Best golf destinations in Ireland

It’s no surprise that golfers from the world-over travel to Ireland for their golf getaways. After all, the country is home to some of the greatest courses on the planet!

And with an off-course experience that’s as unforgettable as these incredible layouts; there’s surely nothing stopping you from considering Ireland for your next golf break. However, if you still need convincing, check out four of our best golf destinations in Ireland below.

• Dublin
• Belfast
• South West Ireland
• North West Ireland

A city overflowing with culture and vibrance, Dublin is one of the best spots imaginable for a post-round debrief. Celebrate (or drown your sorrows!) with a trip to the Guinness factory, or simply hang around Temple Bar soaking in some of the liveliest nightlife in Europe.

However, be sure to bring your A-Game when you head to the courses, with some of Ireland’s most demanding tracks situated nearby. The stunning links layouts at The European and Portmarnock Old Golf Club will rival even the most-lauded of coastal courses, with routings which take full advantage of the rugged terrain. We also love The Island Golf Club; founded in 1890 and bordered on three sides by the open waters… and just 15 minutes from Dublin airport – ideal as your last round of the trip before heading home!

If you’re looking for more of a resort-based break, then the area also has you covered, with the excellent K Club. The home of the 2016 Ryder Cup and a myriad of European Tour events, the property oozes five-star decadence throughout. With two courses on-site, and a whole heap of other off-course activities to keep you busy, we’d even excuse you from not making the drive into Dublin’s city centre during your time away!

The second capital city on the island, and one that boasts an equally enjoyable setting for a golf break. Belfast is perhaps more suited to a golf tour-style break, basing yourself in the city centre and heading out each day to some of the world’s greatest links courses.

Close to the city itself, you can access the likes of Royal Belfast and Holywood. However, within an hour or so, you’ll be able to experience Royal Portrush, Ardglass, Castlerock, and of course, Royal County Down.

Between Royal Portrush’s recent Open pedigree and Royal County Down’s regular topping of the World Top 100 rankings, we’d recommend a central base in the city so that you can take in each of these magical layouts on your trip, particularly if you’ve not been over to Northern Ireland beforehand.

Home to some of the biggest names in the world for visiting golfers, the South West of Ireland has become a pilgrimage for many looking to experience the wonder of the incredible selection of links courses here. Our guests usually look to base themselves in either Killarney or Cork, which both provide easy access to the numerous world-class links layouts.

Whilst perhaps a touch quieter as a town, Killarney is ideally based for those looking to tackle the likes of Ballybunion, Dooks, Tralee, and Waterville – one of the most enviable golf tours imaginable. Further to the South, Cork provides easy access to the stunning Old Head Golf Course (one of the most picturesque routings in the word), as well as the three courses at Fota Island.

If you’re planning something truly special, then why not check out Adare Manor? The future Ryder Cup host is unequivocally one of the best hotel and golf courses that you can visit, with a luxury golf trip here a real once-in-a-lifetime treat. What’s more, it’s not too far to travel to the likes of Trump Doonbeg, and Lahinch – another two of our favourite courses in Ireland.

Whilst some of the other regions mentioned may steal the limelight, the North West of Ireland certainly holds its own when it comes to the quality of its golf. Moreover, the local towns and villages here have some of the best craic in the country, with a hugely welcoming feeling wherever you choose to visit. We particularly recommend a night (or two) out in Donegal and Galway for an authentic taste of Irish nightlife.

When it comes to the golf, you really are spoilt for choice here, with Ballyliffin, Carne, County Sligo, and Enniscrone all within easy reach. Each of these would be worth the visit alone, and so the ability to take in all of these on your trip is something to take advantage of!

If you’re thinking more about a resort-type break, staying on-site and taking advantage of some incredible courses, then you really must consider Rosapenna. The three courses here are simply mesmerising, with the Tom Doak-designed St Patrick Links now rightly seen as one of the best modern links courses in the world.