

Golf
Ever wondered why the island of Ireland is referred to as the ‘green of dreams’? Here are just some of the reasons why…




For a tiny island on the edge of Europe, Ireland sure knows a thing or two about golf. Everyone from champions Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, to actors Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Bill Murray all love playing golf on the island of Ireland, and it’s hard not to see why. With world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet, Ireland’s credentials are sky-high when it comes to golf.
Ireland is home to over 400 golf clubs, including a third of the world’s natural links courses, and a selection of exceptional championship courses in amazing locations, so it’s no wonder that every year over 240,000 golfers from all over the world come to the island of Ireland’s greens to experience the impressive but unforgiving fairways.
So it should come as no surprise that in the last 20 years of or so, Ireland has been named International Golf Destination of the Year on more than one occasion by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Or that it continues to cement its reputation as an iconic golfing destination by hosting prestigious events including The 153rd Open in Royal Portrush (2025) and the Ryder Cup in Adare Manor (2027).
After all, some of the world’s best golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and Leona Maguire, hail from the island of Ireland.
My favorite place to play golf is in Ireland. It's the most beautiful country to play golf in, and when you come as a guest, you're treated like a king.
Bill Murray, Actor


The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush
Royal Portrush in County Antrim plays host to one of golf’s top tournaments. Again!
It’s always best to call ahead and book your tee times in advance. For green fees, most clubs offer special rates for visitors and groups, so be sure to ask about any special offers from the club or your tour operator. They may also know about packages that allow you to play two or three courses over your trip, so that you get to test your skills against our greens.
And, if you’re going to be playing on some of Ireland’s championship courses, it’s best to get a caddy. They know the fairways best, save you plenty of shots, and will probably be the best four hours’ conversation you’ll ever have on a golf course!
Traditional dress codes are still common in Ireland’s clubs. Jeans, shorts and trainers are frowned upon while some clubs might insist on a jacket and tie for the dining room. The safest bet is smart casual, with waterproof gear and sunscreen at hand just in case. Many clubs will only allow soft spikes, so do check in advance.
But the best thing of all is that you don’t need to be a member to play our courses, either. All you had to do is find the courses, book your tee times and turn up – or choose an operator to arrange it all for you. As with all golf clubs, green fees do vary. But will you make as good friends anywhere else in the world? We think not.
The big hitters
Golf on the island of Ireland
L-R: Old Head of Kinsale Golf Course, County Cork; Royal County Down Golf Course, County Down; Seapoint Golf Course, County Louth; Royal Portrush Golf Course, County Antrim


Ireland – a links paradise
With an astonishing one quarter of all the world’s links courses, Ireland is an island paradise for golfers
Most of Ireland’s courses, especially links, are open all year round. However, courses are in best condition and the weather is most suitable for golfing from April to October. In summer, daylight hours can stretch up to 10pm so two rounds and a lazy lunch can easily fit into a day.
But that’s not all, the truly great thing about golfing in Ireland is that there’s far more to a golf trip than just the challenge of the fairway! In Ireland, we blend exceptional golfing with wonderful off-the-course-experiences. So next time you’re planning to tee off somewhere special, we think the island of Ireland should be at the top of your list…




