Welcome to Ireland, a golfing superpower that’s home to some of the greatest courses – and golfers – in the world. The island extends an open invitation to follow in the footsteps of homegrown stars such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry and test your game on legendary links and challenging parkland courses. But that famous Irish welcome isn’t just reserved for the pros. Golfers of all levels come here for an unforgettable experience: a golfing holiday that’s not all about the game. Because golf in Ireland is also about the people, those talented amateurs, club pros and friendly faces in the 19th hole. It’s about the memorable experiences off the course, from whiskey tastings and Michelin-starred dining to traditional music sessions in tiny pubs. No matter what your handicap, Ireland will deliver the trip of a lifetime.
Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, County Donegal
© Narin & Portnoo Links
Ireland boasts over 400 golf clubs, ranging from challenging championship courses to hidden gems and great golf courses for beginners. It is also home to a third of the world’s natural links golf courses, making for an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Every year, over 240,000 golfers from all over the world come to the island of Ireland to experience its impressive but unforgiving fairways. So it should come as no surprise that Ireland has been named International Golf Destination of the Year on more than one occasion by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
Ireland continues to cement its reputation as an iconic golfing destination with prestigious tournaments such as The Open and the Irish Open regularly hosted on the island, and the return of the Ryder Cup to Adare Manor in County Limerick in 2027, will be another key moment in Ireland’s remarkable golfing story.
Discover more about Ireland’s top golf tournaments
Carton House Golf Club, County Kildare
Courtesy Carton House Golf
You don’t need to be a member to play on Ireland’s golf courses. All you need to do is pick your courses, book your tee times in advance and turn up – or choose a tour operator to arrange it all for you.
Green feesGreen fees vary from club to club, but most clubs offer special rates for visitors and groups, so be sure to ask about any special offers from the club or your tour operator. They may also know about packages that allow you to play two or three courses over your trip, so that you get to test your skills against Ireland’s finest courses.
CaddiesIf you’re going to be playing on some of Ireland’s championship courses, it’s best to get a golf caddy. They know the fairways best, save you plenty of shots, and will probably be the best four hours’ conversation you’ll ever have on a golf course!
What to wearTraditional dress codes are still common in Ireland’s clubs. Jeans, shorts and trainers are frowned upon, while some clubs might insist on a jacket and tie for the dining room. The safest bet is smart casual, with waterproof gear and sunscreen at hand just in case. Many clubs will only allow soft spikes, so do check in advance.
Best time to playMost of Ireland’s courses, especially links, are open all year round. However, courses are generally at their best and the weather is most suitable for golf from April to October. In summer, daylight hours can stretch up to 10pm, so two rounds and a lazy lunch can easily fit into a day.
Check out our beginner’s guide to golf in Ireland
Ardglass Golf Club, County Down
Tourism Ireland by Airswing Media
But that’s not all. The truly great thing about golfing in Ireland is that there’s far more to a golf trip than just the challenge of the fairway. In Ireland, we blend exceptional golf with memorable experiences beyond the golf course.
Head to the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland and you can combine a round of golf at Royal Portrush, three-time host of The Open, with a trip to the Giant's Causeway, a thrilling walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge or a whiskey tasting at the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed distillery.
Playing the Adare Manor course before the Ryder Cup? You’ll find yourself within easy reach of the Wild Atlantic Way, with iconic sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscape of the Burren, not to mention the lively city of Limerick.
Testing your game at Portmarnock in Dublin? The city is waiting for you to discover unique attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin, before enjoying the very best of its hospitality, from fine dining and cosy pubs to theatres and museums.
So, next time you’re planning to tee off somewhere special, put the island of Ireland at the top of your list.
