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Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Destination

Home to the most spectacular and green links in the world.

Ireland is often referred to as "The Emerald Isle." This nickname comes from the countries rolling, green hills and lush landscapes. Considered by many the best golf links destination in the world even if it is a bit less traditional compared to Scotland and England, but still this destination has hosted The Open twice (Royal Portrush).

It features emblematic designs by Old Tom Morris, eminences such as Alister Mackenzie, and modern golf design signatures such as Nicklaus, Norman or Faldo. Great major golf pros like Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are Irish.

 

Golf

Ireland offers so many great golfing options that you are going to have a hard time deciding where not to play.

Northern Ireland

Royal Portrush - Dunluce Course

  • Designed by Harry Colt. This course is the only Irish course to host The Open in 1951 and 2019. It is the perfect combination of challenging golf and unlimited beauty: giant sand hills, views of the sea and links overlooking the ruins of the 13th century Dunluce Castle.

Other recommended golf courses

Ardglass, Portstewart, Narin & Portnoo Links.

Republic of Ireland

Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course)

Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course)

  • On a beautiful stretch of majestic sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Course can be as difficult as Portrush or Royal County Down on a windy day.
  • Designed by McKenna, Hewson, Simpson and Gourlay.
  • This classic links course has been ranked among the best Ireland’s golf courses.
Lahinch (Old)

Lahinch (Old)

  • This golf course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris; later its layout was renovated and improved by the great Alister Mackenzie.
  • In 1935 the club committee redesigned the course as it considered the greens were too difficult, but in 1999 Martin Hawtree returned the course to its original Mackenzie design.
Portmarnock Golf Cllub

Portmarnock Golf Cllub

  • Within a picturesque curve of coastline, 10 miles to the north of Dublin City and only a 15-minute drive from Dublin Airport, Portmarnock Golf Club sits majestically on a narrow tongue of shallow duneland. And as a measure of its enduring quality, it remains one of the most respected venues in world golf.   No other Irish course has been graced by so many distinguished players in a rich history encompassing a broad sweep of significant events. It is where Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead successfully followed its serpentine route through classic linkland on their way to victory in the 1960 Canada Cup.

Other recommended golf courses

Waterville, European Club, Tralee y The K Club

Other things to do

The cities and towns of Ireland have plenty of nightlife and own a youthful vibe. Consider driving the scenic routes to admire the deep green landscapes and visiting small towns and beer bars.

Ireland is a great destination for fly fishing. Take advantage of the golf luggage bag and take along your fly fishing gear and catch some fish at Killarney and Lough Erne.

Must see attractions: The Giant's Causeway, The Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery (the oldest in the world), the “Cliffs of Moher”, the Titanic Museum in Belfast and the original Guiness Distillery (the world's most famous black beer).

Thinking about playing more golf: add 4 nights in Southport UK and play “The 3 Royals” (Royal Lytham St. Annes, Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool) and then fly from Liverpool to Belfast or Dublin.

Planning

Where to stay

Where to stay

Ireland offers the unique possibility of staying in luxurious castles transformed into modern hotels, such as the Lough Erne Castle (located next to an excellent golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo), Carton House or Trump International Doonbeg. It also has resorts (such as Ballyliffin), lodges (such as Killarney), stunning 4 stars hotels (such as the Slieve Donard) and a variety of stylish bed and breakfast.

Time to book

Time to book

Plan your trip more than six months in advance to secure availability in hotels and tee times in the courses you want to play (unlike Scotland, a destination that requires more anticipation).

When to travel

When to travel

Ideally during the high season, which begins in May and ends in September. During the last weeks of April and the first weeks of October, you can expect to experience bad weather: moist and changeable with abundant rainfall.

How to get there

How to get there

The best option is to fly to Europe via London, Frankfurt, Madrid or Paris and connect to Dublin or Belfast.

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