Seapoint Golf Club
Seapoint Golf Club, ranked number 27 in Ireland by Golf Digest, is a traditional links course. Located in Termonfeckin, County Louth, and roughly 30 minutes north of Dublin Airport.
Louth
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The Royal Dublin Golf Club
The Royal Dublin Golf Club, Bull Island, County Dublin, is steeped in the history and tradition of Irish golf. It is widely accepted as one of the greatest links courses in the world. The Club was founded in 1885 in The Phoenix Park, Dublin. It moved to Bull Island, north of Dublin city in 1889 and received its royal designation in 1891.
Dublin
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The Island Golf Club
The Island Golf Club in Donabate, County Dublin, is one of Ireland's premier links courses, founded in 1890. This is a must-play classic links course set in rugged terrain and located between the highest sand dunes of any links course in Ireland.
Dublin
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The Palmer South Course
The Palmer Course at the K Club is located in County Kildare, and is designed primarily as an inland links course, combining a variety of interesting landscapes with dune-style mounding and dramatic rock features throughout. This is an authentic championship golf course with a multitude of cleverly elevated vantage points for spectators to view golf pros at play.
Kildare
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St Anne's Golf Club
St Anne’s Golf Club was founded in 1921 and is an impressive and testing 18-hole links golf course par 71, which is situated on the UNESCO Wildlife Sanctuary of Bull Island in Dublin Bay.
Dublin
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Portstewart Golf Club
Situated on Northern Ireland’s magnificent Causeway Coast, Portstewart Golf Club presents a difficult but fair game. The Strand Course is indisputably the jewel in Portstewart’s crown for both quality of game and scenery.
Portstewart
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Castlerock Golf Club
Castlerock Golf Club is situated in the seaside resort of Castlerock, which lies approximately 5 miles west of the town of Coleraine on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. Castlerock is a fabulous links course set among rolling sand dunes.
Castlerock
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Royal Portrush Golf Club
Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses - the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller, but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Proud Hosts of The 148th Open in 2019.
Portrush
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Royal Belfast Golf Club
Founded in 1881, Royal Belfast Golf Club lays claim to the title of the oldest golf course in Ireland. Visitors are assured of a very warm welcome and a wonderful golfing experience.
Holywood
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Ardglass Golf Club
Ardglass Golf Course is an 18 hole links course on the North-Eastern coast of Ireland with many stu...
Ardglass
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Royal County Down Golf Club
Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne.
Newcastle
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Galway Bay Golf Resort
The natural water hazard is the Atlantic Ocean, such is the dramatic backdrop to this Par 72 PGA Championship 18 hole golf course that is Galway Bay Golf Resort.
Galway
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Galway Golf Club
Home to Golf In Galway since 1895 and located in the famous seaside resort of Salthill, Galway Golf Club offers the discerning visitor a Championship Standard 18 hole Parkland Course with spectacular views over Galway Bay, the Burren and Aran Islands.
Galway
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Westport Golf Club
Westport Golf Club in County Mayo, is located under the shadow of Croagh Patrick. The course boasts impressive views of the surrounding area from its elevated position above the shore of Clew Bay.
Mayo
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Bantry Bay Golf Club
Bantry Bay Golf Club's 18-hole cliff top and championship parkland course towers above the head of Bantry Bay. Located in the west of County Cork, with panoramic views over the rugged West Cork coastline.
Cork
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Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is located a short drive from the town of Killarney in County Kerry. It comprises of two 18-hole championship courses as well as a 9-hole golf course.
Kerry
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Dooks Golf Links
Golf has been played in Dooks since 1889, making it one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. It was introduced to the local aristocracy by officers from the Royal Horse Artillery attending compulsory training at the nearby Glenbeigh Artillery Range.
Kerry
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Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion Golf Club, on the north west coast of County Kerry, is positioned upon a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Two wonderfully challenging and unique links golf courses can be played at Ballybunion, the Old Course and the Castle.
Kerry
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Waterville Golf Links
Waterville Golf Links consists of classic links land surrounded by the sea, forever challenged and shaped by the elements. More than 100 years old, Waterville Golf Links, in County Kerry, is rated among the top five courses in Ireland and the top 20 links courses in the world.
Kerry
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Carne Golf Links
Carne Golf Links located in Belmullet, County Mayo is considered to be one of the world’s top golf courses. It was largely designed by Eddie Hackett and is a natural 27-hole links course surrounded by dramatic towering sand dunes with spectacular views.
Mayo
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Strandhill Golf Club
Strandhill Golf Club is 8km west of Sligo Town, nestled under the famous Knocknarea mountain. This 6187yds course with undulating fairways and unforgiving short cuts make it a course to remember.
Sligo
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Bundoran Golf Club
The course at Bundoran Golf Club, in County Donegal, is for the most part undulating, and in a picturesque setting with commanding views of Donegal Bay.
Donegal
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Narin & Portnoo Links
Narin & Portnoo Links is situated in the beautiful seaside village of Narin, in southwest County Donegal, 9.5km from Glenties. It is a scenic 18-hole links course, with sweeping views of Gweebarra Bay.
Donegal
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Cruit Island Golf Club
Cruit Island Golf Club in County Donegal, is a beautiful and natural links course crowned by the intimidating par three sixth hole. Considerable skill is needed to negotiate a yawning cove to find a small target. The scenery is breathtaking as the course hugs the rugged coastline.
Donegal
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Rosapenna Golf Resort
Rosapenna Golf Resort, near Downings, has two stunning championship links courses located in scenic County Donegal.
Donegal
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Portsalon Golf Club
A golfing oasis in a land of mystical beauty, Portsalon Golf Club is one of those little known gems found in north Donegal. Blessed by nature, the golden beaches of Ballymastocker Bay lie at one end of this beautifully situated links course.
Donegal
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Ballyliffin Golf Club
Ballyliffin Golf Club is located at Ballyliffin, Inishowen, County Donegal. It is regarded as one of the finest links complex in Ireland boasting two championship links courses – The Old Links and Glashedy Links.
Donegal
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Arklow Golf Club
This traditional links was formed by Hawtree and Taylor in 1927.
Wicklow
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Cobh Golf Club
Cobh Golf Club offers a wonderful golfing experience amidst the picturesque landscape of inner Cork Harbour. The golf course is magically nestled on 116 acres of maintained parkland and the course boasts panoramic vistas that are sure to delight golfers of all skill levels.
Cork
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Portumna Golf Club
Portumna Golf Club, Portumna, County Galway, is a beautiful parkland course that sweeps its way through forest and woodlands close to Lough Derg, the last and largest lake on the River Shannon.
Galway
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Esker Hills Golf Club
Esker Hills Golf Club is located in the heart of County Offaly, approximately 6km northwest of Tullamore Town. The 18-hole course is noted for its distinct links feel, superb sand based greens and all year playability.
Offaly
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