what is the best golf course in ireland

Best Golf Courses in Ireland: Top 20

1. Royal County Down
2. Royal Portrush
3. Ballybunion – Old Course
4. Portmarnock – Championship
5. Lahinch
6. Waterville
7. The European Club
8. Baltray, County Louth
9. Rosses Point, County Sligo
10. Doonbeg

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Full Answer

What are the best golf resorts in Ireland?

Sitting at the top of our list of the best golf courses in Ireland is Old Head Golf Links. This true links is among the most renowned golf courses in the world. It was purchased in 1989, before John and Patrick O’Connor spent nearly ten years creating the breathtaking course. It finally opened in 1997.

When is the best time to golf in Ireland?

Best Golf Courses in Ireland. Golf in Ireland. Ireland's credentials as a golfing superpower are so impressive that making a list of its best courses feels akin to making one for ... Royal County Down. Royal Portrush - Dunluce Links. Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) Tralee Golf Club.

What are the best golf courses?

103 rows · Golf Digest Top 100 Ranked Irish Parkland Golf Course 2021 : Position: Golf Course : 1: ...

What are the best tours in Ireland?

Oct 01, 2019 · Waterville is one of Ireland’s most celebrated golf courses. Located in South Kerry, this world-ranked course has attracted top names in the world of golf. Expect a challenging terrain, which is wild and weathered by nature and the elements over centuries, while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which laps the shores beyond the green.

What is the top rated golf course in Ireland?

Top 10 best golf courses in IrelandWaterville Golf Links, Co. Kerry – a genuine link. ... Ballyliffin, Co. ... Rosses Point, Co. ... Portmarnock, Co. ... Ballybunion, Co. Kerry – it's got that special something. ... Lahinch, Co. ... Royal Portrush, Co. ... Royal County Down, Co. Down – tee off at the Mountains of Mourne.More items...•Apr 10, 2020

What is the most beautiful golf course in Ireland?

Ireland's Most Beautiful Golf Courses1 – Tralee Golf Club.2 – Ballyliffin Golf Club. ... 3 – Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links. ... 4 – Ballybunion Golf Club. ... 5 – Waterville Golf Links. ... 6 – County Louth Golf Club. ... 7 – The European Club. ... 8 – Trump International Golf Links – Doonbeg. ... More items...•Mar 13, 2019

What is the biggest golf course in Ireland?

Killeen CastleKilleen Castle boasts Ireland's biggest expanse of land for a golf course. It's hard to argue with that when you rarely see another hole, let alone another golfer on this Jack Nicklaus- designed parkland.Mar 9, 2021

Where are the most golf courses in Ireland?

South West Ireland The south west region put Irish golf on the global golf map and is the most popular for Ireland golf vacations. It takes in legendary Irish golf courses such as Ballybunion Golf Club, The Old Head Golf Club, Waterville Golf Links and Tralee Golf Club.Oct 18, 2016

What's the name of the famous golf course in Ireland?

Lahinch hosted the Irish Open for the first time in 2019 and has been at the pinnacle of Irish golf since the great game was first played there in 1892....Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course)Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) factsLocationCo. Clare, IrelandLength6,950 yardsPar723 more rows

Where should I golf in Ireland?

Dublin. The best golf near Dublin includes no less than six world-class links courses, as well as a trio of great parkland offerings that are worthy of play. The headliner here – Portmarnock Golf Club – is a 19-time host of the Irish Open. Numerous direct flights from the states eases the logistics of travel.Sep 17, 2020

What's the oldest golf course in Ireland?

More about The Royal Curragh Golf Club The Royal Curragh Golf Club is Ireland's oldest golf course. It has been completely revamped and is now a challenging heathland course of 6,585 yards. Research has proven that golf was first played on the plains of the Curragh in County Kildare in 1852.May 11, 2020

What golf course has the highest slope rating in Ireland?

Valderrama Golf: slope rating 150 from the black tees. Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. Championship course: slope rating 148 from the red tees.May 26, 2021

What is the oldest golf club in Ireland?

