Golf in Ireland: where to play and what to expect
Planning a golf vacation to Ireland?
Home to some of the world’s most scenic links and parkland courses you can look forward to some of golf’s most beautiful views as you play.
Planning a golf vacation to Ireland? Home to some of the world’s most scenic links and parkland courses you can look forward to some of golf’s most beautiful views as you play.
Like our people, scenery, and music, Irish golf courses are world class. In 2006 Ireland hosted the Ryder Cup and are set to host this most prestigious of tournaments again in 2027.
Welcoming thousands of golfers to our shores every year, Ireland is home to more than 300 golf courses. Including a third of the world’s natural links courses and an abundance of championship courses, many designed by the world’s best known professional golfers.
On a golf vacation to Ireland, you are sure to be both challenged and entertained. We are delighted to feature some of the best golf courses in Ireland that you may wish to include in your itinerary as well as some useful tips on the weather and what to pack:
Best golf courses in Ireland
Golf in Leinster, Ireland
The province of Leinster is home to Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, and some of the country’s most historic sites. On a golf trip you can play some of the finest championship parkland courses in the country:
The K Club, Co Kildare
The province of Leinster is home to Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, and some of the country’s most historic sites. On a golf trip you can play some of the finest championship parkland courses in the country:
The K Club, Co Kildare
The K Club is best known internationally as the host of the 2006 Ryder Cup. Located only 30 minutes from Dublin in an idyllic part of rural County Kildare, the K Club is home to two championship courses designed by world renowned golfer Arnold Palmer. Whether you choose to play Palmer North, Palmer South or both on your golf vacation to Ireland you are sure to enjoy a 5-star experience.
Killeen Castle Golf Club, Co Meath
Killeen Castle Golf Club, Co. Meath.
Killeen Castle Golf Club is home to one of only two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Ireland, offering a championship golf experience. It is a magnificent test suitable for golfers of all abilities. Regularly voted Best Parkland Course in the greater Dublin area, it is only 30mins from Dublin airport. Killeen Castle Golf Club hosted the 2011 Solheim Cup. A must-play golf course for anyone serious about golf, and those looking for a memorable experience.
Mount Juliet Golf Course, Co Kilkenny
Mount Juliet Golf Course, Co Kilkenny
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the golf course at Mount Juliet Estate challenges players with the water and sand so commonly associated with his approach. Consisting of 5 lakes and 80 strategically based bunkers, in short it is easy to see why this course captures the heart of countless golfers from around the world, no matter their ability. Mount Juliet hosted the Irish Open for a number of years in the 1990’s attracting pros and fans from around the world to this most historic part of Ireland.
Golf in Munster, Ireland
The province of Munster covers the south of the country, and includes the course that will host the 2027 Ryder Cup and majestic courses along the Cork and Kerry coastline:
Adare Manor Golf Club, Co Limerick
Adare Manor Golf Club, Co Limerick
Masterfully designed, magnificently maintained, and perfectly set within the glorious estate of one of Europe’s most spectacular manor house hotels, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is proud to host the 2027 Ryder Cup. The Golf Course at Adare Manor provides an unforgettable experience designed to inspire, challenge, and captivate the most demanding and spirited golf enthusiasts in the world.
Dromoland Castle Golf Club, Co Clare
Dromoland Castle Golf Club, Co Clare
Every golfer dreams of playing at Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club. Designed by Ron Kirby and JB Carr, the impressive 18-hole 6,824 yards par 72 championship course is set on the magnificent 450-acre estate of Dromoland Castle. Combining gentle hills, ancient trees and unexpected water hazards, the immaculately maintained course presents challenges and thrills for golfers of all abilities. One of the finest parkland courses in Ireland, it’s matched by superb practice facilities and a welcoming club house experience.
Ballybunion Golf Club, Co Kerry
Located on the north-west coast of County Kerry, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will find two wonderfully challenging and unique world-class links golf courses at Ballybunion – the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course. Whatever your choice, every hole, every hazard and every shot is defined by nature’s infinite presence.
Old Head Golf Links, Co Cork
Old Head Golf Links, Co Cork
Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury Member’s accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought-after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in personalised service.
Golf in Connaught, Ireland
Many visitors tour the Wild Atlantic Way or visit the ancient city of Galway during their golf trip to Ireland. If you wish to experience the rugged beauty of the west coast, consider including some of the west coasts best golf courses to your itinerary:
Connemara Championship Golf Links, Co Galway
Connemara Championship Golf Links, Co Galway
Connemara Golf Links in Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, is one of the most natural and true links courses in the world. The fairways and greens are beautifully carved through the rocky rugged hills and dunes. Tom Watson, regarded as one of the greatest links players of all time, described it as “spectacular”.
Westport Golf Club, Co Mayo
Westport Golf Club, Co Mayo
Westport Golf Club on the shores of Clew Bay and where Croagh Patrick follows every golf shot, is one of the premier parkland golf destinations in the West of Ireland. Containing a family friendly 9 hole Pitch & Putt course, covered 9 bay practice driving facility along with its famous Championship 18 holes; visitors are welcome every day.
