Ireland is considered one of the best golf locations in the world. A statement highlighted by the fact that it won the "Golf Destination of the Year" in the 1999 Hertz International Golf Travel Awards. The combination of the seaside links and the exquisite parkland courses with the friendly atmosphere and the wonderful historic features of the country can only lead to a memorable visit that will guarantee ones return. Playing host to over 400 golf courses, ranging from the standard to the championship, Ireland provides a variety and choice second to none. With such a large number of courses condensed into such a small location it is inevitable that you are never far from a course.
Ireland's courses are now host to five major championships which include the Murphy's Irish Open, the Smurfit European Open, the AIB Seniors Open, the West of Ireland Classic and the Donegal Irish Ladies Open but the real prize is the hosting of the ryder Cup in 2005. By this time Ireland expects to have over 450,000 International visitors who will visit its shores specifically to play golf. This figure is more than double the current figure.
| Golf Course index - click on course to view details | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ? | | | | | | | | | | | Royal County Down Golf Club
36 Golf Links Rd,
Newcaslie BT33 OAN
County Down
Tel-(0139 67) 23314. Fax (0139 67) 26281
This club was founded in 1889 and is the second oldest club in Northern Ireland and has long been considered as one of the world's classic links. It has been said that the course is "exhilarating even without a club in your hand".
Course Name: Championship Holes: 18 Yardage: 7037 SSS: 71
Located beneath the gaze of the Mountains of Mourne and hugging the shores of Dundrum Bay this course is one of the worlds most beautiful, but is also considered one of the most challenging. With great swathes of heather and gorse lining fairways that tumble beneath vast sand hills with wild faced bunkers protecting wonderful countered greens.
Directions Newcastle, 30 miles south of Belfast via the A24; 90 miles north of Dublin via the N1 to Newry and 25 miles east of Newry via the A25
| Malone Golf Club
Although only five miles out of Belfast city centre, Malone provides an oasis of peace and tranquillity and an idyllic location for a round of golf. Generally regarded as one of the finest inland courses in Ireland, it stands in an attractive wooded parkland estate of some 270 acres, the centrepiece being a beautiful natural lake extending to 27 acres. The recently refurbished clubhouse offers comfortable and luxurious surroundings in which to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar or a meal in the well appointed restaurant.
Founded in 1895, but moving to its existing location in 1962, it has hosted the Irish Amateur Close Championship, the Senior Inter-Provincial Championship and the Irish Senior Masters Tournament. Tony Jacklin won his first senior professional tournament here in 1966. Being a parkland course, mature trees help shape many of the holes while the trout lake first comes into play off the tee at the 13th hole. The tee shot at the short 15th is over water all the way to a tricky undulating green, while at the last hole the lake makes its presence very much felt off the tee and a ball missing the 18th green to the right will most likely end up in the water.
Malone is a must see course and ties in nicely for those taking in the pleasures of other championship courses in to area. Very few leave this mature, beautifully presented course disappointed.
| Royal Portrush
The Country Club was formed in May 1888, but had a name change in 1892 and became known as the Royal Country Club when H.R.H. The Duke of York was its patron. A further and final name change to "The Royal Portrush Golf Club" occurred in 1895 with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales as patron. Host to the first professional tournament in Ireland in 1895, Royal Portrush has since been host to its fair share of world class professionals some of who include, Peter Allis, Larry Mize and Tony Jacklin.
Royal Portrush has been portrayed by many golfers as one of the most challenging courses in the world. A testing course, requiring skill and concentration, it may be but it also happens to be set in one of the most scenic parts of Europe.
Royal Portrush is situated just one hour's drive from Belfast International Airport and a similar time from the ferry port of Larne .The coastal drive from Larne is quite spectacular with the road carved out of the cliffs.
The famous Giant's Causeway, beautiful white sandy beaches and rolling green countryside surround Royal Portrush.
| Ballyliffin Golf Club
Inishowen,
Ballyliffin,
Donegal
Tel : +353 (0)77 76119 Fax : +353 (0)77 76672
Course Name: Glashedy Holes: 18 Yardage: 6837 SSS:
As far north as you can go in Ireland to play golf, this club was founded in 1947. The Ballyliffin Golf Course is famous for its par 3 fifth hole but overall a wonderful links course that provides the average golfer with a very fair test of abilty. Situated amid the rolling sand dunes and spectacular scenery of the Inishowen Peninsula its unique features will captivate all those who visit.
