Best Golf Courses in Ireland

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.

Combining stunning scenery with challenging courses, Ireland is the perfect golfing holiday location. Here are some of the best golf courses in Ireland that you must experience. We’ve also included some of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland, because it’s a short trip across the border for your vacation.

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.

10. Waterville Golf Club

If you're looking for a truly remote setting for your next round, look no further than Waterville. Located on the Ring of Kerry, on the far south-west coast of Ireland, this dramatic setting gives the course constant exposure to coastal winds and some of the most memorable scenery in Irish golf.

The club was founded in the late 19th century, and after development by several leading architects over time, the course has become a championship links venue. It is a staple of any Killarney Golf Trip Package.

The course is known for its strong back nine, where holes play closer to the ocean and demand precise control in the wind. Hole 11 in particular consists of a 498-yard par 5 down a passage through the huge dunes. If played with a following wind, a well-struck drive can leave a very short approach into the green.

Key Facts - Waterville Golf Club

Location: Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland
Founded: 1898
Par: 72
Course type: Links
Notable features: Atlantic Ocean setting, strong back nine

9. Ballyliffin Golf Club – Glashedy Links

Ballyliffin Golf Club is located on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, one of the most rugged and remote golfing regions in Ireland. The Glashedy Links opened in 1995 and was built to complement the club’s historic Old Links. While the Old Links carries the heritage, Glashedy delivers the scale and length required for modern tournament golf.

Both courses are intertwined. The Glashedy Links features several tough par fours measuring over 400 yards in length. Wind is a constant factor throughout the round, especially on the more exposed coastal holes. The coastal views are wide-reaching across the Atlantic Ocean and Pollan Bay, adding to both the challenge and the spectacle of the course.

The Glashedy Links are part of our Ireland Hidden Gem Golf Trip Package, which also features fantastic links courses across County Donegal, along with carefully selected local accommodation and luxury transport between venues.

Key Facts - Glashedy Links

Location: Ballyliffin, County Donegal, Ireland
Opened: 1995
Par: 72
Course type: Links
Notable features: Towering dunes, exposed Atlantic Ocean setting

8. 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.

The Old Course is arguably the best golf course in Ireland, known for its towering dunes, narrow landing areas and the way it demands accuracy from the tee. Its mix of dramatic scenery and pure links golf makes it an essential stop on any Southwest Ireland golf trip.

Key Facts

Location: Ballybunion, County Kerry
Founded: 1893
Number of courses: 2 (Old Course & Cashen Course)
Par: Old Course 71; Cashen Course 72
Course type: Traditional links
Notable features: Natural dunes, beautiful coastline, strong winds, highly ranked globally

7. Tralee Golf Club

Tralee offers a unique golfing experience you can only get in Ireland. The course consists of a dramatic clifftop setting, with crashing waves and constant Atlantic winds, which is why so many golfers consider it among the most beautiful courses they have ever played.

Correct club choice is essential on exposed holes, as the wind strength can vary significantly throughout a round and often helps to determine both distance and trajectory. Play conservatively from the tee to avoid landing in the thick rough.

The third hole is a short par three played across a rocky cliff face, with the green positioned close to the edge of the Atlantic coastline.

While it has hosted professional events, Tralee’s main reputation comes from its consistent presence in the world’s top 20–30 golf course rankings, driven by its design pedigree and unforgettable coastal setting rather than tournament volume.

Key Facts - Tralee Golf Club

Location: Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
Opened (modern layout): 1984
Par: 72
Course type: Links
Notable features: Clifftop holes, extreme elevation changes

6. 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 of St. Andrews 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. Unique holes such the Klondyke and Dell have become famous for their blind shots and natural dune formations, offering the kind of old-school links quirks golfers rarely experience anywhere else.

One of Lahinch’s most charming quirks is the presence of its resident goats. They’ve been part of the club for generations, wandering freely across the course and occasionally appearing beside tees or greens. It is believed the goats act as a natural weather forecast. If they head for higher ground, expect a calm day, but if they retreat inland, take a jacket.

The course is also in a great location, featuring uplifting views across Liscannor Bay.

Key Facts

Location: Lahinch, County Clare
Founded: 1892
Par: 72
Course type: Classic links
Standout features: Old Tom Morris and Alister MacKenzie design influence, blind shots, stunning views over Liscannor Bay

5. K Club Golf

The K Club, near Dublin, makes our list of the best golf courses in Ireland 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. Accuracy is key when threading drives between the water features and shaping approach shots into greens that sit close to lakes and the River Liffey.