The Curragh Golf ClubThe Oldest Club – Members of The Curragh Golf Club play their golf over the Oldest Golf Course in Ireland, dating from 1852, when a course was laid out “on the links near Donnelly's Hollow” by David Ritchie, from Edinburgh.

Why is golf most popular in Ireland?

This gives Ireland the advantage over Scotland and England, where many courses are private. Therefore, it is cheap to take up golf as a hobby. There is something to suit every budget. This is why it is popular around Ireland.Jul 13, 2012

What is the golf Ireland rate?

Course Rates & PromotionsBaltinglass Golf Club Co. WicklowTee Times Course InfoRates from: € 10Standard Green Fees Green Fee Rates 2022 Mon to Fri: €20 Sat-Sun & B.Hols: €25Promotions Winter Online Specials Play Mon-Fri for €15pp/€25 per 2ball/€35 per 3ball/€40 per 4ball & Saturdays for €15pp - Save up to 50%1 more row

Where does the PGA play in Ireland?

Carne Golf LinksIrish PGA ChampionshipTournament informationCourse(s)Carne Golf Links (2021)FormatStroke play (since 1910) Match play (1907–1909)Current championDavid Higgins (2021)2 more rows

1. Dromoland Castle

We took the carriage and had a private tour of the grounds including some of the golf course (which our husbands love...

3. Waterville Golf Links

Great links course with great holes and beautiful views Can’t miss playing here if you are in the area New club house...

4. Old Head Golf Links

Set in a countryside adjoining the sea the spectacular vistas, flora, ambience of the clubhouse, and the heliport to...

5. Lahinch Golf Club

Had a wonderful round of fantastic links golf and a great senior caddie telling good stories and game plan on each tee.

6. Druids Glen Golf Course

Played Druids Glen recently and was easily one of my most favourite courses to ever visit.

7. Esker Hills Golf Club

The welcome was super, customer care was super, the course was super and in unbelievable condition and yes, it is hilly.

8. Tralee Golf Club

I love scenic courses and this great Arnold Palmer design is in a perfect location on the coast.

Where is the oldest golf course in Ireland?

59 Royal Belfast Golf Club (SAME) The oldest golf club in Ireland, a visit to Royal Belfast offers a step back in time. Situated on the scenic southern shore of Belfast Lough, this Harry Colt gem has seen less tinkering than most since its inception.

Where is Roganstown in Dublin?

Coming in at 100 is Roganstown in north Co Dublin, an elegant country house hotel with a beautifully manicured golf course, which features mature trees, lush fairways and plenty of water to test all levels of golfer. www.roganstown.com

What is the second course at Druids Glen?

The second course at the outstanding Druids Glen resort is a tough challenge which requires pinpoint accuracy to hold the invariably raised green sites, with the golden fescues and gorse defining the course. www.druidsglenresort.com

How many yards is Strandhill Golf Club?

63 Strandhill Golf Club (SAME) At just over 6,300 yards in length, Strandhill is short by modern standards. Yet it is a links course with a terrific variety of challenging shots and dramatic scenery to provide one of the west coast’s most beautiful links settings. www.strandhillgolfclub.com.

What is Mahony's Point?

The less famous of the two Killarney golf clubs, Mahony’s Point shares many of the characteristics of the Killeen course, and is located at a superb venue, with a spectacular finish to enjoy. www.killarney-golf.com

What is the name of the 5th hole in Murvagh?

Often referred to as the Muirfield of Ireland, Murvagh in Donegal is a challenge to even the most accomplished golfer. Panoramic views of the Atlantic and Donegal Bay make this a truly enjoyable course and one which Darren Clarke rates very highly. The memorable 5th hole, aptly named ‘The Valley of Tears’, has brought many a great round to a halt. www.donegalgolfclub.ie

What river runs through Wicklow?

This picturesque Wicklow course has been described as ‘Ireland’s Augusta’. It makes wonderful use of the Avoca and Aughrim rivers that run throughout, which makes it very worthy of a place on this list. www.woodenbridge.ie

How many golf courses are there in Ireland?

According to the R&A's Golf Around the World 2019 report, there are 494 golf courses across the entire island ...

When did golf start in Ireland?

