Ireland is home to some of the world’s most scenic links and parkland courses and you can look forward to some of golf’s most beautiful views as you play. 

Like our people, scenery and music, Irish golf courses are world class. In 2006, Ireland hosted the Ryder Cup and are set to host this prestigious tournament again in 2027.

Welcoming thousands of golfers to our shores every year, Ireland is home to more than 300 golf courses. This included a third of the world’s natural links courses and an abundance of championship courses, many designed by the world’s best known professional golfers. 

The K Club, Co Kildare

The K Club is best known internationally as the host of the 2006 Ryder Cup. Located only 30 minutes from Dublin in an idyllic part of rural County Kildare, the K Club is home to two championship courses designed by world renowned golfer Arnold Palmer. Whether you choose to play Palmer North, Palmer South or both, you are sure to enjoy a 5-star experience. 

Killeen Castle Golf Club, Co Meath

Killeen Castle Golf Club is home to one of only two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Ireland, offering a championship golf experience. It is a magnificent test suitable for golfers of all abilities. Regularly voted Best Parkland Course in the greater Dublin area, it is only 30 mins from Dublin airport. Killeen Castle Golf Club hosted the 2011 Solheim Cup.  A must-play golf course for anyone serious about golf, and those looking for a memorable experience.

Mount Juliet Golf Course, Co Kilkenny

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the golf course at Mount Juliet Estate challenges players with the water and sand so commonly associated with his approach. Consisting of 5 lakes and 80 strategically based bunkers, in short it is easy to see why this course captures the heart of countless golfers from around the world, no matter their ability. Mount Juliet hosted the Irish Open for a number of years in the 1990’s attracting pros and fans from around the world to this most historic part of Ireland. 

Adare Manor Golf Club, Co Limerick

Masterfully designed, magnificently maintained, and perfectly set within the glorious estate of one of Europe’s most spectacular manor house hotels, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is proud to host the 2027 Ryder Cup. The Golf Course at Adare Manor provides an unforgettable experience designed to inspire, challenge, and captivate the most demanding and spirited golf enthusiasts in the world.

Dromoland Castle Golf Club, Co Clare

Every golfer dreams of playing at Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club. Designed by Ron Kirby and JB Carr, the impressive 18-hole 6,824 yards par 72 championship course is set on the magnificent 450-acre estate of Dromoland Castle. Combining gentle hills, ancient trees and unexpected water hazards, the immaculately maintained course presents challenges and thrills for golfers of all abilities. One of the finest parkland courses in Ireland, it’s matched by superb practice facilities and a welcoming club house experience.

Ballybunion Golf Club, Co Kerry

Located on the north-west coast of County Kerry, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will find two wonderfully challenging and unique world-class links golf courses at Ballybunion – the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course. Whatever your choice, every hole, every hazard and every shot is defined by nature’s infinite presence.

Old Head Golf Links, Co Cork

Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury Member’s accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought-after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in personalised service. 

Connemara Championship Golf Links, Co Galway

Connemara Golf Links in Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, is one of the most natural and true links courses in the world. The fairways and greens are beautifully carved through the rocky rugged hills and dunes. Tom Watson, regarded as one of the greatest links players of all time, described it as “spectacular”.

Westport Golf Club, Co Mayo

Westport Golf Club on the shores of Clew Bay and where Croagh Patrick follows every golf shot, is one of the premier parkland golf destinations in the West of Ireland. Containing a family friendly 9 hole Pitch & Putt course, covered 9 bay practice driving facility along with its famous Championship 18 holes, visitors are welcome every day.

Carne Golf Links, Co. Mayo

Carne Golf Links lies on the remote and rugged Mullet Peninsula, along the Wild Atlantic Way, an area renowned for its wild and ancient landscape. Set in magnificent, unspoilt sand dunes stretching 150 metres above sea level, with breath-taking views of the Atlantic across Blacksod Bay.  The course features eighteen challenging holes designed by the late Eddie Hackett. It is true to his philosophy of respecting the natural landscape. Tees and greens occur naturally and very little earth moving was involved in the course construction. 

Concra Wood , Co. Monaghan

Just one hour from Dublin airport near the town of Castleblayney lies the hidden gem that is Concra Wood Golf Course. With simply spectacular views, the 18-hole championship course is set on 240 acres of dramatic wooded landscape that tilts down into the breath taking Lough Muckno. This easy rhythm adds to the beauty of the course and its challenges, suitable for novices and high handicappers alike.

PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell, Co. Cavan

The 300-acre Slieve Russel estate is home to one of only 8 PGA National Designated resorts in the world. The 18 hole championship course and 9 hole ‘PGA National’ academy course wrap attractively around the drumlins and lakes of the surrounding county Cavan landscape. Both courses offer golfers stunning quality in terms of scenery and playing perspective. In particular the tricky greens put the focus on accurate approach play as your make your way through the course.  PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell has hosted some major Golf tournaments including two European Tour events and was also home to the Irish PGA Championship. 

Ballyliffin Golf Club, Co. Donegal

Ballyliffin Golf Club consists of two outstanding, contrasting links courses, making up one of the finest golf resorts in the world. In short, they are the courses former number 1 ranked golfer in the world, Rory McIlroy, said were a must play for anyone planning a golf trip to the North of Ireland. Located on the northern tip of Ireland, at the beginning of the Wild Atlantic way, it provides a challenging introduction to golf in Ireland for anyone planning to follow one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world while touring the best courses it has to offer.

Source: https://www.aerlingus.com/blog/