Best Golf Courses in Ireland
from the Experts in Golf Holidays
✍️ Sam Brooks | ⏰ 7 min read
from the Experts in Golf Holidays
✍️ Sam Brooks | ⏰ 7 min read
Ireland's credentials as a golfing superpower are so impressive that making a list of its best courses feels akin to making one for the best courses in the world. Second only to Scotland in importance to the history of the great game, Ireland gives the impression that it was sculpted to be the home of spectacular golf courses.
Home to over 25% of all the natural links courses on the planet, the small island has a huge amount of character. The fact that many of golf's great players come from the Emerald Isle, including the likes of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, is hardly surprising considering the quality of courses they have grown up on.
Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in Ireland or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in Ireland >>
Dublin
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Down
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
South West Ireland
1 Night, 2 Rounds
The top-rated links golf course in Ireland is Ballybunion Golf Club in the South West. Home to some of the biggest sand dunes you'll ever see anywhere on a golf course, this golfing masterpiece is not only well-ranked in Ireland but also features within the Top 20 Golf Courses in the World. Other well-ranked links golf courses in Ireland include Lahinch Golf Club in the South West, County Silgo in the North West and The Island Golf Club just outside of Dublin.
The K Club near Dublin has hosted not only The European Tour but also The 2006 Ryder Cup where Team Europe claimed a memorable victory. Other previous hosts of The European Tour include Druids Glen, Fota Island, Cork Golf Club and Carton House. Adare Manor has also hosted The Irish Open but is drawing a lot of attention courtesy of it being selected as host of The 2027 Ryder Cup and is considered after its redesign and renovation to be one of the best golf resorts in Europe.
Adare Manor, following its redesign by Tom Fazio, is now the most expensive golf course to play. A green fee is now 395 euros plus a caddie fee of 75 euros. Despite this cost, reviews of the course are of the very highest standard with Lee Westwood quoted as saying it is one of the best golf resorts he has played at and the condition of the course being similar or better to any hosting a professional tournament.
Handicap: 4
Favourite Course: Old Head
My 'Expert' areas: St Andrews or Dublin
Best trip I've done: St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns & Dumbarnie Links
Where my next trip is to: Augusta to watch The Masters with my Dad
Give Sam a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.
UK & Ireland Golf Expert