Directions 11 km north of Buncrana
| Bundoran Golf Club
Bundoran,
Donegal
Tel : +353 (0)72 41302 Fax : +353 (0)72 42014
Course Name: Bundorn Holes: 18 Yardage: 6123 SSS: 70
This club was founded in 1894 and its first President was the Duke of Abercorn. The Great Christy O'Connor was Bundoran's club professional from 1951 - 1957. This course is laid out in two nine hole loops with the ninth and eighteenth greens located close to the clubhouse. This course gives the player wonderful views of Donegal bay and the sounding mountains.
Directions 22 miles north of Sligo on the Sligo to Derry road. | Dunfanaghy Golf Club
Dunfanaghy,
Letterkenny,
Donegal
Tel : +353 (0)74 36335
Course Name: Dunfanaghy Holes: 18 Yardage: 5542 SSS: 66
Dunfanaghy Golf Club is a favorite spot for golfers, situated on the shores of Sheephaven Bay, the course offers magnificent scenic views. Golfers can pit their skills against the wind, the beach, the rivers and the rough, not to mention the occasional treacherous bunker while enjoying the views of Horn Head.
Directions 35 km north west of Letterkenny on N56 | North West Golf Club
Lisfannon,
Fahan,
Donegal
Tel : 077-61027 Fax : 077-63284
Course Name: North West Holes: 18 Yardage: 6239 SSS: 71
The course's concealed runs and bumps approaching greens has led it to sometimes being refereed to as the 'St. Andrews of Ireland'. Although the difficulties are not always obvious from the tees the holes are very varied and the greens are second to none. The course itself can be found lying between the beautiful Lough Swilly and Mouldy Mountain. St.Andrews of Ireland'.
Directions 3 km south of Buncrana | Donegal Golf Club
Murvagh,
Laghey,
Donegal
Tel : +353 (0)73 34054 Fax : +353 (0)73 34377
Course Name: Donegal Holes: 18 Yardage: 7271 SSS: 73
Hidden from the outside world by a forest of evergreens and the Bluestack Mountains forming an imposing backdrop, Donegal Golf Club, popularly referred to from time to time as Murvagh, is situated on the beautiful Murvagh Peninsula in Donegal Bay. This course is one of the longest links courses in Ireland and Britain and has been played by Nick Faldo while preparing for his third Irish Open Victory.
Directions 10 km south of Donegal, on the N18 | Castlerock Golf Club
65 Circular Road,
Castlerock,
Derry BT51 4TJ
Tel : +44 (0)1265 848314 Fax : +44 (0)1265 848314
Course Name: Castle Rock Holes: 18 Yardage: 6696 SSS: 72
This wonderful 18 hole links course is located on the Causeway Coast and also has its own separate 9 hole course. The forth hole, a par 3, known as 'Leg of Mutton', because of its shape, is probably the most famous and the best hole on the course. It provides an exciting challenge but is generally a relief when you have completed it.
Directions 7 km west of Colraine on the A2 | Foyle International Golf Centre
12 Alder Road,
Londonderry,
Londonderry BT48 8DB
Tel : +44 (0)1504 352222 Fax : +44 (0)1504 353967
Course Name: The Beeches Holes: 18 Yardage: 6678 SSS: 72
The full complement of golf facilities can be found within this centre. Containing a championship standard par 72, 18 hole parkland course, a 9 hole par 3 course, a fine clubhouse, a 19 bay covered floodlit driving range, a well stocked golf shop and a licensed bar and restaurant in a fine setting on the outskirts of the city of Derry. The 6th green is overlooked by the Amelia Earhart Centre which commemorates the achievements of the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo. The plane landed here on May 21 1932. This course is played beneath the shadows of Donegal's famous purple hills and while there are many holes of stature it is "The Elms", the 15th hole that provides the biggest challenge. Those who obtain a par at this hole cherish the experience. Incorporating two lakes and numerous bunkers this course offers an interesting challenge to golfers of all handicaps
Directions 1 mile from Foyle Bridge, Derry off Culmore road driving towards Moville Co. Donegal.
| Portstewart Golf Club
117 Strand Road,
Portstewart,
Derry BT55 7PG
Tel : +44 (0)1265 832015 Fax : +44 (0)1265 834097
Course Name: Strand Holes: 18 Yardage: 6784 SSS: 73
The Portstewart's Strand course has incorporated seven new holes located in the huge sandhills, and is now a formidable links course which can compete with the best courses on the island of Ireland.
