Best Golf Courses in Ireland: A Golfer’s Paradise
By Simeon Johal / 20 July 2024
Ireland is renowned for its lush landscapes and rich history, and golf here is more than just a game; it’s a cherished part of the culture.
With over 350 Best Golf Courses, ranging from historic links along rugged coastlines to modern parkland layouts nestled in serene countryside, Ireland offers a unique golfing experience that combines challenging designs with breathtaking scenery.
These Best Golf Courses, shaped by natural terrain and the unpredictable Atlantic weather, consistently rank among the world’s best, attracting players from all over the globe.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, these Best Golf Courses promise unforgettable rounds of golf.
Dublin
Portmarnock Golf Club
Located just outside Dublin, Portmarnock Golf Club is often considered one of the finest links Best Golf Courses in the world. Established in 1894, it has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments.
The course is renowned for its strategic design, featuring pot bunkers and upturned saucer-like greens that demand precision.
The ever-changing coastal winds add an extra layer of complexity, requiring players to adapt their game continually.
Ben Crenshaw, a former Irish Open winner, once praised the 15th hole as the “sweetest little par five” he’d ever played, highlighting the course’s unique charm.
Playing at Portmarnock feels like stepping back in time, offering a pure golfing experience amidst stunning natural beauty.
Related Article: Revolutionize Your Golf Game with the Latest Irons
County Wicklow
The European Club, Brittas Bay
The European Club is a modern masterpiece created by the visionary designer Pat Ruddy.
This 20-hole links course is known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging layout.
Signature holes include the par-five 3rd and the spectacular 596-yard par-five 13th, which runs alongside the coast.
The greens are deep, offering varied pin positions that test even the most skilled golfers. The weather often plays a crucial role here, with wind conditions altering the course’s difficulty from day to day.
On calm days, the course invites players to excel, while windy conditions test resilience and adaptability.
Related Article: Tips for Improving Your Iron Game
Druids Glen Golf Resort
Dubbed the “Augusta of Ireland,” Druids Glen is celebrated for its meticulously manicured fairways and vibrant floral displays.
Each hole is uniquely crafted, winding through rolling parkland with ancient trees and blooming azaleas.
The course’s highlight is “Ireland’s Amen Corner,” a stretch from the 12th to the 14th holes, known for its beauty and challenge.
Druids Heath, added in 2003, offers a contrasting links-style experience with gorse bushes and strategically placed bunkers.
Together, these Best Golf Courses provide a diverse golfing experience in a stunning setting.
Related Article: The Top Golf Irons of 2024
Powerscourt Golf Club
Set within a historic estate, Powerscourt Golf Club offers two magnificent courses: the East and the West.
The East Course, designed by Peter McEvoy, is known for its rolling fairways and panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains.
The par-three 16th, with the Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop, is particularly memorable.
The West Course, crafted by David McLay Kidd, emphasizes natural beauty and strategic play, with the par-four 7th hole being a standout.
Both Best Golf Courses offer a blend of challenge and scenic splendor, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Related Article: The Game-Changing Golf Irons
County Louth
County Louth Golf Club
Also known as Baltray, County Louth Golf Club is a hidden gem offering a quintessential links experience.
Designed by Tom Simpson in 1938, the course features a unique routing through towering dunes and natural valleys.
Strategic bunkering and natural hazards demand thoughtful navigation, while large greens provide various pin placements.
The course’s location near the sea means wind is a constant factor, requiring creativity and adaptability from players.
Baltray strikes a balance between challenge and playability, offering a rewarding experience for golfers seeking a true links test.
County Meath
Killeen Castle Golf Resort
Killeen Castle, with its 12th-century origins, provides a majestic backdrop for this Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
Known for its risk-reward design, the course challenges players to hit precise drives and navigate tricky second shots.
The final three holes are particularly dramatic, with water hazards demanding both accuracy and nerve.
The stunning castle serves as a picturesque finish, making a round here an unforgettable experience.
As the castle prepares to open as a luxury hotel in 2025, the resort promises to offer even more to visiting golfers.
Related Article: Tips for Improving Your Golf Iron Game
County Kildare
K Club
Famous for hosting the 2006 Ryder Cup, the K Club’s Palmer North Course is a masterpiece by Arnold Palmer.
The Best Golf Courses seamlessly integrates natural landscapes, featuring rolling fairways and strategic water hazards.
The River Liffey meanders through, adding both beauty and challenge. The signature 7th hole, with its island green, is particularly noteworthy.
The Palmer South Course offers rugged terrain and large greens, providing a different but equally rewarding challenge.
The addition of K Golf World, an indoor simulator, allows golfers to play Best Golf Courses from around the globe, enhancing the overall experience.
Carton House
Spread across 1100 acres, Carton House boasts two championship Best Golf Courses: the O’Meara and the Montgomerie.
The O’Meara Course, a classic parkland layout, winds through ancient woods and along the River Rye.
The Montgomerie Course offers a links-like experience with firm fairways and large, undulating greens.
This combination of Best Golf Courses provides a complete golfing experience, appealing to a wide range of players.
The estate’s rich history and picturesque setting add to the allure, making it a must-visit destination.
County Laois
The Heritage Golf Resort
Designed by Jeff Howes with input from Seve Ballesteros, the Heritage is a classic resort course with a unique Irish twist.
It features strategic bunkering and water hazards, with fast greens that reward precise putting.
The course is accessible to players of all levels, with wide fairways and a design that encourages thoughtful play.
The surrounding landscape, with views of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, enhances the experience.
The resort offers luxurious amenities, including a five-star spa, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and challenge.
County Kilkenny
Mount Juliet Golf Club
Mount Juliet, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers a blend of accessibility and challenge.
The course features generous fairways and strategic hazards, set within a beautiful estate. The standout 3rd hole requires a carry-over water, testing nerves and skill.
The course is well-maintained, with fast greens and playable fairways.
Beyond golf, the estate offers luxury accommodations and fine dining, including the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant, making it a premier destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.
County Westmeath
Glasson Golf Club
Glasson Golf Club, designed by Christy O’Connor Jr., is a hidden treasure.
The course offers a mix of challenges that require strategic thinking. The back nine is particularly impressive, with stunning views of Lough Ree.
The signature par-three 17th demands precision to avoid the water hazard.
While the course is not overpowering, it rewards thoughtful play and remains one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets.
The scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among those who discover it.
Conclusion
Ireland’s Best Golf Courses are a testament to the country’s rich history and natural beauty.
From the legendary links of Portmarnock to the hidden gem of Glasson, each course offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Irish golf.
For enthusiasts seeking a blend of challenge, beauty, and heritage, Ireland is truly a golfer’s paradise, offering an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.