There is no better place for golf fans than Ireland. Thanks to its interesting landscape of lush fairways, rugged cliffs, and undulating hills, it provides spectacular and difficult courses to play. No matter your skill level, Ireland is always full of interesting places for bikers. History looms large in Irish golf, which can be seen on many classic links and in the modern golf courses designed by great architects.
Shall we take a close look at our recommended selection of the top golf courses in Ireland?
These aren’t ranked in order, because honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Ballybunion Golf Club (Co. Kerry, Ireland)
Length: 6802 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Lionel Hewson, Tom Simpson
Established: 1893
Hosted Irish Open: 2000
Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.33
Ballybunion is often described as one of the finest links courses in the world. Tucked between giant sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, this course is both intimidating and exhilarating. The town of Ballybunion gets its name from the Bunion family, who once owned a 15th-century castle here.
The course originally opened in 1893 with just 12 holes. Under financial difficulties in 1898, the association was revived in 1906 and rebuilt by Irish golf journalist Lionel Hewson. Merely taking the Sandhill Road to Ballybunion is special because the scenery is so beautiful.
Playing the 11th hole can be exciting, since the waves and winds off the ocean change your experience greatly. Legendary golfer Tom Watson once said, “After playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here.”
Royal County Down (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)
Length: 7186 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: George L. Baillie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt
Established: 1890
Hosted Irish Open: 4 times
Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.95
Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down is both a feast for the eyes and a formidable golfing challenge. The wind from Dundrum Bay and the ever-changing weather keep players on their toes.
It’s been ranked number 1 in Golf Digest’s “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” and boasts what many consider the best front nine in the game. The 2nd, 5th, and 9th holes are brilliantly laid out, featuring plenty of blind tee shots. Water features and tricky hazards make the back nine more exciting.
Since each course is full of narrow fairways and deep bunkers, it takes a lot of skill to play it well.
Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare (Ireland)
Total length of the course: 6950 yards
Par: 72
Old Tom Morris, Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Dr. Martin Hawtree all designed the course.
Established: 1892
Golfweek’s Best: 7.89
Many refer to Lahinch Golf Club as the “St. Andrews of Ireland,” because it has a strong history and presents Golfers with tough courses. Being among the shifting sand dunes and the peaceful ocean, the course creates a beautiful and gameplay-rich environment.
Started by golfers from Limerick with support from the Scottish Black Watch regiment, the course became more prestigious with time. Blind hole shots are a feature of the course, mainly at the 3rd and 4th holes, where you should rely on your sense of what to do.
It’s also home to the Irish Open 2019, one of the most memorable in recent years.
Portmarnock Golf Club (Co. Dublin, Ireland)
Length: 7463 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: William Pickeman
Established: 1894
Hosted Irish Open: 19 times
Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.42
Located just a short drive from Dublin, Portmarnock is a classic links course surrounded by water on three sides. Since the fairways are narrow, the greens fast and the bunkers are deep, you need to be very precise and skilled to play well here.
The thirteenth hole, “The Dell,” asks players for an accurate tee shot over a valley toward a green bordered by dunes. The par-4 14th which follows right alongside the coast, also features amazing views of the Irish Sea.
Portmarnock has hosted the Irish Open more than any other Irish course and has welcomed legends like Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam.
Tralee Golf Club (Co. Kerry, Ireland)
Length: 6975 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Arnold Palmer
Established: 1892 (current layout: 1984)
Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.01
Tralee is a gem along the rugged coastline of Kerry. Arnold Palmer completed a redesign of the course in 1984, leading it through giant dunes and allowing for wonderful ocean views.
On the 3rd hole, players must make a tough tee shot over a rocky area by the beach which serves as the signature hole. There are excellent practice areas, a spacious clubhouse and excellent Irish hospitality available.
Royal Portrush Golf Club (Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland)
Length: 7143 yards
Par: 72
Designed by: Harry Colt
Established: 1888
Golfweek’s Best rating: 8.53
Home to two championship courses – the Dunluce and the Valley – Royal Portrush is among the elite. Some say the Dunluce Course’s unique feature is its view of the Atlantic coast and Dunluce Castle when golfing.
The famous 14th hole, “Calamity Corner,” requires golfers to cross a big gap. Royal Portrush was the first location outside Britain to host The Open Championship in 2019.
European Club (Co. Wicklow, Ireland)
Length: 7337 yards
Par: 71
Designed by: Pat Ruddy
Established: 1987
Golfweek’s Best rating: 7.18
Though younger than most on this list, the European Club is a world-class course with a bold design. Pat Ruddy’s vision of a challenging yet fair links course is fully realized here. There are a total of 20 holes in the course, with an extra of two par-3s.
The finishing hole is next to the ocean and requires all the best shots from skilled players. The events Irish PGA Championship and Irish Amateur Close Championship have both taken place here.
Special Mentions
Waterville Golf Links is a place of wildness, remote beauty and excitement.
The St. Patrick’s Links is a current marvel of architecture.
A golf course that cannot be overlooked in County Louth– a hidden gem.
Adare Manor which will host the Ryder Cup in the future, is known for its luxury and careful designs.
In Ballybunion, Tralee and Portmarnock, Ireland’s golf destinations span rugged dunes, beautiful cliffs and impressive golf history. Whether you’re looking for drama, challenge, history, or just stunning natural beauty, there’s a course here with your name on it.
So pack your clubs, bring your rain gear (just in case), and tee off on one of Ireland’s finest greens. Slán agus go n-éirí an bóthar leat!