Directions Western side of Portstewart | Slieve Russell Golf Club
Slieve Russell Hotel and Country Club,
Ballyconnell,
Cavan
Tel : +353 (0)49 26444 Fax : +353 (0)49 26474
Course Name: Slieve Russell Holes: 18 Yardage: 7,013 SSS: 72
The Slieve Russell Golf and Country club is located in an isolated part of Co.Cavan near the little town of Ballyconnell. This magnificent complex was built on a 300 acre site containing a superb golf course as well as a luxury hotel containing a fully equipped health club. The course itself contains 50 acres of lakes and ponds located within the rolling fairways and heavily contoured greens. A fine clubhouse that houses the Summit Bar and restaurant overlooks the course, completing the outstanding array of amenities to be enjoyed at Slieve Russell.
Directions 19km north of Cavan Town | Ballinasloe Golf Club
Rossgloss,
Ballinasloe,
Galway
Tel : +353 (0)905 42126 Fax : +353 (0)905 42538
A rolling Par 72, parkland 18 hole course with challenging holes, newly built greens and featuring mature trees. An experience you will want to return to again and again.
Directions 3 km from Ballinasloe
Galway Bay Golf Clue, Renville, Oranmore, Galway
Tel: +353 (0) 91 790500
Fax: +353 (0) 91 790510 | | Westport Golf Club
Westport, County Mayo,Ireland
E-mail: wpgolf@iol.ie
Web: http://www.golfwestport.com
Tel: +353 (0) 98 28262
Fax: +353 (0) 98 27217 Course Name: Westport Holes: 18 Yardage: 6650 SSS: 72 Westport Golf Club, which previously hosted the Irish Amateur Open Close Championship and the Ladies Home International, is a long testing parkland course. It is located overlooking panoramic Clew Bay with Croke Patrick Mountain in the distance. There are a great variety of holes here, the most spectacular hole being the 15th, a par five where the drive has to carry an inlet of Clew Bay. Not for the faint hearted. Its an accommodating course for the average player, but provides a feisty challenge for the more accomplished golfer. In this course of two distinct halves, the opening nine is relatively straightforward but long back nine calls for character. Directions
There is only one road into Westport from Dublin via Castlebar. It is downhill into the town. Go through the first set of traffic lights and take the first right. Go right at the next set of traffic lights, continue up the hill and once over the hill, take the first left. Continue on for 2 miles and the club is on the left. | | Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0) 65 7081003
Fax: +353 (0) 65 7081592 Course Name: Old Course Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,753 SSS: 73 Lahinch Golf Club is steeped in history having been officially founded on Good Friday 1893 when officers of a Scottish Army Regiment based at nearby Limerick, encountered the vast expanse of sand dunes that they, together with some local enthusiasts, converted into what is now known as Lahinch Golf Club. A point of interest is that the legendary 'Old' Tom Morris of St. Andrews, who enthused that, originally designed the course, "I consider the links as fine a natural course as it has ever been my good fortune to play over". In 1928 the course layout was revamped by Dr. Alastair McKenzie (responsible for the design of courses like Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Augusta National.) who declared, "Lahinch will make the finest and most popular course that I or anyone else ever constructed". | | Waterville Golf Club
Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland.
E-mail: wvgolf@iol.ie
Web: http://www.watervillegolf.com
Tel: +353 (0) 66 9474102
Fax: +353 (0) 66 9474482 Course Name: Waterville Holes: 18 Yardage: 7,200 SSS: 72 The history of golf at Waterville Golf Club dates from 1889 when staff at the local trans-Atlantic cable station played the game. The fortunes of the club varied and the golf links became idle until the late 1960's when John A. Mulcahy and Eddie Hackett came up with a new design that today has brought much acclaim to Waterville Golf Club. The front nine holes start out gently before moving to the larger dunes along the shoreline. There have been many famous visitors to Waterville including Raymond Floyd who said, "This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen... it has some of the finest golf links holes I have ever played". Directions
From Castle Island, you go through the following towns, Killorglin- Cahirsaveen- Waterville. To get to the Golf club, you do not have to go into Waterville. The Club is on the main road on the right. Very well signposted. | | Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland.
