– Your Ultimate Guide –
With its breathtaking landscapes and rich golfing heritage, you will find some of the best golf courses in Ireland which is what makes it a bucket list destination for golfers all around the world. Whether you’re an avid golfer or a casual enthusiast, Ireland offers an array of stunning courses that promise an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, we highlight some of these golf courses, with many featuring in the Dunes and Drams “Golfing Gems of Ireland” tour.
These are our top ten picks from an outstanding calibre of golf clubs in Ireland:
Nestled on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Ballybunion Golf Club is celebrated for its dramatic coastal scenery and challenging links. The Old Course, consistently ranked among the top courses globally, offers a true test of skill with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds. The Cashen Course is also located at Ballybunnion Golf Club and for any visitors looking to extend their stay, this is another stunning links course which will offer a stern test to any level of golfer.
Golfers will appreciate the course’s rich history, dating back to 1893, and the warm Irish hospitality that awaits at the clubhouse. It’s a place where tradition and natural beauty converge, providing an unforgettable golfing experience.
Often referred to as the “St. Andrews of Ireland,” Lahinch Golf Club is renowned for its unique layout and stunning ocean views. Located in County Clare, this iconic course was initially designed by Old Tom Morris and later refined by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the architect behind Augusta National Golf Club.
Lahinch is famous for its “Klondyke” and “Dell” holes, which challenge players with blind shots and unpredictable greens. Beyond the game, the course offers a picturesque setting with views of Liscannor Bay and the Cliffs of Moher just around the corner, making it a must-visit for any golfer. The charming town of Lahinch is a great spot to enjoy a few drams after your round of golf by having some great pubs like The 19th Bar and Kenny’s.
Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the “Barrow”, as it is known locally is a masterpiece that showcases Ireland’s rugged coastline and natural beauty. Located in County Kerry, the course offers a tale of two nines: the front nine is relatively gentle, offering sweeping ocean views, while the back nine presents a more challenging layout through dramatic dunes.
Palmer famously commented that ”I may have designed the front 9 at Tralee Golf Club, but surely God designed the back nine.’ This course captivates golfers with its breathtaking landscapes and offers a challenging play that appeals to those looking for both beauty and a robust test of their skills.
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Doonbeg Golf Club offers a quintessential links experience. Located in County Clare, the course was designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings, preserving the native dunes and wildlife.
Golfers will enjoy the undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and stunning sea views, all while playing on a course that blends seamlessly with the landscape. Teamed with the luxurious on-site accommodations and amenities, Doonbeg provides an ideal setting for a premium golfing getaway.
Located on the scenic Ring of Kerry, Waterville Golf Links is one of Ireland’s most revered courses, known for its challenging layout and breathtaking views. The course, which dates back to the late 19th century, has hosted many famous golfers and offers a classic links experience with its rolling fairways and strategic bunkering.
Waterville’s location along the Atlantic coastline provides dramatic scenery, with the mountains and ocean creating a stunning backdrop for play. The course’s rich history and natural beauty make it a must-play for anyone visiting Ireland.
Royal County Down (“RCD”), located in Newcastle, County Down, is consistently ranked as one of the best golf courses in the world. The Championship Links course is set against the majestic backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and is renowned for its challenging blind shots and domed greens.
It is a true test of golfing skill and is set to host the 2024 Irish Open, attracting top players and golf enthusiasts from around the globe. The magnificent Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is located adjacent to RCD and offers an ideal luxurious base for golfers wishing to overnight in the locality.
Situated in the heart of County Limerick, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is part of the stunning Adare Manor luxury resort that combines world-class golf with exceptional lodging and dining experiences. The course, recently redesigned by Tom Fazio, features beautifully manicured fairways and challenging water hazards, making it a favourite among those seeking both a challenge and luxury. The course is the host venue for the 2027 Ryder Cup so be sure to take the opportunity to take to the fairways in Adare before Europe and the US take each other on in what is sure to be a fierce contest.
The manor’s opulent setting and the course’s immaculate design elevates it to a prominent position within both the Irish and world golfing landscape. It has become known by many as “the Augusta National of Europe”.
Just a short drive from Dublin City, Portmarnock Golf Club is one of Ireland’s premier links courses. Established in 1894, it has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Irish Open and the Walker Cup. The course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and stunning views of the Irish Sea.
Portmarnock offers a classic links experience, steeped in history and tradition, making it a must-play for any serious golfer. With its location in close proximity to Dublin Airport, it is the ideal Irish links course to play either at the start or end of your trip if using Dublin as a transport hub.
Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the most prestigious and scenic courses in the world. The Dunluce Links, known for its rugged beauty and challenging layout, has hosted The Open Championship, showcasing its status as a top-tier golfing destination.
The course is renowned for its dramatic views of the North Atlantic and iconic holes, which draw golfers from around the world to this bucket-list destination.
When it comes to the best golf courses in Ireland, Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale stands out as a top-tier destination that should be at the top of every golfer’s list. This course is renowned not only for its challenging layout but also for its breathtaking scenery. The 220-acre headland, with cliffs that plunge 300 feet into the ocean, provides a stunning backdrop for a round of golf that is as awe-inspiring as it is demanding.
Every hole at Old Head offers its own challenge, with several playing directly along the cliff edges of the Atlantic. The (late) Ron Kirby designed course masterfully combines the natural beauty of the landscape with strategic challenges, making it a favorite among golfers who seek both a test of skill and a feast for the eyes. With its world-class facilities, including on-site luxurious accommodation suites, and unparalleled setting, Old Head Golf Links promises an unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulates the allure of golfing in Ireland.
For those seeking an unforgettable golfing experience, the Dunes & Drams “Golfing Gems of Ireland” tour offers a curated journey through some of Ireland’s most iconic and beautiful courses. This tour is more than just about golf; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, history, and landscapes that make Ireland unique.
Each course on the tour has been carefully selected for its exceptional quality, historical significance, and scenic beauty, ensuring that golfers of all levels will find something to enjoy.
The “Golfing Gems of Ireland” tour not only provides access to these world-class courses but also includes luxury accommodations, cultural experiences, and personalised service. From the moment you arrive, you will be treated to the highest standards of Irish hospitality, ensuring a seamless and memorable journey.
We can also curate a bespoke golf tour for you and your group. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on challenging links or simply want to soak in the stunning views, our bespoke golf tours offer the perfect blend of golf, luxury, and adventure. Book your Irish golf adventure with Dunes & Drams today!
Discover the essence of Ireland with one of our Signature Tours. Each carefully curated tour offers a glimpse into our bespoke experiences, combining luxury, tradition, and the unparalleled beauty of Ireland.
This tour, crafted for lasting memories, includes world-class golf, exclusive whiskey experiences, and cultural gems.
Travel Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way where each stop unveils a blend of rugged landscapes and luxurious comfort.
Embark on a world-class golfing journey in Ireland, where the allure of lush courses meets the charm of Irish hospitality.
info@dunesanddrams.com
+353 872236456
Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland
Supported By
