Best Golf Courses in Ireland | Top Irish Golf Courses

In Ireland, golf is more than a sport; Ireland is a heaven for golf enthusiasts. Ireland has the most picturesque and challenging golf courses in the world.

With the green fairways, rugged coastlines and rolling hills you can get a thrilling golf experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice golfer, Ireland’s top golf courses can satisfy your appetite.

it’s a cherished part of its heritage. There are over 350 courses on the island, from historic links along rugged coastlines to modern parkland layouts nestled in the countryside, complete with full-service hotels. Most are known for their challenging designs, often shaped by the natural terrain and the whims of the Atlantic weather. More than a handful of them are justifiably in the list of the world’s best courses, attracting players from all over the globe.

Let’s explore some of the best golfing destinations in Ireland. In this article, I reviewed the best golf courses in Ireland. They are not in any particular order – you can’t go wrong picking any of these.

Royal County Down (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)

Location: Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland

Length: 7186 yards

Par: 71

Established: 1890

Hosted Irish Open: 4 times (1928, 1935, 1939, 2015)

Location: Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Designers: George L. Baillie, Old Tom Morris, George Combe, Harry S. Colt, Donald Stell

Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.95

Royal County Down golf club is nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland.This place also boasts unparalleled natural beauty with timeless elegance. Winds from the sand dunes and shores of Dundrum Bay are incomparable. Its ever-changing weather condition and demanding layout offers a true test of skill for golfers of all levels.

Both in 2016 and 2018, Royal Down Golf Club was ranked 1st on Golf Digest’s biennial ‘World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses’. For the last 130 years, its design was constantly evaluated. Now this course is considered as the finest front nine. The 2, 5 and 9 holes are designed brilliantly, with plenty of blind tee shots. On the back side, there is a natural pond of 100 yards.

This is considered as the most beautiful golf course for the long views of the Irish Sean the Mountain of Mourne and the red-brick steeple of the Slieve Donard Hotel.

But with the beauty, challenges come along. You need to have excellent control of your golf ball to overcome the narrow fairway and bearded bunkers.

Ballybunion Golf Club: (Ballybunion, Ireland)

Ballybunion Golf Club is considered one of the finest links courses in the world. With undulating terrain, the course offers challenging yet rewarding rounds for the golfers. This gem holds the breathtaking ocean views as it is placed between sandhills and the Atlantic Ocean.

Length: 6802 yards.

Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland

Par: 71

Established: 1893

Hosted Irish Open: 2000

Where to stay: South West

Designers: Lionel Hewson, Tom Simpson

Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.33

The history behind the name Ballybunion is pretty interesting. Here in this town, there was the Bunion family who owned the local 15th century castle. Later one this town got named after the family.

In 1893, the course was founded with only 12-holes. Later on, in 1898, the course was folded due to the financial crisis. It was re-established in 1906 and designed by the prominent Irish golf journalist Lionel Hewson.

While driving to this golf club from this historic town, the winding road will sooth your mind. The spectacular links land are just a treat for the eyes. This Sandhill Road has the most daunting sand dunes in Ireland.

Ballybunion Golf Club has not only offers the best golfing experience, but also the best view of the south west coast of Ireland. The Ballybunion course came into the spotlight in the 1937’s Irish Championship. It can surprise you at every turn, especially on the 11th hole. As the soft breeze from the ocean plays a key role. Around the 14th and 15th hole, there are stone paving paths beside the stylish green grass.

Tom Watson praised this course saying, “after playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here.

There is a wild look to the place, the long grass covering the dunes that pitch and roll throughout the course making it very intimidating… in short, it is a course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses. I consider it a true test of golf.”

Royal Portrush Golf Club: (Portrush, Northern Ireland)

Location Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

Length: 7143 yards

Par 72

Established 1888

Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.53

The Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world. The course was mainly designed by Harry Colt in 1888 but later it got modified by renowned golf architects like H.S. Colt, Harry S. Colt, and Martin Ebert. The club has two championship courses: the Dunluce Course and the Valley Course. The Dunluce course is the gem of Royal Portrush. This course features stunning views of the Dunluce Castle and the coastline. Its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens throw challenges to the pros.

The Course is famous for its unique holes, including the par-3 14th, known as “Calamity Corner”. It requires a long tee shot over a deep chasm to a narrow green.

The Open Championship was hosted by the club in 2019 for the first time. The Dunluce Course received huge praises from players during the tournament. Royal Portrush is the only golf club outside of mainland Britain to ever host The Open Championship.

