Our Favourite Golf Courses in Ireland
The Top 5 Places to Practice Your Golf Swing
Combining stunning scenery with challenging courses, Ireland is the perfect golfing holiday location. Here are some of our favourite courses in the Emerald Isle.
Ireland is a highly popular location with golfers and is thought by many to contain some of the best golf courses in Europe. With its idyllic landscapes, unspoiled natural scenery and challenging courses, (not forgetting the legendary Irish ‘craic’), it’s easy to understand why.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite golf courses in Ireland, perfect for those of you going on an Irish golf tour.
Ballybunion Golf Club
Located in County Kerry on the Shannon estuary, Ballybunion is considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest golf courses. With very few trees, rolling sand dunes, and sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean, the course’s seaside location is definitely one of its major selling points.
The golf is pretty good too with two unique and challenging links golf courses to choose from. If you need further convincing of Ballybunion’s credentials, it is a regular on Golf Magazine’s list of Top 100 Courses in the World.
Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch, a semi-private club in County Clare, is Phil Mickelson’s favourite links course. The original course was laid out in 1892 and, in 1894, Old Tom Morris made improvements to the course layout, making great use of the natural terrain.
Further developments have taken place over the years resulting in the rugged, distinctive and highly varied course that we see today. The course is also in a great location, featuring uplifting views across Liscannor Bay.
K Club Golf
The K Club, near Dublin, makes our list for combining a great golf course with an outstanding luxury resort. The club is a tournament favourite (hosting the Ryder Cup in 2006) and offers players a challenging round of golf on a course that’s dominated by water.
Away from the golf course, the club has plenty more to offer visitors including Ireland’s first AA 5 Red Star Hotel, an array of dining options, and a luxury spa where you can relax after a hard game.
Druids Glen Golf Club
Druids Glen golf resort is situated in County Wicklow, around 35 kilometres south of Dublin. One of the most famous courses in Ireland, Druids Glen has hosted the Irish PGA Championship, as well as being home to the Irish Open no less than four times.
Known as ‘the Augusta of Europe’, this challenging course (perfect for golfers who can manoeuvre the ball) comprises water features, rolling woodland, unusual suspension bridges and vibrant floral displays.
Royal County Down Golf Club
A slight cheat as this one is actually in Northern Ireland, but it is definitely worth a mention. One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, Royal County Down is also one of the most exclusive, with members made up of judges, lawyers and doctors, and membership only available by invitation.
Situated in the town of Newcastle, at the foot of the Mountains of Morne, and with views of the sweeping bay of Dundrum, the course’s dramatic setting is renowned – and the fourth hole has been described as ‘the most magnificent view in British golf’.
When it comes to finding great golf courses in Ireland, you really are spoilt for choice. Going on an Irish golf tour can be the perfect solution, giving you the opportunity to play on some of the most famous courses in Ireland whilst experiencing all the other charms this beautiful country has to offer.
See more of our Irish Golf Trips, including our Hidden Gem Golf Course Tour of Ireland and West Ireland Golf Tour among others, See also our Scotland Golf Trips for a journey to the home of golf.
If you would like to book a custom golfing holiday in Ireland, contact us to discuss your needs.
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