Carne Golf Links, Co. Mayo
Carne Golf Links, Co. Mayo
Carne Golf Links lies on the remote and rugged Mullet Peninsula, along the Wild Atlantic Way, an area renowned for its wild and ancient landscape. Set in magnificent, unspoilt sand dunes stretching 150m above sea level, with breath-taking views of the Atlantic across Blacksod Bay. The course features eighteen challenging holes designed by the late Eddie Hackett. It is true to his philosophy of respecting the natural landscape. Tees and greens occur naturally and very little earth moving was involved in the course construction. Carne was awarded the Best Links Course in Connacht for 2021.
Golf in Ulster, Ireland
If you are planning to visit the north of the country you can choose from rugged coastal courses in Donegal or parkland courses in the drumlins of Cavan and Monaghan:
Concra Wood , Co. Monaghan
Concra Wood , Co. Monaghan
Just one hour from Dublin airport near the town of Castleblayney lies the hidden gem that is Concra Wood Golf Course. With simply spectacular views, the 18-hole championship course is set on 240 acres of dramatic wooded landscape that tilts down into the breath taking Lough Muckno. This easy rhythm adds to the beauty of the course and its challenges, suitable for novices and high handicappers alike.
PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell, Co. Cavan
PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell, Co. Cavan
The 300-acre Slieve Russel estate is home to one of only 8 PGA National Designated resorts in the world. The 18 hole championship course and 9 hole ‘PGA National’ academy course wrap attractively around the drumlins and lakes of the surrounding county Cavan landscape. Both courses offer golfers stunning quality in terms of scenery and playing perspective. In particular the tricky greens put the focus on accurate approach play as your make your way through the course. PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell has hosted some major Golf tournaments including two European Tour events and was also home to the Irish PGA Championship.
Ballyliffin Golf Club, Co. Donegal
Ballyliffin Golf Club, Co. Donegal
Ballyliffin Golf Club consists of two outstanding, contrasting links courses, making up one of the finest golf resorts in the world. In short, they are the courses former number 1 ranked golfer in the world, Rory McIlroy, said were a must play for anyone planning a golf trip to the North of Ireland. Located on the northern tip of Ireland, at the beginning of the Wild Atlantic way, it provides a challenging introduction to golf in Ireland for anyone planning to follow one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world while touring the best courses it has to offer.
The weather for Golf in Ireland
Part of Ireland’s attraction as a destination for golf holidays are its lush green courses. Due to our cool temperate climate, if you travel in spring and summer, you can look forward to an abundance of green not only on the courses but in the surrounding countryside.
Our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean allows us to avoid the worst extremes of weather. Winters and summers are pleasantly mild, but we can and do experience more changeable weather than our neighbours on the European continent or in the US. This means for large portions of the year you can look forward to pleasant conditions for golf.
In spring and summer temperatures range between about 45 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional variation outside of that. Providing optimum conditions for a round of golf.
We experience some days of poor weather where frost, persistent rain or a storm may stop play. What you are more likely to experience on a golf course in Ireland are rain showers. Usually short, with the right clothing, rain showers are no problem to play through. We have a saying in Ireland, ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes’.
In general April to October are the mildest months with the best weather. Of those months, April to June are usually the driest but we can get long spells of dry sunny weather up to September.
Golf in Ireland packing list
Central to enjoying a golf holiday in Ireland is having the right clothes with you. This is not an exhaustive golf packing list but it contains some of the key elements you should bring with you so you are prepared for the changeable weather that makes Ireland’s landscape so scenic:
Full set of clubs: Ireland is home to some of the world’s most challenging courses so ensure you have all of the clubs you may require for tackling the terrain. In the most prestigious clubs, you can usually hire a caddy who can provide advice as you play.
Rain gear: a full set of quality rain gear is a must when playing in Ireland. Ideally bring waterproofs you have worn before so you know you can play comfortably in them.
Sunscreen: our cooler climates or overcast skies can be deceiving with breezes masking the intensity of the sun. Wear sunscreen every time you play to prevent skin damage.
Smart casual clothes: it is best to have layers of golf clothes for the golf course but it is also useful to pack more formal clothing for refreshments afterwards as some club houses have dress codes.
Water Bottle: having a trusty water bottle is essential for hydration particularly if you plan to walk the course rather than hire golf carts.
What you can be assured of on any golf trip to Ireland is a warm Irish welcome. Away from the golf course, Ireland is a country full of history and culture waiting to be explored on rest days. From ancient castles, cosy country bars and lively towns Ireland offers the perfect mix of activity and relaxation, so you leave our shores feeling rested and restored.
Flexible flights for you – all year long
You can change any flight taking off in 2021 for free until 31 December 2021. This applies to any flight you’ve already booked for any date in 2021, as well as any new flight you book for 2021.
What’s more, you can change your flight as often as you need to and up to two hours before you fly – for free. And with our guaranteed voucher options and refund fares, it’s easy to give your bookings even more wiggle room.