During the nineteenth century the Republic of Ireland, or Éire, was part of the United Kingdom and records state that British troops brought golf to the Emerald Isle in the 1850s.

What is Ballyliffin Golf Club?

Ballyliffin Golf Club is often described as “the Ballybunion of the North” or “the Dornoch of Ireland” and the reason is simple; all the aforementioned are set amidst towering natural sand dunes.

How many courses are there in Northern Ireland?

We believe there are approximately 100 courses in Northern Ireland, therefore the Republic of Ireland may lay claim to around 400 courses (give or take) which are scatted far and wide across the Emerald Isle.

When was Curragh Golf Club founded?

The Curragh Golf Club (now Royal Curragh Golf Club after the club finally decided in 2013 to use the royal title that was granted in 1910) was founded in 1858, twenty-three years before the formation of Royal Belfast (1881) and twenty-seven years before the formation of Royal Dublin (1885).

Where is the European Club?

The European Club is located in the garden of Ireland, between the coastal towns of Wicklow and Arklow, about 30 miles south of Dublin. Read More >>.

Who built the Trump International Golf Links?

Trump International Golf Links - Ireland. Doonbeg is the course that Greg Norman built, but it was redesigned by Martin Hawtree over a two-year period after the property was acquired in 2014 by Donald Trump and renamed Trump International Golf Links.

Where is the best golf course in Ireland?

It was purchased in 1989, before John and Patrick O’Connor spent nearly ten years creating the breathtaking course. It finally opened in 1997. The track reaches out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, the Old Head of Kinsale has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth.

Where is the island golf course?

It is a classic links course set in a rugged terrain & nestled between the highest sand dunes along the east coast of the country. Only 15 minutes from Dublin Airport and 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, The Island is one of the Ireland’s oldest courses and enjoys an excellent international reputation. The club currently hosts Regional Qualifying games for The Open Championship and has co-hosted strokeplay qualifying for the British Amateur Championship in 2019. Consistently ranked among the top courses in Ireland, it is required playing for those wishing to gain a true links experience.

What is Concra Wood Golf?

Concra Wood Golf & Country Club. The club is the latest stage in the evolution of Castleblayney Golf Club. Initially founded as a 9 hole course in 1905, Concra Wood Golf & Country Club was located opposite the entrance to Concra Wood.

What is the course at County Sligo?

The 18 hole traditional links layout – designed by Harry Colt – measures 6,136 metres with the 9-hole course at 2,785 metres. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean with Benbulben and Knocknarea as the backdrop, the course utilizes the natural contours of the dune-covered landscape. There are especially scenic views of five Irish counties from the third tee. The course provides a challenge to the best of golfers while fun for all. County Sligo is open to visitors all year round and comes equipped with its own floodlit driving range.

How many holes are there in Ballybunion Golf Club?

Ballybunion Golf Club. Republic of Ireland, County Kerry — from €180.00 2 golf courses — 36 holes. On the north west coast of County Kerry lies one of the most well known golf courses in Ireland, Ballybunion Golf Club . It sits perched on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Where is Jack Nicklaus' signature golf course?

Home to the spectacular and challenging championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. A golfers dream. Voted Best Parkland Course in the greater Dublin area , Killeen Castle Golf Club is located only 30 mins from both Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport. The course measures over 7,700 yards from the back tees and the substantial investment in the drainage system has provided a course that is playable 365 days of the year. Killeen Castle hosted the prestigious Solheim Cup in 2011, attracting some of the greatest female golfers in the world. This course is not to be missed.

When was the Island Golf Club established?

The Island Golf Club. Established in 1890, The Island Golf Club enjoys a unique setting bordered by the Irish Sea on 3 sides. It is a classic links course set in a rugged terrain & nestled between the highest sand dunes along the east coast of the country.

What is the youngest golf course in Ireland?

European Club. One of the youngest links courses in Ireland, the 20-hole beauty is owner and designer Pat Ruddy's vision come to life. The European Club is full of quirks, such as the 125 yard long green on the 12th, that make playing a round upon its marvellous dunes a truly unique experience.

Where is the golf course in Murlough?

The golf course is nestled in the Murlough Nature Reserve, flanked by the breathtaking Mountains of Mourne and running along Dundrum Bay, is considered by many to be the most strikingly beautiful golf course in the world.

