Best Irish Open golf courses: Play Ireland’s finest!

The Irish Open has featured as a key event on the DP World Tour (European Tour) for many years, and has seen exceptional champions like McIlroy, Ballesteros, and Faldo claim victory. These prestigious locations offer an incredible opportunity for golf enthusiasts to trace the steps of world-renowned players during their Irish golf vacations.

Whether you're a fan of rugged links or tranquil parklands, join us as we review the best Irish Open host golf courses, where incredible champions have already left their mark!

Frequently rated as the world's top golf course, Royal County Down in Northern Ireland is a golfer's paradise. Its Championship Course, paired with the Annesley Links, presents stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and the sea, offering a breathtaking Northern Irish golfing experience. The Championship links has played a pivotal role in the Irish Open's history, hosting the event 4 times, as early as 1928 and most recently as 2015 when Søren Kjeldsen took home the trophy.

Royal County Down Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 4 times
• Host year(s): 1928, 1935, 1939, 2015
• Former notable champion(s): Ernest Whitcombe (twice), Arthur Lees, Søren Kjeldsen
• Location: Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Renowned for its remarkable return as a host of the Irish Open in 2012 after decades, and again for The Open Championship in 2019, Royal Portrush is etched in history. The Dunluce Links is a masterpiece of pure golfing terrain, recognised globally for its challenges and beauty. Major refurbishments made by Mackenzie & Ebert before The Open restored this Harry Colt classic into a tour de force. Two new holes, reshaping of several greens, new tees and news bunkers has brought Royal Portrush up to speed with the modern game.

Meanwhile, its sister course, Valley Links, offers a splendid alternative, ensuring Royal Portrush remains a cherished golf vacation destination for both local enthusiasts and international visitors.

Royal Portrush Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 4 times
• Host year(s): 1930, 1937, 1947, 2012
• Former notable champion(s): Charles Whitcombe, Harry Bradshaw, Jamie Donaldson
• Location: Portrush, Northern Ireland

Known for hosting the Irish Open twice, Adare Manor has undergone significant renovations since 2008. Now one of the world's best-maintained golf courses, it has attracted top players, especially during the 2022 JP McManus Pro-Am. Its blend of excellent golf and hotel facilities makes it a standout destination.

Adare Manor Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 2 times
• Host year(s): 2007 - 2008
• Former notable champion(s): Padraig Harrington, Richard Finch
• Location: Adare, Co. Limerick

Rory McIlroy's memorable victory in 2016 at The K Club, marked by his outstanding final shots, is a highlight of Irish Open history. Hosting not only the Irish Open (2016 & 2023) but also the Ryder Cup in 2006, The K Club is at the forefront of golf fans minds when you think of Irish golf.

The resort boasts two magnificent parkland courses designed by Arnold Palmer, complemented by a luxurious five-star hotel, making it an exceptional choice for a golf vacation in Ireland.

The K Club Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 2 times
• Host year(s): 2016, 2023
• Former notable champion(s): Rory McIlroy, Vincent Norman
• Location: Straffan, Co. Kildare

Set on Ireland's rugged west coast, Lahinch Golf Club is an underrated gem, sometimes referred to as the ‘St Andrews of Ireland’ and is highly regarded my those in the know as one of Ireland’s best golf courses. Its classic links layout memorably hosted the Irish Open in 2019 which was won by fan favorite Jon Rahm for the 2nd time.

The course, shaped by golf legends Alister MacKenzie and Old Tom Morris, remains a top global golf destination despite its long history. Whether battling the Atlantic winds or navigating the natural contours, playing Lahinch is a pilgrimage for those who seek the purest form of links golf.

Lahinch Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 1 time
• Host year(s): 2019
• Former notable champion(s): John Rahm
• Location: Lahinch, Co. Clare

A truly historic venue, Portmarnock Golf Club has hosted the Irish Open on 19 occasions, more times than any other course. Its illustrious list of winners includes golf’s biggest names such as Seve Ballestros, Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, and José María Olazábal.

Outside of its famous winners, Portmarnock’s traditional links layout, largely unchanged for over a century, and close proximity to Dublin, make it a must-visit course for golf enthusiasts.

