Why You Should Book a Golf Break in Ireland: Top Golf Courses & Packages
✅ Full of natural links courses
✅ Spectacular views & dramatic rugged coastlines
✅ Irish charm, pubs, cuisine & culture
✅ Fantastic resorts & the Wild Atlantic Way
A golf break in Ireland promises an experience you’ll never forget. The country is renowned for its world-class golf courses, offering some of the most pristine and authentic golfing challenges, while also boasting top-notch resorts and hotels set against breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re booking golf breaks in Ireland or planning Ireland golf trips, you’ll discover some of the best golf courses in Ireland, each offering unique and exciting challenges.
Our Ireland Golf Courses Destinations
Munster – Legendary Courses by the Coast
Castlemartyr Golf Club, Co. Cork
Set within the stunning grounds of Castlemartyr Resort, this Ron Kirby-designed inland links-style course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. With beautifully contoured fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens, it provides a true test of skill. The breathtaking scenery and five-star facilities make it an ideal spot for a luxurious golfing getaway.
Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg, Co. Clare
A world-renowned Greg Norman design, Doonbeg boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and a classic links layout that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. Its undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers, and coastal winds create an exciting challenge for golfers. The high-end clubhouse and on-site accommodation add to its reputation as a premier golfing destination.
Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club, Co. Clare
Set on the grounds of the historic Dromoland Castle, this championship course is as visually stunning as it is enjoyable to play. Designed by Ron Kirby and JB Carr, the course weaves through lush parkland, offering tree-lined fairways, serene lakes, and a beautifully maintained layout. The luxurious castle setting makes it a must-visit for golfers seeking both challenge and elegance.
Fota Island Golf Club, Co. Cork
Home to three championship courses, Fota Island is a paradise for golfers. The parkland courses feature mature woodlands, strategically placed water hazards, and fast, undulating greens that test even the most experienced players. Having hosted the Irish Open, Fota Island offers a professional-standard experience in a picturesque setting.
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Co. Kerry
Nestled on the shores of Lough Leane, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is one of Ireland’s most scenic golfing destinations. The Killeen Course, a former host of the Irish Open, boasts stunning lake views, tree-lined fairways, and championship-level challenges. Whether playing the Mahony’s Point or Lackabane Course, golfers are treated to breathtaking scenery and top-tier course conditions.
Lahinch Golf Club, Co. Clare
Regarded as one of Ireland’s finest links courses, Lahinch offers a true test of golf with its Old Course, designed by Old Tom Morris and later refined by Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The rugged dunes, unpredictable coastal winds, and rolling fairways make every round an exciting challenge. With its rich history and incredible seaside views, Lahinch is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
Leinster – Championship Venues and Hidden Gems
Carton House Golf Club, Co. Kildare
Home to two championship courses, Carton House offers a world-class golfing experience just outside Dublin. The Montgomerie Course provides a challenging inland links-style layout, while the O’Meara Course is a stunning parkland design with scenic views of the River Rye. Having hosted multiple Irish Opens, Carton House is a must-visit for those seeking top-tier golf with luxury resort facilities.
Corballis Golf Links, Co. Dublin
One of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, Corballis Golf Links offers an authentic links experience at an affordable price. Located along the coastline in North County Dublin, the course features undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers, and stunning sea views. Its natural dunes and unpredictable coastal winds make for a challenging yet enjoyable round, ideal for golfers looking to test their links skills.
Killeen Golf Club, Co. Kildare
Renowned for its immaculate greens and strategic layout, Killeen Golf Club is a fantastic parkland course that challenges golfers of all levels. With water hazards, tree-lined fairways, and well-placed bunkers, it demands precision and strategy. Located just outside Dublin, it’s a great spot for a relaxed yet competitive round of golf.
Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club, Co. Dublin
Set on the grounds of the luxurious Luttrellstown Castle Estate, this championship course combines elegance with a true golfing challenge. Designed to championship standards, the course features pristine fairways, large undulating greens, and stunning castle backdrops. With first-class facilities and a peaceful setting, it’s a perfect choice for a premium golfing experience.
Portmarnock Golf Club, Co. Dublin
A true links masterpiece, Portmarnock is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in Ireland. Its rolling dunes, challenging bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds make for an exhilarating round. Having hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Walker Cup and Irish Open, Portmarnock is a bucket-list course for any serious golfer.
