Playing golf in Ireland has become one of the biggest challenges for any golfer in Europe, even more so than Scotland. The Open being played at Royal Portrush in 2019 has only opened the window to the world of a great country full of golf culture, good prices and a population that is dedicated to tourism. Playing golf in Ireland should be your next challenge.
Great players Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, current Ryder captain Pedraig Harrington and of course, the best player in the world today, Rory McIllroy have all grown up playing the best courses on this island that boasts a quarter of the total links in the world, no less than 58. These include The K Club, where the Ryder Cup was played in 2006, the first time an event of this calibre had been played in Ireland, and Royal County Down, the best course in the world according to Golf Digest’s prestigious list.
The hospitality of the Irish is already known all over the world, where they go out of their way to make sure everything goes perfectly. To play golf in Ireland you don’t need a licence, just find a course that suits you and book Tee Time. Don’t worry about the weather, in summer (the best time to play there) the sun rises at 6.30am and it doesn’t get dark until after 10pm, so you’ll have plenty of time before you have a few pints after your round.
If you are thinking of going to play golf in Ireland, we recommend you to do it through the two international airports of Belfast or Dublin and from there, drive to the area where you want to play golf. Depending on which airport you go to, we are going to show you our recommendations, which will be very useful when choosing the type of trip you are dreaming of.
If you arrive in Belfast, our recommendation is definitely not to miss the experience of playing the best course in the world, Royal County Down. You’ll have to drive barely an hour from the airport but it will be well worth it. “The more you play here, the more you realise how special this place is,” says Rory McIllroy, a magical, jaw-dropping place.
After that, the ideal thing to do would be to drive to Portrush and sleep in one of the houses that Lowgolf can provide. Not only is Portrush a wonderful place, but there is also Royal Portrush, home of the 148th edition of The Open in 2019 where Shane Lowrie achieved the feat of being the first local to win on Irish soil, full of excitement and with over 30,000 people cheering him on until the end.
Nearby is Portstewart, a beautiful course where Jon Rahm won the Irish Open in 2017, one of the greatest victories of our Spanish player. After the round, it is a must to have a pint in the clubhouse and take a look at the history on the walls of the corridors, it will surprise you.
Playing golf in Ireland, in the south.
If you are landing at Dublin International Airport, the mix of golf courses you can find there has nothing to envy to the northern area we have just told you about. The K Club is undoubtedly the star course in the area, with an imposing hotel where visitors can stay, it is well worth the money and the price is not exorbitant. Memorable stories have been written on this Championship course for all golf fans.
Another of the jewels of the area is Portmarnock, recognised as one of the best courses in the world and where, whenever we go, we are always amazed by the design and views it offers. As with all the clubs in Ireland, the staff at this club are very welcoming. According to actor Bill Murray “My favourite place to play golf in the world, because of the people and the courses, is Ireland”, so there must be a reason.
The Island Golf Club is one of our wonders, it is a cape surrounded by water and with a very peculiar clubhouse, we assure you that your visit will not leave you indifferent. It is undoubtedly one of our favourite courses on a unique course route.
If you want a unique route to play golf in Ireland, you have to end up playing at The European, a different course that will make your trip be remembered for life, as well as being one of the 100 best golf courses in the world, you will love its facilities.
In Ireland there are many spectacular courses such as Old Head Golf Links, one of Tiger Woods‘ favourite places, Lahinch, Killarney Golf and Adare Manor (home of the Ryder Cup 2026) among others, but we had to keep some of them for our favourite routes. Playing golf in Ireland is not only a great challenge. You’ll enjoy great views, enviable hospitality and everything you could wish for in a great day’s golf.
Take a look at all the proposals we have to play golf in Ireland.
