Golf Breaks in Ireland
✅ Full of natural links courses
✅ Spectacular views & dramatic rugged coastlines
✅ Irish charm, pubs, cuisine & culture
✅ Fantastic resorts & the Wild Atlantic Way
A golf break in Ireland is guaranteed to be an absolutely unforgettable experience. There is no doubt that the country is littered with some of the world's most fantastic golf courses, offering some of the purest golfing experiences, but the landscape is also adorned with many top resorts and hotels.
The Emerald Isle is home to an abundance of coastal Championship links, beautiful inland layouts and world famous hospitality, add to this the superb nightlife and numerous points of cultural and historical interest make Ireland interesting for all, and without doubt, the Irish golf tour experience is truly magnificent.
Visiting the K Club's Ryder Cup complex, and the incredible resorts at Carton House & Druids Glen, not only will you experience the phenomenal courses, you will also understand Ireland's reputation for its warm welcome & legendary hospitality. Golf holidays in Ireland at these resorts are perfect for a relaxing Sunday Driver or while the golfers battle the famous Irish elements, fellow travellers can enjoy the first class leisure and spa facilities that the best golf break destinations ensure.
Wether you take a weekend break at a resort, a few days touring the wonderful courses or a week travelling full length of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland has so much to offer the visiting golfer.
Surrounding the lively & attractive capital of Dublin are numerous golf resorts offering spectacular countryside settings. If you fancy a bit of history and culture during your trip then Cork & the Blarney Stone is a must visit along with some wonderful layouts like Old Head & Fota Island Resort. Breathtaking scenery & spectacular courses can be found in the South West, Killarney is a tranquil & serene retreat of unimaginable beauty while the likes of Ballybunion, Lahinch & Tralee provide incredible golf.
The North West coast of Ireland may be slightly remote but it provides exceptional golf, Ballyliffin and Rosapenna are great traditional links, with fantastic scenery and of course great hospitality. Last but certainly not least is Northern Ireland, base yourself in the thriving capital city of Belfast with golf packages that allow you to experience the wonderful layouts of Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and Royal Belfast.
Vibrant lifestyle, picturesque countryside, exciting nightlife, world renowned golf courses and enjoy a drink of the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse.
A golf break to the Dublin area can be enormously fun and is the perfect place to enjoy a golfing trip.
Ireland's South West tends to benefit from a warmer climate providing a greater variety of links and parkland courses than the rest of Ireland.
The vibrant town of Killarney is a popular base for golfing groups allowing easy access to some of Europe’s best links courses.
A visit to the home of champions Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke & Graeme McDowell offers the chance of playing some of the best golf courses in the world.
The towns of Belfast, Derry and Portrush will provide visiting golfers with a warm welcome, great atmosphere, award-winning food and picturesque scenery.
North West Ireland combines an outstanding array of links courses with rugged coastlines accompanied by beautiful beaches for the perfect golf break.
Choose to play clifftop layouts with the wind whipping off the Atlantic or the more idyllic countryside courses with flowing rivers and loughs.
The area of Cork & Kinsale is regarded by many as the gem of the South of Ireland where golfers can expect a warm welcome and a true passion for the game of golf.
Scenic countryside, vast mountain ranges and tranquil lake settings combined with a rugged coastline and breathtaking courses means the area is well worth a visit.
Newcastle, Co. Down
• Ranked best course in Europe and 4th best worldwide
• Designed by Old Tom Morris, 3 time Irish Open host
• Sensational backdrop of the Slieve Donard Mountains and The Irish Sea
• Rory Mcilroy's favourite golf course
County Antrim
• Dunluce Links course is ranked 2nd best in Ireland, 15th in the world
• Only Irish course to host The Open Championship (2019 & 1951)
• Home course to both Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell
• A classic Harry Colt designed seaside links with sensational ocean views
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Tralee, Co. Kerry
Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow
Ireland generally plays host to one tournament each year on the European Tour: the Irish Open. The event enjoys one of the largest galleries on the tour & moves around the country’s top courses, with Portmarnock hosting the tournament an unprecedented 13 times.
In addition to hosting the Irish Open, Mount Juliet has hosted the World Golf Championship twice; which saw Tiger Woods set a tournament record of 25 under-par. Other tournament venues include the Heritage Golf Resort & Druids Glen Golf Resort, both hosting the Seve Trophy.
The K Club's Palmer course hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup. Darren Clarke produced a courageous performance inspiring Europe to a 18.5 to 9.5 victory. Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland remains the only Irish venue to have hosted the Open Championship.
Druids Glen is home to two parkland gems, one of which is ranked among the best inland courses in the country, and a top class hotel that serves as the perfect base for tour of Dublin or simply a top value weekend trip with a group. Carton House is a similar prospect, with two vastly different courses (always a winner with societies) located within 40 minutes from Dublin.
One of the real hidden gems of the Emerald Isle is the unheralded Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links. Situated on the north west coast, these two outstanding links courses are simply spectacular. Not recommended for the faint hearted, but if you ask any Irish golfer for the best layouts in the country, these two will definitely feature.
