Our Guide To The Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Are you ready to tee off on some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world? Then pack your clubs and get ready to experience the best golf courses in Ireland! 

From the rugged coastal links to the lush parkland courses, Ireland has it all. And let’s not forget the stunning views, the charming local pubs, and the friendly people, all of which make a golf trip to Ireland an unforgettable experience. So, grab your clubs, put on your golf shoes and let’s tee off on an adventure to discover the best golf courses in Ireland!

Royal County Down Golf Club

Located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland and is considered one of the best and most challenging golf courses in the world. The club was founded in 1889 and has hosted numerous major tournaments throughout its history, including the Irish Open and the Walker Cup.

One of the unique features of Royal County Down is its location. The course is situated on the rugged coastline of the Irish Sea and is surrounded by the stunning Mountains of Mourne. The natural beauty of the area provides a spectacular backdrop for the course and makes for a truly memorable golfing experience.

Another unique aspect of the course is its layout and design. The course has been designed to make the most of the natural terrain, with each hole offering a different challenge. The fairways are narrow and well-bunkered, and the greens are small and fast. The course also features deep rough, which can make it difficult to recover if a ball is hit off course.

The course is also known for its unique greens, which are constructed with a mixture of bentgrass, fescue, and poa annua. This combination of grasses makes for a very challenging putting surface and requires a high level of skill and precision.

Overall, Royal County Down Golf Club is a truly unique and challenging course that offers a truly memorable golfing experience. Its location, layout, and design, along with its unique greens, make it a must-play for any golfer looking to test their skills against one of the best courses in the world.

Ballybunion Golf Club

The club was founded in 1893 and has since grown to become one of the most famous and respected golf clubs in the world. The course is often considered one of the best links golf courses in the world, and has hosted many important tournaments over the years, including the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Ladies Close Championship.

The course itself was designed by Old Tom Morris, one of the most famous golf course architects of the 19th century. The layout of the course takes full advantage of the natural terrain, featuring narrow fairways, deep bunkers and large undulating greens. The course also features two loops of nine holes, the Cashen Course and the Old Course, the latter being considered the more challenging of the two.

The history and heritage of Ballybunion Golf Club can be seen in the many famous golfers that have played on the course over the years. The likes of Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw have all competed on the course and have praised it for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery.

In addition to its golfing heritage, Ballybunion Golf Club also has a rich cultural heritage. The club is located in a small coastal village of Ballybunion, which has a rich history dating back to medieval times. The village is home to many historical sites, including a castle, a church and a lighthouse, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.

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The European Club in County Wicklow

Playing a round of golf at The European Club, Ireland is a truly unique and memorable experience. The course was designed by Pat Ruddy, one of Ireland’s most renowned golf course architects, and opened in 1992. It is widely considered one of the best golf courses in Ireland and is often ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world.

The course is located on a stretch of rugged coastline, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Wicklow Mountains. The layout of the course is designed to make the most of the natural terrain, with each hole offering a different challenge. The fairways are narrow, and the greens are well-bunkered, making for a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf.

The course also features a variety of unique holes, such as the par-3 5th hole, known as “The Postage Stamp,” which features a tiny green surrounded by deep bunkers and the par-4 16th hole, known as “The Dunes,” which is played from an elevated tee and requires a tee shot to a narrow fairway nestled between towering sand dunes.

The greens at The European Club are considered some of the best in the world, with a unique blend of bentgrass, fescue, and poa annua, providing a fast, true and challenging putting surface.

Lahinch Golf Club:

featuring a challenging layout, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers and large undulating greens. The course is designed to make the most of the natural terrain, with each hole offering a different challenge. The course has two loops of nine holes, the Old Course, and the Castle Course, with the former considered the more challenging of the two.

Enjoying a round here also allows you to soak in the simply breathtaking surroundings. The course is situated on the Atlantic coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. The natural beauty of the area provides a spectacular backdrop for the course and makes for a truly memorable golfing experience.

Finally, Lahinch Golf Club is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great experience for visitors. The club’s staff and members are passionate about the game and are always willing to share their knowledge and experience with visitors.

Portmarnock Golf Club

In County Dublin lies one of the most famous and respected golf clubs in the world, the Portmarnock. The club was founded in 1894, and designed by Bernhard Langer, who used the natural terrain to create a challenging and enjoyable layout. 

One of the most famous games played at Portmarnock Golf Club was the 1991 Walker Cup, where the Great Britain and Ireland team defeated the United States team by a score of 15-9. This was the first time the GB&I team had won the Walker Cup in 23 years and was considered a significant achievement for the club and the country.

Another famous game played at Portmarnock was the 1991 Irish Open, which was won by Nick Faldo. The tournament was notable for Faldo’s record-breaking performance, as he became the first player to finish the tournament at 20-under-par. This win helped solidify Faldo’s status as one of the best golfers of his generation.

Over the years, the course has undergone several renovations and upgrades to improve the playing experience for members and visitors. In recent years, an extensive renovation of the greens and bunkers was completed to bring the course up to the highest standards of golf course maintenance and design.

Include A Round Of Golf On Your Irish Vacation

In conclusion, Ireland is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, each offering a unique and unforgettable golfing experience. From the rugged coastline of Royal County Down to the picturesque landscape of Lahinch, these courses offer a true test of skill and precision. The rich history and heritage of these clubs, along with their beautiful scenery, make them a must-play for any golfer looking to experience the best of Irish golf. 

The neighbouring countries of Scotland, England and Wales are also home to some of the greatest courses in the history of the game, so if you’re traveling to Ireland for the first time, consider extending your golfing vacation and you won’t regret it!