E mail: bbgolfc@iol.ie
Web: http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie
Tel : +353 (0)68 27146
Fax : +353 (0)68 27387 Course Name: Old Course Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,638 SSS: 72 Consistently rated as one of the worlds greatest golf courses, the Old Course offers the ultimate links golfing challenge. Difficult to play in the wind but always rewarding not least because of the scenery. Finding the right superlatives to describe Ballybunion is not an easy task; it has so many great attributes. Perhaps Tom Watson describes it best, "After playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here. There appears to be no man made influence. Ballybunion is a course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build a golf course. I consider it a true test of golf". Ballybunion is recognised for its fine development of the natural terrain. With large sand dunes and an Atlantic backdrop, Ballybunion offers the golfer an exciting round of golf in a scenically beautiful location. President Clinton recently played Ballybunion on his recent historic visit to Ireland (1998). Course Name: Cashen Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,477 SSS: 70 The challenge of laying out the Ballybunion Cashen course was never going to be easy especially as it would always be compared to the Old course. The land on which it is situated is as spectacular as the Old Course and like the Old Course it contains many great holes, particularly the par fives. If you come to Ballybunion to play the Old Course and pass up on the opportunity to play Cashen, you will have missed a great links. Taken together they must be considered to be the finest 36 holes of golf in one place anywhere. Directions
3 km south of Ballybunion
Once in Ballybunion, take the Sandhill Road. It is about 2 miles out this road. It is very well signposted from here. | | Old Head of Kinsale
Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 21 4774722
Fax: +353 (0) 21 4773114 Course Name: Old Head Golf Links Holes: 9 Yardage: 7,127 SSS: 72 The Old Head Golf Links is a spectacular development, being situated on an Atlantic promontory that rises several hundred feet out of the sea. Surrounded by cliffs and ocean, Old Head affords dramatic views. The most remarkable holes are those running along the cliff tops with their awesome views and shots that carry across the cliffs. Old Head Golf Links is laid out in two loops of nine and is unrivalled for its location. Direction:
Go into Cork city, Go through the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, you will see a roundabout. You go straight through the roundabout and you will be on the kinsale road, you drive for about 12 miles on this road, you will pass through two villages. The second village Belgooley, You go up the hill just after the village. You will come to a pub 'The Huntsman Bar' on the left. Turn right and then the next left. Down this road you come to a T-junction. Take a right and the club is 2nd on the left. | | Killarney Golf Club
Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.
Email: reservations@killarney-golf.com
Web: http://www.killarney-golf.com
Tel: +353 (0) 64 31034
Fax: +353 (0) 64 33065 Course Name: Killeen Holes: 18 Yardage: 7,123 SSS: 72 Course Name: Mahoney's Point Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,781 SSS: 71 After the rough and tumble challenge of the traditional Irish links courses, the tranquil beauty and somewhat gentler pace of Killarney's two classic parkland courses offer a welcome respite. Mahoney's Point and Killeen course are located by the famous Lakes of Killarney in the shadow of the McGillycuddy Reeks. Killeen was the venue of the 1991 and 1992 Irish Open when Nick Faldo triumphed both years, and the 1996 Curtis Cup. Lord Castlerosse, an avid golfer, whose interest in horticulture is evidenced by the wonderful shrubbery of the grounds, originally made the wooded parkland available. Directions
From the Castle Island Road, coming into Killarney, you will come to a roundabout. Take the third exit. You will the come to the second roundabout, take the 2nd exit (straight through). The club is 1 mile down this road down this road to the left. | | Tralee Golf Club
Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
Email: info@traleegolfclub.com
Web: http://www.traleegolfclub.com
Tel: +353 (0) 66 7136379
Fax: +353 (0) 66 7136008 Course Name: Tralee Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,856 SSS: 71 The present Tralee Golf Club was the first course designed by Arnold Palmer in Ireland or Europe and many would say his finest. So enthused was Arnold Palmer by the location, long before made famous by the filming of Ryan's Daughter on the local beach that he said, "I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course. I am happy we have one of the world's great links here". Tralee Golf Club boasts a view of the Atlantic from every hole in this stunning setting. Directions
Coming from Killarney- avoid going through Tralee town by taking a right at first traffic lights (after going through two roundabouts)
At the third lights after that first turn, there is a sign for Fenit (route 558)
About half a mile further on there is a turnoff for Fenit to the left.
Next pointer will be the Oyster Tavern at Spa. About a quarter of a mile beyond the tavern is a fork and you will go straight to Barrow. | | Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland.
