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Golf in Ireland’s Ancient East
Ireland’s Ancient East is famed for its historic marvels, from the awe-inspiring 5,000-year-old passage tomb of Newgrange to the medieval might on full display at Kilkenny Castle. These timeless landscapes have been sprinkled with myth and magic through the millennia, and exploring the region is akin to finding oneself in a real-world fairy tale.
For golfers, the region has even more to offer, with award-winning inland gems, island retreats and world-famous links forged along the wave-lashed east coast. It’s time to create some new history – this time on the fairways. Ready to tee off?
County Louth Golf Club, County Louth © Airswing Media
1. County Louth Golf Club
The “Wee County” may be the smallest one on the island, but it’s home to a links with a BIG international reputation. County Louth Golf Club, or Baltray as it’s affectionately known, is regularly ranked as one of the finest courses in Ireland. Framed by the Irish Sea, the undulating fairways and greens here have been offering golfers a pure links experience since 1892. No wonder Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley names it his favourite links course in Ireland.
No visit to Louth is complete without a stop-off in Carlingford, a charming medieval town by the shores of Carlingford Lough. Explore cobbled lanes, cosy pubs and savour some famously fresh local oysters!
Killeen Castle Golf Resort, County Meath
2. Killeen Castle Golf Resort, County Meath
Set against the dramatic backdrop of a medieval castle – which was beautifully modernised in the 19th century – the course at Killeen Castle will take your breath away. Not least because it was designed by golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus. The record-holding 18-time major champion even played the first round here, calling the championship parkland one of his favourite designs.
Just a 10-minute drive away is the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of Ireland’s High Kings. Make your way to the inauguration mound at the centre of the ring forts to touch the mighty coronation stone, known as “the Stone of Destiny”.
Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort, County Wicklow
3. Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort, County Wicklow
Two unique courses, one stunning location nestled amid the natural splendour of County Wicklow – the Garden of Ireland. You can pick whether you play Druids Glen, Druids Heath, or both at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort. Much like the accompanying hotel and resort, a five-star experience awaits. The idyllic Druids Glen course has hosted both the Irish Open and the Seve Trophy. While Druids Heath is a rare heathland course that offers spectacular views of the Irish Sea.
When in Wicklow, pay a visit to Powerscourt Estate, a scenic wonderland that boasts a magnificent house, award-winning gardens, a whiskey distillery and one of Ireland’s tallest waterfalls.
The European Club, County Wicklow
4. The European Club, County Wicklow
Founded in 1987, The European Club bills itself as a great links “where the cerebral player triumphs.” Intrigued? The sandy dunes washed ashore here provide a stern test across 20 holes. Yes, you read that right! There are two extra par-threes available to play. Tiger Woods holds the course record of 67. Think you can beat him?
Close by is a striking new attraction – Beyond The Trees Avondale, a treetop walk that rises high above the Wicklow countryside. Stunning views await up in the viewing tower. Top tip: book tickets for the Treetop Night Lights experience if available. The state-of-the-art wooden structure looks extra special lit up amid the darkness.
Rosslare Golf Links, County Wexford
5. Rosslare Golf Links, County Wexford
Two traditional links are ready and waiting for you in Ireland’s sunny southeast at Rosslare Golf Links. The Old Course has been offering players a stern challenge on the Burrow Peninsula since 1905. Whereas the 12-hole Burrow Links is a great option for more casual golfers. Both provide epic views of Wexford’s rugged coastline, including Wexford Harbour and Raven Point Wood.
It wouldn’t be a tour of Ireland’s Ancient East without a trip to a historic landmark or two. Hook Head Lighthouse fits the bill in Wexford. Amazingly, it’s the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world! This black and white-striped beauty has been standing tall on the southeast coast for some 800 years.
The K Club, County Kildare © Chris Hill Photographic
6. The K Club, County Kildare
Treat yourself to a little luxury at The K Club in County Kildare, a five-star golf resort that’s home to not one, but two Arnold Palmer-designed courses. Palmer North is considered one of the best parklands in Ireland. It even hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006, when Europe famously stormed to victory, led by an emotional Darren Clarke. Palmer South is a unique inland links-style course that’s played host to some of golf’s biggest names, such as Colin Montgomerie and Retief Goosen.
You’re in the “Thoroughbred County” so don’t miss the opportunity to stop by the Irish National Stud and Gardens, Ireland’s world-class equestrian centre. While you’re there, explore the Japanese Gardens, which are regarded as the finest of their kind in Europe!
Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, County Waterford © Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort
7. Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, County Waterford
Have you ever golfed on a private island? That’s what you can do at Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, a luxury retreat that offers seclusion and privacy like nowhere else. It’s Ireland’s only true island golf course; an 18-hole par 72 surrounded by the River Suir on all sides. The course is a championship parkland in the best sense, with woodland and water features offering challenging holes on the front and back nine.
Check out our top things to do in Waterford. As one of Ireland’s oldest cities, historic attractions are top of the bill. Don’t miss your chance to climb to the top of Reginald’s Tower, which was named after a Viking who ruled here way back in the 10th century.
Kilkenny Golf Club, County Kilkenny
8. Kilkenny Golf Club, County Kilkenny
Kilkenny Golf Club is something of a hidden gem close to “the Marble City”. The club has a rich history dating back to 1896 and there’s a friendly bar and pro shop also on-site. As for the course, it’s a pretty parkland that welcomes individuals and groups. Make sure your sand wedge shots are on point as most of the holes have bunkers in play around the greens.
The course is located on the outskirts of Kilkenny city, so treat yourself to a wander around this medieval hub. Stop into the Smithwick’s Experience to learn about Ireland’s famous red ale, which has been brewed here since 1710.
Carlow Golf Club, County Carlow © Failte Ireland and Carlow Tourism
9. Carlow Golf Club, County Carlow
Carlow Golf Club is a lesser-spotted gem in the region. But that doesn’t mean it’s not getting noticed. Golf Digest Magazine recently ranked it 36th on its list of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland. Play a round on the 18-hole parkland and it’s easy to see why it’s garnered such accolades. The course is nestled amid lush countryside and it’s naturally free-draining, so it can be played year round. More casual golfers can avail of the leisurely nine-hole Oak Park course which is also part of the club.
Elsewhere in County Carlow, make sure you see the mightily impressive Brownshill Dolmen near Carlow town. The capstone of this 5,000-year-old megalithic tomb is believed to be the LARGEST in all of Europe and weighs a hefty 103 tonnes!
The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, County Laois
10. The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, County Laois
Welcome to The Heritage Resort, home to Ireland’s ONLY Seve Ballesteros-designed championship course. Here, the devil really is in the little details. From the 96 perfectly shaped bunkers and the 7,000 trees to the five lakes that dot the course, everything about this golfing haven has been elegantly brought together. Add to that a top-quality spa and fine dining restaurant and you’ve got the perfect place for a golfing break.
A highlight of any visit to Laois is a visit to the county’s rock star attraction – the Rock of Dunamase. This hilltop fortress has played its part in Irish life down through the centuries. First as an early Christian settlement, then as an Anglo-Norman stronghold in the Middle Ages, before it was blown up by Cromwellian forces in 1651. Today, the ruins stand tall as a testament to the age-old beauty on show wherever you look in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Golf in Ireland's Ancient East
Plot your journey through some of Ireland's finest courses...