Royal Dublin Golf Club, Co. Dublin
Steeped in history, Royal Dublin is Ireland’s oldest golf club and offers a traditional links experience on Bull Island. The flat yet demanding layout, combined with deep bunkers and fast greens, tests even the most skilled golfers. With stunning views over Dublin Bay, it’s a historic and scenic course that delivers a memorable challenge.
The Heritage Golf Resort, Co. Laois
Designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, The Heritage is a parkland gem known for its strategic bunkering, water features, and pristine fairways. The course demands accuracy and course management, making it an exciting challenge for all skill levels. With five-star facilities and a stunning setting, it’s a must-play for golfers looking for a championship-caliber experience.
The K Club, Co. Kildare
One of Ireland’s most prestigious golf resorts, The K Club is home to the iconic Palmer North Course, which hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup. This championship parkland course is known for its lush fairways, water hazards, and immaculate greens, providing a test for even the best players. The Palmer South Course adds another top-tier option, making The K Club an elite golfing destination.
Connacht – Golf in Ireland’s Heartland
Castle Dargan Golf Club, Co. Sligo
Designed by Darren Clarke, Castle Dargan is a beautifully sculpted parkland course set amidst rolling Sligo countryside. With natural stone outcrops, mature trees, and panoramic views, the course offers both a strategic challenge and a tranquil escape. The resort’s historic charm and modern amenities make it a standout choice for a luxury golf break in the west.
Galway Bay Golf Resort, Co. Galway
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Galway Bay Golf Resort delivers a scenic and challenging parkland-links hybrid experience. Designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jr., the course features water hazards, coastal breezes, and lush fairways that demand accuracy and finesse. With views of Galway Bay and the Burren beyond, it’s a memorable round from start to finish.
Glenlo Abbey Golf Course, Co. Galway
Nestled on the shores of Lough Corrib, Glenlo Abbey’s nine-hole course is as charming as it is scenic. Ideal for a relaxing round, the course offers a well-maintained layout with picturesque views and a historic backdrop—the elegant Glenlo Abbey Hotel. It’s perfect for casual play or a warm-up round in a luxury setting.
County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point), Co. Sligo
A jewel of Irish links golf, County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is renowned for its rugged coastal beauty and championship pedigree. With stunning views of Benbulben and the Atlantic Ocean, the course features natural dunes, fast greens, and challenging winds that test every aspect of a player’s game. It’s a classic links experience that ranks among Ireland’s best.
Ulster – Majestic Northern Courses
Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Co. Antrim
Set within a magnificent 220-acre estate, Galgorm Castle Golf Club offers a championship parkland experience surrounded by mature trees, rivers, and lush countryside. Regular host of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational, the course is known for its pristine conditioning, strategic layout, and tranquil setting. With on-site luxury accommodations and spa facilities, it’s a top choice for a refined golfing escape in Northern Ireland.
Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh
A true five-star golfing destination, Lough Erne Resort is home to the Faldo Course—an acclaimed parkland design by Sir Nick Faldo that winds through lakes, forests, and rolling terrain. With water in play on several holes and panoramic views across Lough Erne, the course blends beauty with challenge. The resort’s luxury offerings, including fine dining and spa experiences, make it a must-visit for golfers seeking relaxation and world-class play.
Royal Portrush Golf Club, Co. Antrim
One of the world’s most revered links courses, Royal Portrush is a masterpiece of golf architecture and home to The Open Championship in 2019. The Dunluce Links is a dramatic, wind-swept course set amidst towering dunes and rugged coastline, demanding precision and creativity. With a storied history and iconic holes, Royal Portrush is a true bucket-list experience for any golfer.
Rosapenna Golf Resort, Co. Donegal
Offering a trio of world-class links courses—Old Tom Morris Links, Sandy Hills, and the new St. Patrick’s Links by Tom Doak—Rosapenna is a links lover’s paradise. Sweeping views of Sheephaven Bay, towering dunes, and challenging layouts define this remarkable coastal destination. With luxurious accommodations and a deep-rooted golfing heritage, Rosapenna stands as one of Ireland’s premier golf resorts.
Royal County Down Golf Club, Co. Down
Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world, Royal County Down offers an unforgettable links experience set beneath the majestic Mourne Mountains. The Championship Links combines blind tee shots, punishing rough, and spectacular scenery in a layout that challenges even the best. It’s a place where tradition meets timeless beauty—an absolute must-play for serious golf enthusiasts.