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 County Down- Championship Links

Considered the best golf course in the world outside the US, and the #1 within the UK territory. Designed by Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon and Harry Colt. The two 18-hole links courses are amazingly scenic, but be prepared to play in permanent windy conditions.

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.

St Patrick's Links

Perched on Sheephaven Bay, St Patrick's is one of 3 courses within the Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort. Opening in June 2021, and designed by famed architect Tom Doak, this course is already shaping up to be one of the best in the world.

Other recommended golf courses

Ardglass, Portstewart, Narin & Portnoo Links.

Republic of Ireland

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)

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

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.

Trump International Doonbeg Golf Links

Two-time Open winner Greg Norman was commissioned to design the course, which opened in 2002.
Mr. Martin Hawtree carried out the redesign of the course after the Resort was acquired by Trump.
In his original design, Norman made good use of the movement of the sand dunes. That is why the field has a lot of unevenness. In addition, 16 of the 18 holes have ocean views, and several are attached to Doughmore Bay.

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

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

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

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.