Ireland is renowned for its spectacular links golf courses, where the game of golf meets the raw beauty of the Irish coastline. From the bustling capital city of Dublin to the rugged edges of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland offers a diverse array of links courses that attract golf enthusiasts from around the world. These courses are not just about the game but also about the experience of playing amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. In this article, we explore the best links courses across different regions of Ireland, each offering a unique golfing challenge and unforgettable views.
Key Takeaways
- Dublin’s premier links courses, including Portmarnock and The Island, offer challenging golf amidst stunning coastal scenery, minutes from the city.
- The jewels of Southwest Ireland, like Old Head Golf Links, combine world-class golf with dramatic Atlantic vistas for a truly memorable experience.
- Northern Ireland’s signature links, such as Royal County Down, are internationally recognized for their beauty and design, ranking among the world’s best.
- The Wild Atlantic Way’s golfing treasures, including Carne Golf Links, showcase the untamed beauty of Ireland’s western coastline through links golf.
- Northwest Ireland’s hidden gems, like St. Patricks Golf Links, provide a quieter, yet equally impressive links experience amidst rugged landscapes.
Dublin’s Premier Links Courses
Portmarnock Old Golf Club: A Timeless Challenge
Nestled along the coastline, Portmarnock Old Golf Club has been a staple of Irish golf since its inception. With a history steeped in golfing tradition, the club has seen numerous redesigns, the most recent of which was in 2023. This renovation has transformed the course, making it more accessible while retaining the challenge that links golf is known for.
The course, set on the old Jameson Estate, is a testament to the vision of its designers, including the legendary Bernard Langer. It’s a course that demands precision and strategy, with a layout that has hosted both professional and amateur tournaments, such as the Ladies Irish Open in 2008 and 2009.
| Green Fee Weekdays | Green Fee Weekend |
|---|---|
| €275 | €275 |
As a golfer, you’ll find that each hole presents a unique challenge, with bunkers strategically placed to test your skill. The removal of the infamous 17th par three’s bunker is a notable change, indicative of the course’s evolution.
The Links Portmarnock is more than just a golf course; it’s a journey through the history of the game, offering an experience that resonates with the spirit of golf.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, Portmarnock Old Golf Club is a destination that should not be missed. It’s a place where the past and present merge, creating an unforgettable golfing adventure.
The Island Golf Club: Golfing Amidst Natural Beauty
Nestled on the picturesque Donabate peninsula, The Island Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience that combines the challenge of links play with the serenity of its natural surroundings. With a history dating back to 1890, this course is a true classic, where each hole provides a unique test and the beauty of the Irish coastline is your constant companion.
The course’s design is a testament to the traditional links style, with undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers, and fast greens that demand precision and strategic thinking. Golfers will find themselves both challenged and charmed by the course’s natural layout, which has been preserved and respected throughout its long history.
The Island Golf Club is not just a test of golf; it’s a journey through a coastal landscape that leaves a lasting impression on all who play it.
While often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, those in the know recognize The Island Golf Club as a gem that stands on its own merits. Its conditioning has been praised as excellent, and it’s considered by many to be one of the most well-conditioned and underrated links courses in Ireland.
Royal Dublin Golf Club: A Royal Golfing Experience
Steeped in history and tradition, the Royal Dublin Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience that has been cherished for generations. Established on the historic grounds of the old Jameson Estate of St. Marnocks, this prestigious course has been a proud host to numerous professional and amateur events, including the Ladies Irish Open.
The course design, a collaboration with architect Stan Eby, presents a challenge to golfers of all skill levels, ensuring that every round is as rewarding as it is demanding.
With a consistent green fee of
| Day | Green Fee |
|---|---|
| Weekdays |
Highlighted as one of the Top County Dublin Golf Courses on Tripadvisor, the Royal Dublin Golf Club is a must-visit for any avid golfer seeking to test their mettle against the best that Dublin has to offer.
The Jewels of Southwest Ireland’s Links Golf
Old Head Golf Links: Where Golf Meets the Atlantic
Perched on a stunning peninsula, Old Head Golf Links offers an unparalleled golfing experience, where the wild Atlantic Ocean frames each shot. The course is a marvel of golf architecture, with a layout that ensures every hole is a new challenge against the elements.
- Dramatic cliffside fairways
- Unobstructed ocean views
- Challenging winds
This is a place where golfers can truly discover hidden gems, with each round revealing something new about the course’s intricate design and natural beauty. The sense of isolation here is profound, making it a serene oasis that contrasts sharply with the vibrant city life.
