

Golf
Ever wondered why the island of Ireland is referred to as the ‘green of dreams’? Here are just some of the reasons why…






For a tiny island on the edge of Europe, Ireland sure knows a thing or two about golf. Everyone from champions Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Tigers Woods, to actors Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Bill Murray all love playing golf on the island of Ireland, and it’s hard not to see why. With world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet, Ireland’s credentials are sky-high when it comes to golf.
Ireland is home to over 300 golf clubs, including a quarter of the world’s natural links courses, and a selection of exceptional championship courses in amazing locations, so it’s no wonder that every year over 240,000 golfers from all over the world come to the island of Ireland’s greens to experience the impressive but unforgiving fairways.
It should come as no surprise that in the last 20 years of or so, Ireland has been named International Golf Destination of the Year on more than one occasion by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, as well as hosting the prestigious Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and The Open. Or that some of the world’s best golfers hail from the island of Ireland, including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington.
My favourite place to play golf is in Ireland. It's the most beautiful country to play golf in, and when you come as a guest, you're treated like a king.
Bill Murray, Actor


Ireland – a links paradise
With an astonishing one quarter of all the world’s links courses, Ireland is an island paradise for golfers
It’s always best to call ahead and book your tee times in advance. For green fees, 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 our greens.
And, if you’re going to be playing on some of Ireland’s championship courses, it’s best to get a 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!
The big hitters
Golf on the island of Ireland
L-R: Ballybunion Golf Course, County Kerry; Ballyliffin Golf Course, County Donegal; Mount Juliet, County Kilkenny; Lahinch Golf Course, County Clare
Traditional 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.
But the best thing of all is that you don’t need to be a member to play our courses, either. All you had to do is find the courses, book your tee times and turn up – or choose an operator to arrange it all for you. As with all golf clubs, green fees do vary. But will you make as good friends anywhere else in the world? We think not.
Golf on the island of Ireland
L-R: Old Head of Kinsale Golf Course, County Cork; Royal Portrush Golf Course, County Antrim; Royal County Down Golf Course, County Down; The European Club, County Wicklow
Most of Ireland’s courses, especially links, are open all year round. However, courses are in best condition and the weather is most suitable for golfing 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.
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 golfing with wonderful off-the-course-experiences. So next time you’re planning to tee off somewhere special, we think the island of Ireland should be at the top of your list…




Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort
The five-star Adare Manor is set on a magnificent 840 acre estate in the heart of the picturesque village of Adare, County Limerick. Adare Manor offers unique Castle accommodation, the best of contemporary food and impeccable hospitality.
Limerick
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Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock Golf Club, Portmarnock, Dublin, has hosted many major professional and amateur events including the Irish Open Championship and the Walker Cup. From Sam Snead to Seve Ballesteros, some of golf's best known names have tested their skills on one of the purest links courses. Visitors are welcome.
Dublin
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County Louth Golf Club
County Louth Golf Club is one of Ireland’s finest golf links. It is an 18-hole links course, situated in the historic Boyne Valley region just north of Drogheda and is perched along the mouth of the Boyne Estuary.
Louth
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The Royal Dublin Golf Club
The Royal Dublin Golf Club, Bull Island, County Dublin, is steeped in the history and tradition of Irish golf. It is widely accepted as one of the greatest links courses in the world. The Club was founded in 1885 in The Phoenix Park, Dublin. It moved to Bull Island, north of Dublin city in 1889 and received its royal designation in 1891.
Dublin
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Old Head Golf Links
Old Head is a remarkably dramatic piece of Ireland, protruding more than two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Located in County Cork on the South West coast, The Old Head of Kinsale is home to a world-class, 18-hole golf course and luxury accommodation.
Cork
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Ballyliffin Golf Club
Ballyliffin Golf Club is located at Ballyliffin, Inishowen, County Donegal. It is regarded as one of the finest links complex in Ireland boasting two championship links courses – The Old Links and Glashedy Links.
Donegal
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Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion Golf Club Located on the north west coast of County Kerry on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Two wonderfully challenging and unique links golf courses at Ballybunion, the Old Course and the Castle.
Kerry
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Royal Portrush Golf Club
Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses - the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller, but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Proud Hosts of The 148th Open in 2019.
Portrush
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Royal County Down Golf Club
Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne.
Newcastle
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