This month’s blog focuses on what Ireland has to offer to the golfing world! Boasting some of the best links courses that can be found, Ireland is a must visit for any golf fan. While we have included seven of the best golf courses in Ireland on our list, there are dozens of other excellent courses located right throughout Ireland for you to play during your trip.
Here at Irish Tourism we offer a wide variety of golf tours suitable for players for all abilities that are customised to what you want to fit in during your time in Ireland.
Now for the list!
Ballybunion (Old Course)
Considered by many to be one of the finest courses around, every single facet of your game is challenged throughout these 18 demanding holes. Founded in 1893, the course has attracted legendary players throughout the years including Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and former U.S president Bill Clinton. In 2005 Golf Digest ranked Ballybunion as the seventh best course in the world outside the United States further increasing Ballybunion’s fame.
Royal Portrush
This prestigious club, situated on the north coast of County Antrim is home two links courses, Dunluce (championship course) and The Valley Links. The Dunluce course hosted the Irish Open in 2012 and is due to host the Open Championship in 2019. Two famous faces to keep an eye out for are major winners Darren Clarke who resides in Portrush & Graeme McDowell who is a member.
Portmarnock
Located just half an hour’s drive from Dublin City Centre and fifteen minutes from Dublin Airport, it is the perfect place to start/end your trip to Ireland. Surrounded on three sides by water and with no two successive holes playing in the same direction Portmarnock will require you to use all of the tricks that you have in your locker!
Lahinch
Set right on the Atlantic Coastline, this is the perfect place to tee up if you are staying in Doolin or in the Western region. The course is often referred to as the “St Andrews of Ireland” as it was originally designed by Old Tom Morris. In the 1920’s the course was redesigned by Alister MacKenzie who later would co-design Augusta National. The sublime work of these prestigious course designers has defined Lahinch as one of the best golf courses in Ireland.
The European Club
Situated just an hours drive south of Dublin in County Wicklow, the European club is one of the most famed courses on Ireland’s east coast. Perhaps one of the more unconventional links in Ireland, certain features give an added charm to the course such as the two extra par 3’s to having the longest green in the world (127 yards from back to front).
Old Head of Kinsale
Located on the south coast of Ireland in County Cork, the old Head of Kinsale is a spectacular course that is at the mercy of the Atlantic Ocean. Cliffs over 300 metres high run off the edge of fairways providing you with breath taking views however it also means that wayward shots must be kept to a minimum!
Ballyliffin
Last but certainly not least we come to Ballyliffin. Located at the Northern tip of Donegal, the course is due to host the Irish Open in 2018. Ballyliffin has been described as one of the best kept secrets in Irish golf. Recent work completed by Nick Faldo has received much acclaim and has served to further enhance the reputation of the links.
Get in Touch-
If you are interested in playing some of the best golf courses in Ireland contact us today on the below numbers or through our enquiry form. One of our experienced travel advisors will be happy to answer any queries that you may have.
USA & Canada 1877 298 7205
UK FreeFone 0800 096 9438
International +353 69 77686
http://www.irishtourism.com/golf-tours-of-ireland