The true essence of links golf is captured at Old Head, where the game is played on nature’s terms. Here, the history of the sport is palpable, and the luxury of playing on such hallowed ground is an experience to be cherished.
Waterville Golf Links: A Golfer’s Paradise
Nestled on the scenic coastline of Southwest Ireland, Waterville Golf Links offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The course’s excellent conditions and layout are consistently praised by golfers seeking a challenging yet rewarding round. With amenities that cater to every need, it’s no surprise that Waterville is often referred to as a golfer’s paradise.
The blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge at Waterville creates a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who play here.
Waterville’s reputation for quality is not just a local sentiment but is echoed by visitors from around the globe. The course’s year-round golf season ensures that enthusiasts can enjoy the links at any time, while the availability of carts, clubs, and pull-carts means that every golfer, regardless of their preference, is well accommodated.
Here’s a quick look at what Waterville offers:
- Year Built: 1966
- Architect: Bob Tachell
- Golf Season: Year round
- Rentals/Services: Carts, Clubs, Pull-carts
- Practice/Instruction: Driving Range, Golf School Academy, Teaching Pro, Putting Green
- Policies: Credit Cards Accepted, No Metal Spikes, Walking Allowed
- Food & Beverage: Bar, Grill, Restaurant
The course’s commitment to excellence is evident in the feedback from golfers, with many highlighting the friendly staff and the pace of play as aspects that make their visit memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, Waterville Golf Links promises an experience that is as breathtaking as the views it offers.
Ballybunion Golf Club: A Testament to Traditional Links
Ballybunion Golf Club stands as a pillar of links golf, offering an experience deeply rooted in the traditions of the game. The course’s layout, with its undulating fairways and challenging greens, demands precision and strategic play.
- Location: Nestled on the southwest coast of Ireland
- Established: 1893
- Course Type: Traditional links
- Famous Holes: The 11th and the 15th are particularly renowned
Golfers often remark on the natural beauty and the demanding nature of the course, which has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years. The club’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of links golf is evident in every hole.
The true essence of links golf comes to life at Ballybunion, where the wind is as much a part of the game as the club in your hand.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a passionate enthusiast, a round at Ballybunion is a must for anyone seeking to explore iconic golf courses worldwide. Its storied history and challenging layout make it a destination that resonates with the spirit of the sport.
Northern Ireland’s Signature Links Experiences
Royal County Down: The World’s Best Course
Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, Royal County Down stands as a pinnacle of golfing excellence. With its dramatic views of the Mourne Mountains and the rugged Irish Sea coastline, this course offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The natural beauty of the dunes and the meticulously maintained fairways make every round a memorable one.
Golf enthusiasts often regard Royal County Down as a must-visit destination. The course’s challenging layout demands precision and strategy, ensuring that each hole is a test of skill. The following table provides a snapshot of what golfers can expect when they book a golf package:
| Package Name | Duration | Price (USD) | Rounds of Golf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal County Down Golf Package | 7 nights | From $487 | Multiple |
| Signature North West Ireland Golf Package | 7 nights | From $577 | 5 rounds |
The undulating greens and the whispering winds of the Irish Sea add to the course’s character, making every shot both a challenge and a delight.
Whether you’re planning a lengthy golf tour or a brief visit, Royal County Down is a destination that promises unforgettable golfing experiences. Its reputation as the world’s best course is well-earned, and it continues to attract golfers from all corners of the globe.
Castlerock Golf Club: A Links Gem
Nestled along the Northern Irish coast, Castlerock Golf Club offers a blend of scenic beauty and golfing challenge that has earned it a place among the Top 100 Golf Courses. With a history dating back to 1966, the course was masterfully designed by Bob Tachell to embrace the natural landscape, providing golfers with a year-round opportunity to test their skills.
The club is well-equipped to cater to all levels of golfers, offering a range of services including cart, club, and pull-cart rentals. The presence of a driving range, golf school academy, and a teaching pro ensures that both beginners and seasoned players can refine their game. The putting green is an excellent place to practice before heading out on the course.
Castlerock’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its amenities and policies. Golfers can enjoy the convenience of credit card acceptance and the option to walk the course. However, metal spikes are not allowed, preserving the pristine condition of the greens.
After a round, players can relax at the on-site bar, grill, or restaurant, rounding off a perfect day of golf. The club’s accolades, including a ranking as one of the Most Improved U.S. Golf Courses, speak to its continuous improvement and dedication to providing a top-tier golfing experience.