How old is the Island Golf Club?

The Island Golf Club. Potentially Irish Golf’s best-kept secret, The Island Golf Club is well over 100 years old and until 1973 could only be accessed by boat. Becoming increasingly more popular as word spreads, this course is one of the most spectacular in all of Ireland, the isolation only adding to the serene beauty.

Where is Waterville Golf Links?

Waterville Golf Links is one of the more remote golf courses on our list, located down in the South West of Ireland, in the face of the Atlantic ocean, golfers from around the world make the pilgrimage to play on its spectacular links. Although the front 9 rolls across somewhat flat land, the undulating back 9 follows the natural layout of the dunes. The ground is firm and fast, the ability to roll the ball up onto the greens will serve you well at Waterville.

Where is Tralee Golf Club?

Tralee Golf Club. Situated in a breathtaking location on the shores of County Kerry, Tralee is arguably a little overlooked at times thanks to its relatively close proximity to some of Ireland's most famous courses such as Ballybunion and Lahinch; a crying shame considering it easily holds its own with the best layouts in Ireland.

When did Glashedy Links open?

Another young golf course to make our list, the Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin only opened for play in 1995. The northernmost club in all of Ireland, what it lacks in history it makes up for in character and artful design.

Which golf club is the only one outside of mainland Britain to host the Open Championship?

Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links) Royal Portrush remains the only golf club outside of mainland Britain to ever host The Open Championship, an honour that will be bestowed upon it once again as the world’s elite golfers do battle on the rough links terrain in The Open 2019.

Who won the 2021 South of Ireland Amateur?

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB. Ford wins 2021 South of Ireland. Co. Sligo’s TJ Ford is the 119th South of Ireland Amateur Open Champion, sponsored by Pierse Motors. The first golfer from the Rosses Point club to win the historic title, Ford defeated Dun Laoghaire’s Alan….

How is the personality of a golf course determined?

The personality of a golf course is determined greatly by the routing and should reflect and expose the best of the site features without theatrics. Golf holes should have variety, but also should feel like they belong within the family of 18.

Does it matter how much you spend on a golf course?

It doesn’t matter how much you spend on a golf course or what designer you employ. If the site isn’t spectacular, the chances are the golf course won’t be either. Great golf courses are the result of great sites. The aim is continuity of an experience.

Who won the 2021 Amundi Evian?

Here's the prize money payout for each golfer at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship. Minjee Lee of Australia continued a trend in women’s golf that dates back to summer 2019. With her victory Sunday at the Amundi Evian Championship, Lee became the ninth straight women’s major winner who…. PAYDAY AT SUNNINGDALE.

Is there a rub in golf course design?

Simply put, yes. However, as in the game of golf, there lies the rub of golf course design. Assembling these principles to create an original, quality playing field, while dealing with unforeseen conditions and ambiguous details that the books rarely mention, is the challenge. Countless choices must be made.

What is the best golf course in Ireland?

The Old Head Golf Links Cork has got to be the ultimate scenic golf course in Ireland. Recognised as a world-class course, the course draws big names in the sport and is certainly bucket-list material for golfing enthusiasts.

Where is Royal Dublin Golf Club?

Located in the lush surroundings of Bull Island in Dublin is the Royal Dublin Golf Club. This 18-hole private members’ club sits in one of the most stunning settings and offers panoramic views of Dublin Bay, the surrounding leafy suburbs and the sparkling Irish Sea. Address : Clontarf East, Dublin. 2.

Where is Lahinch Golf Club?

Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare is a haven for nature enthusiasts who love to enjoy awe-inspiring scenery while taking a swing. The 18-hole course is considered one of the finest in Ireland, too. It is home to the Irish Dubai open in 2019 and has been ranked time and again as being a champion course.

Is Ireland a good place to play golf?

The island of Ireland’s small size and dramatic scenery make it a great place for golf trips. Being super accessible and offering some of the most stunning course-side backdrops you could imagine, golfers are in their element when playing in Ireland. For those of you who revel in the majesty of a dramatic backdrop while taking a swing, ...