Ireland is a fantastic choice for a golfing vacation spot with many courses. Stunning scenery, rich tradition, and difficult play come together on Ireland’s golf courses. But it is not easy to discover a golf course in Ireland that suits your abilities, as there are over 400. Fortunately, Ireland Golf Packages provides a different challenge, from coastal cliffs to historic dunes.
Here are the popular golf courses in Ireland you can visit as you choose the ideal golf package for your needs.
1. Ballybunion
The Old Course at Ballybunion is a breathtakingly beautiful, naturally untamed place where the towering dunes and Atlantic breeze influence your game. Every bend on this course throws you for a loop, but the ocean breeze on the eleventh hole is particularly memorable. Embracing Ireland’s wild, unbridled spirit is more than just playing golf here.
2. County Louth
One of Ireland’s top golf courses is County Louth, sometimes called Baltray. Located on the coast of the Irish Sea, this classic links course provides a true test of golfing skill. A smart game is required on this course due to its natural dunes, undulating fairways, and strategically placed bunkers.
Even the most seasoned players will find the fourteenth hole a true test of their skills and strategy. When it comes to authentic Irish links golf, there is no better course than County Louth.
3. Enniscrone
Compared to Ballybunion, the dunes of Enniscrone are larger. Plus, you’ll get a truer taste of Irish culture without wading through a sea of American dialects at the clubhouse. The Enniscrone is known for its unusual blind shots, such as the traffic light-regulated tee shot on hole 13. It would be best if you patiently awaited the turn of the green light before hitting.
Above all, playing this course and relaxing at the five-star hotel and spa is the pinnacle of indulgence.
4. Lahinch
Everything great about links golf is encapsulated by Lahinch. The area hosts the inaugural Irish Open in June. It is challenging enough for the world’s top players, but what matters is that it’s entertaining and enjoyable for everyone.
Two unforgettable experiences are the blind shots on the par-5 fourth hole, which must be over Klondyke Hill, and the tee shot on the beloved Dell hole, the par-3 fifth. Additionally, Lahinch is famous for its sea views, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the course’s goats, and the castle remains that serve as tee shots.
5. Old Head Golf Links
Old Head Golf Links, situated on a breathtaking headland in County Cork, is a sight to behold. Some of the most breathtaking views in golf can be found on this course, which is perched on a cliff above the Atlantic. Every round is a once-in-a-lifetime event because of each hole’s spectacular ocean views, cliffs, and lighthouses.
Not only is Old Head a golf course, but it also honors the breathtaking coastal landscape of Ireland.
6. Portmarnock
Portmarnock has a lot of history, including hosting 19 Irish Opens. It’s undeniably a challenging golf course because of the dunes, blind shots, beautiful ocean views, and manageable par 4s. But in terms of practicality, it is unrivaled.
Assuming all goes smoothly with baggage claim, rental car pickup, and customs, golfers may reach the first tee from Dublin Airport in under an hour.
7. Royal County Down
Royal County Down is a fantastic golf course, but it isn’t for everyone. There are five blind drives in the first eleven holes, which feels excessively penalizing even if you enjoy blind shots. The severe club length and roughness along the fairways make it no surprise that most players leave the course after one round confused and irritated, wondering what the deal is.
That said, you’ll probably feel the same way until you come back for another unforgettable 36-hole round.
8. Royal Portrush
There is some competition between Royal County Down and Royal Portrush over the question, “Which is better?” Although the dunes and terrain of Royal County Down are indeed breathtaking, the Dunluce course offers a more enjoyable and memorable experience. Also, unlike Dunluce’s fifth hole, Royal County Down never makes such a dramatic descent to the beach.
If you attend The Open in the summer, you can play some new holes, but you might not see the historic ‘Nellie’ bunker on the previous 17th. The seventh-airing “Nellie” replacement, however, is completely different. Due to the course’s routing change, the tough uphill par three “Calamity” is now the 16th hole, a better site for the round’s last hole.
9. Sandy Hills at Rosapenna
While the back nine of Old Tom Morris may be the finest nine holes at Rosapenna, Sandy Hills is the best links course at this northwest Irish golf colony. The resort collaborated with Ruddy, known as Ireland’s Pete Dye, to mitigate the impact of certain aspects.
Surely, you will appreciate the towering dunes that largely surround Sandy Hills. There is no better time than when you climb to the top of the sixth fairway to see the green and Sheephaven Bay in all its glory.
10. Tralee
Tralee’s castle tower, shipwreck-prone coastline, and Ireland’s best back nine will make you fall in love. The connection between Lahinch (to the north) and Ballybunion (to the south) might sometimes become disjointed. It’s on par with both of them.
You may say that this is Arnold Palmer’s finest work. One of the best golf statues, the Palmer statue, is located close to the first tee and is ideal for selfies.
11. Waterville
As a regular participant in Carr Golf’s World Invitational Father & Son tournament, Golf Advisor Matt Ginella has a soft spot for Waterville. By updating and making the most of the links’ picturesque setting on Ballinskelligs Bay, Tom Fazio breathed new life into the course in 2002.
Also, the par-3 12th hole at Waterville, known as the “Mass Hole,” was once a secret location for Catholic services among the dunes.
Enjoy a Golf Vacation in Ireland
These Irish golf courses showcase the country’s passion for the game. Rather than merely venues for play, these locations bring together the sport’s rich history, the scenic beauty of the surrounding area, and the pure delight of playing the game. Gather your clubs and go on a once-in-a-lifetime golfing excursion to Ireland.
