With 364 courses available to you, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to world-class golf links and parkland courses in Ireland. Golf is taken seriously in Ireland, and that shows in the high standard of courses and facilities on offer. Tee off in some of the most awe-inspiring and picturesque settings you will ever encounter, and finish it off with a well-deserved drink at the 19th Hole. Here are some of our favourites…
Portmarnock has hosted the Irish Open 19 times
Located on the north side of Dublin and only fifteen minutes from Ireland’s main airport, Portmarnock Golf Club is the perfect introduction to links golf in Ireland! Founded in 1894, the course has played a pivotal role in the development and popularity of the sport in Ireland. Over the years it has welcomed some of golfs elite players. These names include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington – the list goes on and on and on and then on again some more!
Not many golf courses in the world can boast about the status of their regular guests quite like Royal Portrush. Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, and Darren Clarke are all regulars at Portrush and have all won major championships. They were joined in 2019 by fellow Irishman, Shane Lowry, who won his first major championship on this very course at the 148th Open Championship.
Read the full profile of Royal Portrush Golf Club here.
Though most visitors come to Ireland to play links golf, there is one major parkland exception, Adare Manor. Set in the picturesque estate of one of Ireland’s finest manor house hotels, this magnificent parkland course is one of the finest of its kind in all of Europe and is why it was awarded the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Read the full profile of Adare Manor Golf Club here.
Old Head is in Kinsale, Co. Cork
Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury members’ accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, as the incredible brainchild of the late John O’Connor together with his brother Patrick, the Club has developed into one of the most recognized and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth.