Portmarnock Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 19 times
• Host year(s): 1927, 1929, 1934, 1938, 1946, 1948, 1976-1982, 1986-1990, 2003
• Former notable champion(s): Bernhard Langer, José María Olazábal, Ian Woosnam
• Location: Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

Located just down the road from Portmarnock sits the next most visited Irish Open host in Royal Dublin. Founded in 1885, its Ireland’s third oldest club and includes historic Irish Open winners such as Ballesteros and Langer.

The course is a classic out and back links, while being fairly flat and narrow, with swirling wind often coming into play throughout the round. The unique and beauty of Royal Dublin is in its location on Bull Island – the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city.

Royal Dublin Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 6 times
• Host year(s): 1931, 1936, 1950, 1983-1985
• Former notable champion(s): Seve Ballesteros (x2), Reg Whitcombe
• Location: North Bull Island, Dublin

In the scenic northwest of Ireland, Ballyliffin Golf Club hosted the Irish Open just once in 2018. With two courses, The Old Links and The Glashedy Links, it's a fantastic destination for golfers exploring the picturesque and rugged coastline of County Donegal.

This is an underrated region for links lovers with some great value to be had.

Ballyliffin Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 1 time
• Host year(s): 2018
• Former notable champion(s): Russell Knox
• Location: Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal

Fota Island Resort, nestled in the scenic surroundings of County Cork, boasts three championship golf courses that have hosted prestigious tournaments, including the Irish Open – which was hosted on the iconic Deerpark Course. Colin Montgomerie won here in 2001 when he shot an unbelievable 18 under, which beat the likes of Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke by 5 shots.

The courses are set amidst beautiful woodland and parkland environments, offering golfers a mix of scenic beauty and golfing challenge. The resort's luxurious accommodation and amenities make it a top choice for golfers looking for a high-end experience, with nearby access to the lovable city of Cork.

Fota Island Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 3 times
• Host year(s): 2001-2002, 2014
• Former notable champion(s): Colin Montgomerie, Søren Hansen
• Location: Fota Island, Co. Cork

Located just down the road on Little Island in Cork Harbour is Cork Golf Club, a host of the Irish Open in 1932. Designed by the renowned golf architect Alister MacKenzie, this course presents golfers with a varied layout that includes parkland holes as well as links-style challenges. The club's setting, with panoramic views of the harbour and the River Lee, provides a picturesque backdrop to a course known for its strategic design and immaculately kept fairways and greens.

Cork Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 1 time
• Host year(s): 1932
• Former notable champion(s): Alf Padgham
• Location: Little Island, Co. Cork

Known for hosting the Irish Open in 2017, Portstewart Golf Club was the setting for Jon Rahm’s first Irish Open victory when he shot a record-breaking 24 under.

The venue is famed for its stunning Strand Course, which offers one of the most exhilarating 18 holes in golf. The course is set in Northern Ireland against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, with dunes that provide a dramatic setting for a round of golf. It’s a must-play for those seeking a links experience filled with beauty and challenge.

Portstewart Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 1 time
• Host year(s): 2017
• Former notable champion(s): Jon Rahm
• Location: Portstewart, Northern Ireland

Ballybunion Golf Club, situated on the northwest coast of County Kerry, is revered worldwide for its classic links courses, the Old Course (founded in 1893) and the Cashen Course (Robert Trent Jones Snr design). The Old Course is frequently ranked among the best layouts in the world, known for its natural terrain that demands precision and strategy. Its rugged beauty and challenging holes make it a pilgrimage site for serious golfers.

Despite its critical acclaim, Ballybunion has hosted the Irish Open just once in 2000 when Swede Patrik Sjöland took home his 2nd European Tour win.

Ballybunion Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 1 time
• Host year(s): 2000
• Former notable champion(s): Patrik Sjöland
• Location: Ballybunion, Co. Kerry

County Louth Golf Club, also known as Baltray, is widely regarded as one of Ireland's hidden golfing gems. Situated along the Irish Sea coastline, County Louth offers a quintessential Irish golf experience that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings. It was here in 2009 when a fresh-faced Shane Lowry famously won the Irish Open as an Amateur.

County Louth Irish Open facts

• No. of times hosting: 2 times
• Host year(s): 2004, 2009
• Former notable champion(s): Brett Rumford, Shane Lowery (a)
• Location: Drogheda, Co. Louth