Over the centuries, Ireland has profoundly influenced the golfing industry and is currently a golfer's dream destination worldwide. The Emerald Isle gained popularity in the golfing community for its rugged coastlines and rolling greens. It offers an extraordinary sensory experience backed by hospitality, tradition, and an unparalleled setting to play golf.

Golfers around the world flock to Ireland to immerse themselves in the land's rich golfing culture with legendary courses, various international tournaments, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Ireland's 10 Best Golf Courses

Here is our list of Ireland's top must-play golf courses:

• Ballybunion Golf Club: Located at Ballybunion, Kerry, the 18-hole Old Course is one of the oldest and most sought-after golf courses in Ireland. Opened in 1906, the original design was spearheaded by Lionel Hewson. The course has always been great, but it became more popular after Tom Watson's praises when he first visited in 1981.
• Lahinch Golf Club: Opened in 1894, this historic golf club was designed by Tom Morris and remodeled by Alister MacKenzie in the 1920s and Martin Hawtree in 2003. The 18-hole link-style golf course earned the moniker "the St. Andrews of Ireland" for its similar legendary features that reflect the dynamic change in golf architecture.
• Portmarnock Golf Club: Settled on Golf Links Rd, Portmarnock, this 18-hole championship course was first established in 1895 and designed by W.C. Pickerman, George Ross, and Mungo Park, and was later redesigned by the renowned Martin Hawtree in 2000-2004. This course is known for its routing, which was never altered even though it was remodeled. Portmarnock offers a plain view of everything from its tees to the greens, making its strategically placed bunkers more difficult to navigate.
• St. Patrick's Links: This relatively new link-style golf course rivals the best of what Irish golf has to offer. Opened in 2021, this 18-hole course designed by Tom Doak boasts broad and bouncy fairways that offer hollows safe from the wind or wind-battered elevation.
• Waterville Golf Links: First opened in 1972, this 18-hole private course was designed by the renowned Eddie Hackett. Waterville thrives in its one-of-a-kind dune holes, making it a unique golfing spot. Playing on this course is nothing short of legendary, as the previous owners, John Mulcahy and Claude Harmon, are also well-known golf names.
• Old Head Golf Links: This par-72 course provides majestic ocean views coupled with a cold sea breeze that changes from time to time. Old Head has a warm-up range, a putting green, and a practice area for short games that is open depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
• Enniscrone Golf Club: Initially designed by Eddie Hackett, this is one of the most sought-after courses in Ireland, offering breathtaking scenery overlooking Killala Bay. The club hosted the Men's and Ladies Irish Close and the West of Ireland Championship, two of the most sought-after golf tournaments in the country.
• County Sligo Golf Club: The Colt course made this list because of its beauty and historical relevance. The course is an homage to its architect, Harry Colt, who designed it in 1927. This championship layout has been visited by golfing legends such as Walter Hagen, Henry Cotton, Tom Watson, and Nick Faldo.
• Tralee Golf Club: This par-71 link-style golf course is the first European design of Arnold Palmer that opened in 1983. This course boasts views of the Atlantic, white sandy beaches, and glowing remarks from golf writers like Peter Dobereiner, who described playing at Tralee as "A spectacle."
• The European Club: A masterpiece by Pat Ruddy, the links of The European Club are known as demanding. This course boasts sandy deposits, strong winds, and receding tides that add an extra charm to the game. The bunkers here had their walls lined with railway sleepers that served as a sign to warn players.

Your Irish Golf Adventure Starts Here

Ireland golf offers an experience that goes beyond the game. The country's courses highlight breathtaking scenery, uniqueness, and history while putting your golfing skills to the test.

Ready to experience Ireland’s top golf courses? Let us craft the perfect golf vacation for you; legendary greens and unforgettable memories await. Book your ultimate Ireland golf package with us now.

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