Top 8 Golf Courses in Ireland
Ballybunion Old Course
Tom Watson called it the greatest course he had ever played. Wild, natural, Atlantic-edge links.
Royal Portrush Dunluce Links
Host of the 2019 Open Championship. Giant's Causeway country. Breathtaking.
Lahinch Old Course
The St Andrews of Ireland. Goat holes, stone walls, and century-old tradition.
Waterville Golf Links
Remote Ring of Kerry links. Claude Harmon Sr. and Tom Watson both loved it. Stunning isolation.
Old Head Golf Links
Built on a 300-foot cliff headland. One of the most visually dramatic courses on earth.
Royal County Down
Consistently ranked #1 in Ireland and top 5 in the world. Mourne Mountains backdrop.
Dooks Golf Club
Underrated links in the Ring of Kerry. More accessible than its famous neighbors, equally beautiful.
Portmarnock Golf Club
The best links course near Dublin. Open Championship qualifying venue.
✈️ Travel Tips for Golf in Ireland
- Ireland's west coast courses often require booking a full 'golf trail' package. Several courses partner together.
- The weather is famously unpredictable — layer up and embrace it. Rain makes the green grass greener.
- Caddie carts (pull trolleys) are the norm. Riding carts are not permitted on many traditional links.
- Club Ireland Golf for multi-course booking packages at reduced rates.
- Combine with a road trip around Kerry or Antrim for the full experience.
🏌️ How to Play Your Best in Ireland
Irish links golf is pure. The ground is the secondary fairway. Your ability to shape shots low and read the bounce separates good rounds from great ones. The GOAT Sling pattern's shallow approach angle gives you the penetrating trajectory Irish links rewards.
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