Whether you are looking for relaxation or a spot of romance, there are few better settings for it than Ireland’s gorgeous countryside. The award-winning restaurant & spa at Powerscourt Hotel caters perfectly for couples with brilliant facilities, stunning scenery & close proximity to Dublin while another great golf hotel close to the Capital is Knightsbrook Golf Resort.
Mount Juliet, situated just a short drive south from the medieval city of Kilkenny, is another beautiful hotel offering comprehensive facilities. Set in raw Irish countryside, Adare Manor offers the full 5* experience with the added convenience of easy access to Killarney's selection of restaurants & bars.
Many resorts in Ireland offer Golf & Spa options so there is something to keep both you & your partner entertained.
Dublin is the obvious and best choice for night time entertainment in Ireland, with countless bars and pubs crammed into the city centre. There are a huge selection of venues located within a short drive of a the capital, headed by Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links which is just 15 minutes from the city and only five minutes from Malahide with its bars, restaurants and nightclub.
If venturing to the north, the Hilton Templepatrick Hotel & Country Club is only 10 minutes from Belfast and while it’s a 5* venue, it’s certainly fantastic value for money. In the west, the Killarney Plaza Hotel is situated bang in the middle of Killarney in walking distance of all the town’s bars, pubs and restaurants, and is a great base to access the wealth of brilliant golf courses in the area.
For a luxury Irish golf break, it’s hard to look past The K Club Golf & Spa Resort. One of the finest resorts in the world, with two championship courses, Ryder Cup pedigree & 5* accommodation, this really is a bucketlist venue for the serious golfer.
Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa is situated in a beautiful corner of County Cork boasting picturesque 27-holes of golf with lots of water. This is very much a new age 5* venue with the highest quality rooms, dining & spa facilities.
The Heritage Golf Resort & Spa is another top-class 5* destination, popular with weddings due to its quality, with a fantastic spa & championship golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes.
Slieve Russell is one Ireland's leading all round resorts offering guests both luxurious accommodation alongside plenty of excellent amenities.
So many links courses to choose from, you could spend weeks here playing a different course each day.
Give Sam a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break to Ireland.
Browse some of the best hotels with golf courses in Ireland.
View some of the best golf layouts Ireland has to offer.
Wind, Rolling Dunes & Strategic Shot Making
Mature trees, Sculpted greens & mature trees
Heather, Gorse & firm fairways
Quick Facts
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The Emerald Isle sees golf reach it's high season from May - September with thousands of golfers heading to the great links golf courses and Championship layouts which have features within so many of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World.
Some courses do restrict or close during the winter months so planning well in advance is recommended. With many of the golf courses within easy reach of bustling towns and cities, golf is enjoyed in Ireland year round but you can expect a shower or two during the course of your stay.
Travel by Ferry
With 28 daily sailings over 4 routes on the Irish Sea why not swap the stresses of airline travel, pack the clubs into the boot and travel over to Ireland with Stena Line ferries.
When to visit
May - September
April & October
May, June & September
November - March
What can we say about golf in Ireland, where lush green landscapes and world-class golf courses await! In this captivating journey through Ireland, we'll explore renowned courses such as Druids Glen (the Augusta National of Ireland), The K Club, and The European Club and so many more! Uncover what makes Ireland a golfer's dream destination and an unforgettable holiday experience.
But Ireland isn't just about golf; it's a land steeped in culture, history, and hospitality. Between rounds, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin, explore ancient castles, sample the finest whiskies, or embark on a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. With its warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes, Ireland offers a holiday experience like no other.
Ireland is home to numerous Top 100 Golf Courses, the best golf resorts in Ireland are Druids Glen Golf Resort (Co. Wicklow), Carton House (Co. Kildare), Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links (Co. Donegal), The K Club Resort (Co. Kildare), Castle Dargan Golf Resort (Co. Sligo), Castlemartyr Resort (Co. Cork), Lough Erne (Northern Ireland), Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg (Co. Clare) and Galgorm Resort (Northern Ireland).
Some of the best golf courses in Ireland include Royal County Down (Championship), Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links), Lahinch Golf Club (Old course), Portmarnock (Championship course), The European Club, Waterville Golf Links, Trump International Golf Links, County Sligo, The Island and Ballyliffin (Co. Donegal), (Glashedy Links).
Golfers looking to stay in Dublin will find the best stay and play resorts at Portmarnock Links just North of the City and Carton House and The K Club just South of Dublin. Those venturing into the South East will find a superb championship resort at Fota Island and those seeking some links experiences can head East to play Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg in the South and Rosapenna Golf Resorts in the North.
Golfers looking for both a day on the golf course and a relaxing spa before or after are going to find their excellent options at The K Club near Dublin, Druids Glen just South of Dublin and Fota Island in the South East near Cork. These spas include a host of facilities to enjoy with a range of treatments as well as access to some of the best championship golf courses in Ireland.