The best golf courses in Ireland

Royal County Down Golf Club, designed by Old Tom Morris, Harry Colt, and others, is a world-renowned links set against the Mountains of Mourne and Dundrum Bay. Opened in 1889, the classic course features dramatic dunes, firm fescue fairways, and superb natural beauty. Consistently ranked among the world's best, it regularly hosts elite amateur and professional events.

Ballybunion Golf Club's Old Course sits on Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast in County Kerry and is one of the world’s most revered links layouts. Opened in 1893 and later extended to 18 holes, this renowned course features wild dunes, cliff-lined holes, and was shaped by architect Lionel Hewson with refinements by later designers.

Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links is a storied links course set amid towering dunes with breathtaking Atlantic views, overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle. Designed by Harry Colt and modernized by Martin Ebert for the 2019 Open, it’s known for its natural beauty and challenging holes, including “Calamity Corner.” As the only Open Championship venue outside mainland Britain, Dunluce offers a world-class, wind-swept test where history, heritage, and pure links golf converge.

Lahinch Golf Club’s celebrated Old Course is a true links masterpiece situated on Ireland’s west coast, acclaimed for its undulating dunes and raw Atlantic setting. Established in 1892, it benefits from architectural work by Old Tom Morris, Alister MacKenzie, and Martin Hawtree, making it a storied destination for traditional links golf at its finest.

St Patrick's Links at Rosapenna, designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2021, dramatically traverses massive coastal dunes along Sheephaven Bay. The layout features naturalized bunkers, expansive fairways, and spectacular views, establishing itself as a world-class links experience on Ireland's rugged northwest coast. The course is acclaimed for its architectural variety and integration with the natural landscape.

Portmarnock Golf Club is a world-renowned links course designed in 1894 by W.C. Pickeman and George Ross. Sitting on a coastal peninsula, the club has hosted the Irish Open, Walker Cup, and numerous major championships. Its classic links layout, windswept dunes, and storied legacy make it a must-play for golf purists.

Designed by Ron Kirby in collaboration with Eddie Hackett, Paddy Merrigan, and Liam Higgins, Old Head Golf Links is a visually dramatic links course on a coastal promontory near Kinsale, Ireland. Built in 1997, the course features cliff-top holes, ocean views on every hole, and the ever-present challenge of wind. Its manicured fairways and quick greens create a stern test for golfers of all levels.

Adare Manor Golf Club delivers a world-class parkland layout redesigned by Tom Fazio in 2018, set amongst 800 acres of gardens and mature woodland on the River Maigue. The course blends natural surroundings, modern construction, and elite conditioning. It is a premier destination in Irish golf, recognized for hosting international tournaments and offering strategic, challenging play for all golfers.

Tralee Golf Club is a world-renowned links course ensconced along the dramatic Atlantic coast of County Kerry. Designed by legendary Arnold Palmer and opened in 1984, it features towering dunes, undulating fairways, cliff-top holes, and a memorable back nine. The stretch embodies Palmer’s vision and Ireland’s wild landscape, making it a must-play links for global golf travelers.

Waterville Golf Links is a world-class links course on the southwest coast of Ireland, designed primarily by John Mulcahy and Eddie Hackett. Renowned for its dramatic dunes, scenic beauty between Ballinskelligs Bay and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and challenging wind conditions, it attracts global golfers for its strategy, natural setting, and historical significance.

Carne Golf Links (Wild Atlantic Dunes) is a dramatic, remote links course carved through some of the highest dunes found in golf, overlooking the Atlantic on Ireland’s west coast. Designed by Eddie Hackett, it showcases natural features and stunning coastal views in its challenging layout, providing a memorable test for any golfer.

County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, is a world-renowned links course, redesigned in 1938 by Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay. Laid out over 190 acres along Ireland's east coast, the course runs mostly in different directions, offering a true links test. Host to the Irish Open (2004, 2009), it provides firm, quick surfaces and memorable green complexes.

The European Club is an acclaimed links course designed by Pat Ruddy and crafted among the dunes of Brittas Bay. Known for strategic design, panoramic Irish Sea views, and deep bunkers, it offers an exceptional yet challenging golf experience, regularly rated among Ireland's top courses and attracting elite international players.

Founded in 1890 and set among towering dunes near the Irish Sea, The Island Golf Club is a classic links designed by Fred Hawtree and Eddie Hackett, with later input by Martin Hawtree. It boasts challenging sea breezes, natural terrain, and exceptional greens—earning high praise for authenticity and strategic play.

Trump International Golf Club Ireland, designed by Greg Norman and renovated by Dr. Martin Hawtree, is a classic links course set among coastal dunes beside Doughmore Bay. Opened in 2002, it features panoramic Atlantic views from 16 holes and offers challenging play through natural terrain. The setting and character make it a must-play in Ireland.

Bangor Golf Club is a classic 18-hole parkland layout in County Down, designed by James Braid in 1903. Renowned locally for some of the best greens in the region, the course provides a fair challenge with gently undulating fairways, mature trees, and views of Ballyholme Bay. Its welcoming clubhouse offers full amenities.