Portstewart Golf Club: The Strand Course’s Splendor
Portstewart Golf Club’s Strand Course is a true testament to the splendor of links golf. With its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic, the course offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and visually stunning. The Strand Course is renowned for its opening hole, widely regarded as one of the best starting holes in golf.
The course’s layout demands precision and strategy, with the natural dune landscape shaping each hole uniquely. Golfers are advised to pay close attention to the wind conditions, which can dramatically alter the difficulty of a round. Here are a few tips for navigating the Strand Course:
- Study the course guide carefully before your round.
- Pay attention to the wind direction on each hole.
- Use the natural contours of the land to your advantage.
- Keep an eye out for the deep pot bunkers that guard the greens.
The Strand Course at Portstewart is more than just a round of golf; it’s an encounter with the raw beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastline. It’s a place where every shot is both a challenge and a chance to take in the stunning vistas that surround you.
Golfers leave Portstewart with memories of not only a demanding round of golf but also the sheer beauty of the landscape. It’s no wonder that this course is often mentioned alongside the premier links courses in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as it truly offers a layout rich with history and enveloped by natural beauty.
The Wild Atlantic Way’s Golfing Treasures
Carne Golf Links: Eddie Hackett’s Masterpiece
Nestled in the unspoiled sand dunes of the West, Carne Golf Links stands as a testament to the genius of Eddie Hackett. Designed to embrace the natural contours of the land, the course offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and visually stunning. The original 18-hole layout, developed in the early 1990s, was a significant project aimed at boosting local tourism and is owned and operated by a community-based company.
The course is renowned for its year-round playability and the variety of shots required to navigate the dunes and undulating fairways. With a commitment to preserving the natural environment, Carne Golf Links provides a pure links experience unlike any other.
Here are some key amenities and services available at Carne Golf Links:
- Year Built: 1993
- Architect: Eddie Connaughton
- Golf Season: Year round
- Rentals/Services: Carts, Clubs, Pull-carts
- Practice/Instruction: Driving Range, Golf School Academy, Teaching Pro, Pitching/Chipping Area, Putting Green
- Policies: Credit Cards Accepted, No Metal Spikes, Walking Allowed, Dress code
- Food & Beverage: Bar, Restaurant
- Facilities: Clubhouse
The course has garnered high praise, reflected in its impressive review score of 4.6. Golfers appreciate the neat and casual dress code, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the club. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Carne Golf Links promises an unforgettable round of golf.
Enniscrone Golf Club: Dunes of Distinction
Nestled amidst the most striking dunes on the Irish coast, Enniscrone Golf Club offers a golfing experience that is as challenging as it is breathtaking. The course weaves through towering dunes and provides a test of skill for golfers of all levels.
The club has garnered praise for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge. It’s a real hidden gem, often mentioned among the best in Western Ireland for its fantastic views and fair play.
Enniscrone’s layout demands strategic play, with each hole offering a unique challenge that leverages the natural contours of the land.
While it may not boast the fame of some of its contemporaries, those who discover Enniscrone are rewarded with an unforgettable round of golf, where the wild Atlantic wind adds an extra layer of complexity to this already intricate course.
Connemara Golf Links: A Wild Beauty
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the West of Ireland, Connemara Golf Links offers an unforgettable golfing experience. The course is a testament to the raw, untamed charm of the region, with each hole providing a unique challenge against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
While the course is renowned for its scenic vistas and challenging play, some visitors have reported a disappointing experience due to service issues. It’s important for golfers to be aware that on rare occasions, external factors may impact the full 18-hole experience.
Connemara Golf Links is not just a game of golf; it’s an encounter with nature, where the wind and waves become part of the play.
For those planning a visit, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
- Familiarize yourself with the course layout to strategize your game.
- Engage with the local staff to ensure a smooth experience.
- Allow extra time to soak in the panoramic views.
Hidden Links Gems in the Northwest
St. Patricks Golf Links: Maheramagorgan and Trá Mór
Nestled in the North West of Ireland, St. Patricks Golf Links represents a new chapter in the rich tapestry of Irish golf. With two distinct 18-hole courses, Maheramagorgan and Tr\u00e1 M\u00f3r, golfers are treated to a diverse and challenging experience. The courses are set amidst the sandy hills of Sheephaven Bay, offering a golfing links wonderland that seamlessly blends with the adjacent Rosapenna Golf Club.
The land was originally home to two 18-hole golf courses called Maheramagorgan Links and Tr\u00e1 M\u00f3r Links.