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. The fantastic amenities available make the K Club ideal for couples or groups looking for a high-end resort base with championship golf on the doorstep.

Key Facts

Location: Straffan, County Kildare
Founded: Resort opened in 1991
Par: 72
Course type: Parkland

Notable features: Ryder Cup host, distinctive water hazards, 5-star resort facilities

4. Old Head Golf Links

Old Head Golf Links is one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, built on a narrow headland that stretches almost two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Located near Kinsale, County Cork, the course sits on cliffs rising up to 300 feet above the sea, creating a level of drama and scenery unmatched anywhere else in Ireland.

Many holes require tee shots played directly along the cliff edge, adding to the pressure on both the drive and the approach. While the course itself is undoubtedly challenging, the real test comes from the conditions. Wind plays a major role here, with crosswinds and exposed tee shots adding to the intensity of the experience.

The signature hole is the par-5 12th, which is not for the faint-hearted. It curves along the cliff edge with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Arguably one of the most intimidating holes in the world, you must navigate a narrow fairway that snakes down towards a green framed closely by the cliffs.

This is one of the most unforgettable rounds of golf you will ever play.

Key Facts

Location: Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland
Opened: 1997
Par: 72
Course type: Clifftop links-style course
Notable features: Cliff-edge holes, Atlantic Ocean views, signature 12th hole

3. Adare Manor Golf Club

Adare Manor is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest modern championship golf course, combining elite tournament design with five-star resort standards. Based in County Limerick in the south-west of Ireland, the course was completely redesigned in 2018 by renowned architect Tom Fazio. While the new course features modern championship design, the setting retains its outstanding natural beauty.

The layout is a strategic parkland course, where water hazards, shaping and pin position dictate scoring rather than brute power. You'll need to contend with the River Maigue as it comes into play on several holes.

Adare Manor Golf Club is the official host venue for the 2027 Ryder Cup! Book a South West of Ireland golf trip to experience one of the most important modern championship courses in Europe.

Key Facts - Adare Manor Golf Club

Location: Adare, County Limerick, Ireland
Reopened (modern layout): 2018
Par: 72
Course type: Parkland
Notable features: 2027 Ryder Cup host venue, River Maigue water hazards, five-star resort setting

2. Royal County Down Golf Club

While technically just across the border in Northern Ireland, Royal County Down is too special to leave off the list of the best golf courses in Ireland. 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. The fourth hole has been described as ‘the most magnificent view in British golf’.’ Many golfers consider it the finest links experience in the world, and for good reason.

The first few holes ease you in gently before the course reveals its full character on those famous mid-round stretches. If you’re seeking a bucket list venue for your golf trip to Ireland, Royal County Down delivers in every aspect.

Key Facts

Location: Newcastle, County Down (Northern Ireland)
Founded: 1889
Par: 71
Course type: Championship links
Standout features: Iconic Mourne Mountain backdrop, deep “bearded” bunkers, frequently ranked #1 in the world

1. Royal Portrush - Dunluce Links

Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the most celebrated golfing venues in the world, set along the rugged coastline of County Antrim. The Dunluce Links hosted the 2025 Open Championship, which is the third time the course has staged the event after 1951 and 2019.

The Dunluce is a classic seaside links that twists through dramatic dunes and constantly changes elevation and direction. It is a layout that rewards bravery, especially when the wind rises and the coastal holes demand precise ball flight and confident decision-making.

Calamity Corner is the famous 16th hole and has one of the most nerve-testing tee shots in links golf. You must carry your shot uphill to the green over a deep chasm if you want any chance of a respectable par.

Key Facts

Location: Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Founded: 1888 (Dunluce Links redesigned by Harry Colt in 1932)
Par: 72
Course type: Links
Notable features: Host of The Open in 1951, 2019 and 2025, Calamity Corner (16th)

Book your Ireland Golf Vacation Today

Ireland offers one of the purest and most rewarding golfing experiences anywhere in the world. With outstanding hospitality, easy travel between regions and some of the most welcoming golf clubs you’ll ever visit, an Irish golf break delivers on every level.

If you're planning a trip, it's best to work with experts who know exactly how to build a well-balanced itinerary so you can experience Ireland's best golf courses. Get in touch today to speak to our team, who can help arrange the full experience so you can focus on enjoying the golf.