Ireland is famous for the quality of golf on offer and a large number of championship courses at the very top of international standards have been created in the last 10-20 years. Most of these are Parkland courses, often attached to luxury hotels.But it is for lovers of Links golf that Ireland is a true paradise. All along the coast there are gems of Links, famous and less well known, which will test the most experienced links enthusiast and provide those who have never played Links golf before with a truly memorable experience. The famous Irish courses feature regularly on specialist golf tours, but there are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of excellent but lesser known courses in the country. We have tried to include some of the lesser known but especially enjoyable courses to this list as well as the famous 'must play' ones.
Golf at Baltray is a challenge for golfers of all abilities – this links course is one of the finest and the trickiest in Ireland.
It may not be so well known by visitors to Ireland, but is definitely one to add to your list.
Read More
Most golfing visitors to Ireland are especially keen to play on our famous links courses, but you’ll need to be equipped for the challenge.
Don’t overlook less well known courses especially at high season when the famous ones are both very busy and charging maximum green fees.
Read More
The Irish Open, which dates back to 1927, is extremely popular as a spectator event, as is the pro-am which takes place before it – so if you plan to attend, book early.
The venue this year is the beautiful Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, a great venue and one where non-golfers will find plenty to do away from the course.
Read More
An impeccably presented parkland course, Mount Juliet has been home to the Irish Open and other prestigious competitions.
It’s located at a 5 star hotel, where lots of other activities are available for any non-golfers in your party.
Read More
A less well known links golf course than many other in Ireland, The Island is a classic links course more than 100 years old.
Build in an estuary, the course is almost entirely surrounded by water and was once accessible only by boat – though you can drive there now.
Read More
Beautifully located on the Kerry coast, Waterville Golf Club is a place that golfers travel long distances to play and which consistently appears in lists of the best courses in the world.
As you might expect, it provides links golfing of a high and challenging standard, but it will be an experience you will not forget.
Read More
If you are looking for links golf close to Dublin City then Portmarnock Golf Club is the place you need. It’s a club with a long and venerable history and presents a stiff challenge to any golfer, even those used to playing by the sea.
That said, we’ed have issues with some rather archaic club policies and practices …
Read More
Lahinch in Co Clare is one of Ireland’s longest established and most famous golf clubs.
Visitors can choose between two classic Irish links golf courses at Lahinch, the famed Old Course, and the Castle Course – both provide a stiff challenge.
Read More