika Event

Read more
Good news for golf fans: Masters coverage to expand in 2025
CBS Sports is giving fans more Masters coverage in 2025
A crowd watching a golf tournament.

If you can't get enough coverage of the four major golf events in men's golf— we understand, and neither can we.  If your favorite is the Masters, you are arguably let down every year, as the televised portion is so short compared to the length and popularity of the tournament. Get ready to do a happy little golf clap because CBS Sports will give fans watching at home what they want for the 2025 Masters Tournament.
The Masters Tournament

In 2025, the Masters will be held at the Augusta National Golf Club from April 7th through the 13th. The Masters is the only one of the big golf tournaments at the same venue every year, with the Augusts National Golf Club having the honors since 1934.

Read more
When is golf season?
When is golf season? It depends on where you live
Golfers playing on a course with a golf cart to the side.

Whether you live in a state that gives you beautiful sunshine all year (or most of the year) or can only make it out on the green for a few months, there is a golf season for where you are. When you can't wait to break out the clubs, when is golf season? Know the best months to play depending on where you live and where you can enjoy year-round rides on a golf cart.
The North versus the South

The Nothern states
When golf season is in the U.S. varies depending on where you live. Could you imagine playing golf in the winter in New England? We wouldn't try it, either. In the Northern part of the country, the normal season starts in April and goes until October, with a possibility of early November if the weather cooperates. If you love fewer crowds and reduced rates, put your clubs to the test during "shoulder season," which is those few weeks right before everyone closes up for the winter.
The Southern states
You can be out on the green for quite a few weeks longer in the Southern part of the U.S. The golf season starts around February and can go through November, giving you almost year-round tee times. But in the Southern parts, it's the summer months you have to watch out for, where temps could bring heat stroke or conditions too hot to swing a club in.
Year-round golf season areas

Read more