Recently, two new holes have been added in this course which make the course more exciting.

Lahinch Golf Club: (Lahinch, Ireland)

Location Co. Clare, Ireland

Length 6950 yards

Par 72

Established 1892

Location Lahinch, Ireland

Course Founded: 1894

Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.89

The historic Lahinch Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience amidst stunning natural landscapes. This place is surrounded by rolling dunes. And the soothing sounds of the nearby Atlantic Ocean create an amazing experience. With the breathtaking views of the Liscannor Bay, you can relax in the clubhouse and enjoy some delicious Irish cuisine.

The name “Lahinch” is derived from the old Irish name Leithinsi, a half island. In 1892, three Limerick golfers made an 18-hole course, assisted by officers of the Scottish Black Watch regiment. Around the 1890s, when the West Clare Railway was made, the town became more accessible. Later on, the town became a heaven place for golfers. This course hosted the Irish Open for the first time in 2019. And that was a memorable event for the pro golfers.

This course is also famous for its challenging layout and tricky blind shots that will test your skills. The view from the 3rd hole is amazing. This course has a hidden fairway and its greenery is surrounded by hills. The 4th hole is very unique as the first shot needs to land on a narrow fairway between dunes. Then there is a blind second shot in a large sand dune. This strange hole will please you for sure!

Portmarnock Golf Club

Location Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

Length: 7463 yards

Par 72

Established: 1894

Hosted Irish Open 19 times (1927-2003)

Golfweek’s Best rating 7.42

Portmarnock Golf Club is also a classic links course steeped in history and tradition. It is surrounded by water on 3 sides. This course has a strategic layout with narrow fairways, fast-running greens and deep pot bunkers. The view of the Irish Sea and the Dublin Mountains will provide a serene setting for the golfers. This course is famous for its traditional links-style course. That means it’s built along the coast with sandy dunes and natural grasses.

When you play at Portmarnock, the wide fairways and deep bunkers will make the game interesting. These bunkers are like big sand pits that can be a little hard to hit out of. The greens here are fast and smooth, which makes putting on a fun challenge.

But the best part of Portmarnock is its view. While playing, you will see the Irish Sea stretching out in front of you.

Talking about the signature hole, the “The Dell” will blow your mind. It is the par-3 15th. It requires a precise tee shot over a valley to a green surrounded by dunes. Another unique hole is the par-4 14th. This one is situated along the coastline with stunning views of the Irish Sea.

Portmarnock hosts the Walker Cup along with the Irish open. It is renowned as the premier golfing destination in Ireland. Golfers like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam won their Irish Opens here.

Tralee Golf Club

Location Co. Kerry, Ireland

Length 6975 yards

Par 72

Established 1892 (current course 1984)

Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.01

Tralee Golf Club is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Both the breathtaking view of the Atlantic and the picturesque town Tralee will please your heart. The links course meanders through towering dunes and along the rugged coastline. You will get an exhilarating golfing experience with its dramatic elevation and challenging holes.

The designer Arnold Palmer is known for his strategic approach to course design. And you will get the idea through experiencing the course. The place gets exceptional with the natural surroundings, rolling dunes and panoramic views of the Ocean.

The course offers a challenging yet fair layout with a variety of tee options to accommodate players of all skill levels. The signature hole is the par-3 3rd, known as “Castle Beach.” It requires a precise tee shot over a rocky inlet to a green nestled between the cliffs and the sea.

This course offers practice facilities including a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. The clubhouse has the facilities including locker rooms, dining options, and a pro shop stocked with golfing essentials.

European Club

Location Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Length 7337 yards

Par 71

Established 1987

Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.18

European Club is one of the youngest links courses in Ireland. The Irish golf architect Pat Ruddy wanted to create a world-class links course that would challenge and inspire golfers. And this course is fully serving his dream.

This club has 20 holes with two bonus holes for the golfers to enjoy. It offers a variety of challenges like undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, sloping greens.

The signature hole of this club is known as “The Ocean”. This stunning hole requires a precise tee shot that runs along the coastline. This club has hosted huge events including the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Amateur Close Championship.

There are some special mentions.

Golf courses like Waterville Golf Links, St. Patrick’s Links, County Louth Golf Club and Adare Manor are worth a visit!

From the windswept dunes of Ballybunion to the majestic mountains of The Royal Portrush, Ireland’s top golf courses offer a golfing experience like no other. Whether you are seeking a challenging links course or scenic coastal view, Ireland can offer all. So choose your clubs and get ready for the adventure!