Maheramagorgan, named after the local townland, is a testament to the vision of Eddie Hackett, while Tr\u00e1 M\u00f3r stands out as the only course in Ireland designed by a woman, Joanne O’Haire. Together, they provide a canvas of natural beauty, where the wild Irish landscape shapes each shot and the Atlantic winds dictate the day’s play.
- Maheramagorgan Links: Designed by Eddie Hackett
- Tr\u00e1 M\u00f3r Links: Designed by Joanne O’Haire
The courses at St. Patricks are not just a test of skill but an encounter with the elements, where each hole promises a unique challenge against the backdrop of the rugged Donegal coastline. As Tim Kenny of Nicklaus Design remarked, the land and dunes embody the essence of Irish golf: raw, natural, and wildly beautiful.
Rosapenna Golf Club: A Century of Golfing History
Rosapenna Golf Club, with its rich heritage, stands as a testament to the timeless allure of links golf. Established in 1893, the club has evolved over the years, maintaining its status as a premier golfing destination. The Old Tom Morris Course, a classic design, has been complemented by the newer Sandy Hills Links, offering golfers a blend of historical and modern challenges.
At Rosapenna, the past and the present merge to create an unparalleled golfing journey. The courses here are sculpted by nature and refined by some of the most renowned names in golf course design.
The club’s commitment to excellence is evident in its facilities and services. With a driving range, golf school academy, and a clubhouse equipped with a restaurant and bar, Rosapenna caters to every golfer’s needs. The club’s policies ensure a respectful and enjoyable environment, with a dress code that emphasizes neat and casual attire.
- Year Built: 1893
- Golf Season: Year round
- Architect: Old Tom Morris (Original), Pat Ruddy & Frank Casey (Sandy Hills Links)
- Available Facilities: Clubhouse, Bar, Restaurant
- Rentals/Services: Carts, Clubs, Pull-carts
- Practice/Instruction: Driving Range, Golf School Academy, Teaching Pro, Pitching/Chipping Area, Putting Green
- Policies: Credit Cards Accepted, Metal Spikes Not Allowed, Walking Allowed, Dress Code
Narin & Portnoo Golf Club: A Seaside Challenge
Nestled along the rugged coastline, Narin & Portnoo Golf Club offers a golfing experience that is as challenging as it is scenic. With its undulating fairways and strategic bunkering, this course demands precision and rewards thoughtful play.
The true essence of links golf is embodied here, where the wind is an ever-present factor and the natural landscape shapes every shot.
The course has recently undergone significant renovations, enhancing both its playability and its natural beauty. Golfers are treated to panoramic views of the ocean, making for an unforgettable round.
- Strategic bunkering
- Undulating fairways
- Panoramic ocean views
- Recent renovations
While in the area, many visitors also explore nearby courses, such as the well-regarded Portsalon Golf Club. The region is a haven for golf enthusiasts, offering a variety of links experiences.
Conclusion
Ireland’s landscape offers a treasure trove of links courses, each with its own unique charm and challenges. From the historic fairways of Portmarnock and the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula to the majestic vistas of Royal County Down, the courses highlighted in this article represent the pinnacle of links golf. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of a classic links layout or the tranquility of a course nestled in the Irish countryside, these destinations provide unforgettable experiences that resonate with golfers long after the final putt. As you plan your next golfing adventure, consider the emerald allure of Ireland’s finest links courses, where the spirit of the game melds seamlessly with the splendor of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a golf course a ‘true links’ course?
A true links golf course is characterized by its coastal location, sandy soil, dunes, minimal trees, and a natural layout that uses the existing terrain to shape its holes. It often presents a unique challenge due to its exposure to wind and weather.
What is the typical cost for a golf package in Dublin?
Golf packages in Dublin typically start from around $427 (USD) and can vary depending on the duration, courses included, and accommodations.
Can I find links golf courses in Southwest Ireland?
Yes, Southwest Ireland is renowned for its abundance of world-class links golf courses, such as Old Head, Waterville, and Ballybunion.
Are there any golf courses on the Dingle Peninsula?
The Dingle Peninsula is home to the Dingle Golf Links Ceann Sibeal, an 18-hole course that is the most westerly in Europe, and the Castlegregory Golf Club, offering stunning coastal scenery.
What is unique about the golfing experience in Northwest Ireland?
Northwest Ireland offers a quieter golfing experience with courses like Carne Golf Links, designed by Eddie Hackett, set amidst woodland and pure links terrain.
What are the highlights of golfing in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is famous for Royal County Down, considered one of the best golf courses in the world, as well as other gems like Castlerock and The Island Golf Club that offer sensational views and challenging play.