Email: secretary@portmarnockgolfclub.ie
Web: http://www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie
Tel: +353 (0) 1 8462968
Fax: +353 (0) 1 8462061 Course Name: Portmarnock Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,680 SSS: 73 Portmarnock is one of the finest golf links in Ireland. Though the landscape is relatively flat, each hole has its own individual character, the total of which is a memorable challenging golf links, regarded as a classic worldwide. Portmarnock is surrounded by water on three sides and is unique in the no two successive holes play in the same direction, thus making judgment of the wind all the more difficult. More important golf tournaments have been held at Portmarnock than any other Irish course. The British Amateur, The Walker Cup and Canada Cup have all been held here. But it is perhaps the Irish Open and the illustrious list of winners at Portmarnock, including Ben Crenshaw, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Jose Maria Olazabal, that most people came to know the Portmarnock Golf Club. Directions
From Malahide, take the R106, from the town which leads directly to the golf club. The club is on the left. | | Druids Glen
Newtownmountkennedy,County Wicklow, Ireland
E-mail: Druids@indigo.ie
Web: http://www.druidsglen.ie
Tel: +353 (0) 1 2873600
Fax: +353 (0) 1 2873699 Course Name: Druids Glen Holes: 18 Yardage: 7,026 SSS: 74 Druids Glen Golf Club's name originates from the fact the fact that a Druids Altar (stone altar of pre-Christian worship in Ireland) stands on a hillside overlooking the 12th green. But do not let this deter you from visiting a golf club that many argue is the best inland course in Ireland and venue for the Irish Open from 1996 to 1999. From the first to the eighteenth, each hole has an individual appeal and the mystique of Druids Glen creates an exceptional golf experience. Most memorable of all the holes is the aptly name 13th, The Snake Hole, a par 4 that begins from an elevated tee box and then meanders through a gorge before arriving at the green which is protected by a lake. Directions
Take the N11 from Dublin (Bray Road). When you come to Newtownmountkennedy, you keep going straight through, the club is just of the N11, south of Newtownmountkennedy. | | The K Club
Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland
E-mail: golf@kclub.ie
Web: http://www.kclub.ie
Tel: +353 (0) 1 6017300
Fax: +353 (0) 1 6017399 Course Name: K Club Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,650 SSS: 74 The K Club has been the venue for the European Championship since 1994 and will the venue for The Ryder Cup in 2005, the first time it will be held in Ireland. Developed at considerable cost the facilities are excellent. The K Club is located on a 330 acre wooded estate through which the river Liffey meanders and features on many holes. On other holes, man made water hazards have been included and with clever course layout the K Club presents a tough challenge. Directions
From Dublin City (17 miles)
Take the N7 (Naas Road). Go as far as Kill Village (Village on the left). Turn right at the lights, Drive for 3 miles To a T junction. Turn right at the t-junction. Half a mile down the road turn left. The hotel is 1 mile down this road. | | Royal Dublin Golf Club
Bull Island, Dollymount, Dublin, Ireland
E-mail: royaldublin@clubi.ie
Tel: +353 (0) 1 8336346
Fax: +353 (0) 1 8336504 Course Name: Royal Dublin Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,680 SSS: 73 Royal Dublin Golf Club is one of the most historic and oldest in Ireland. Royal Dublin is unique in that Bull Island on which it is located 'grew' out of the Irish Sea after a sea wall was built in the harbour against which sand collected to form the island. Located just four miles from the center of Dublin, the island is accessed by a wooden bridge. The Irish Open was held at Royal Dublin in 1983, 1984 and 1985 and was the scene of memorable contests between Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer particularly the play off in 1985. Directions:
Follow the signs to Fairview, Keep going on straight, you will be on the coast road. The sea will be to your right. 2 miles form fair view (you will be able to see the Bull Island), There will be a sign for the golf club. Turn right over the wooden bridge and you will be in the golf club. | | The Island Golf Club
Donabate, County Dublin, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 1 8436462
Fax: +353 (0) 1 8436860 Course Name: The Island Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,650 SSS: 72 For a long time the only way to get to The Island Links was by boat before a causeway road was built. The golf links are located in sand dunes more similar to that found on the north, west or southwest coasts of Ireland than its east coast. The result is not surprisingly a course with a raw links feel with many elevation changes. The natural defenses here mean there is little requirement for bunkers or other man made hazards. The course is gaining deservedly in reputation and was the venue for the 1999 PGA Championship of Ireland. If in the Dublin area this course should be on your list. Directions:
Head towards the Belfast Road, you will see a sign for Donabate. Turn right here. Drive for about 5 mins down this road and you will see the sign for the Island Golf club, turn right here. The golf club is a few hundred metres down this road. | | Portmarnock Hotel and Country Club
Portmarnock, County Dublin,Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 1 8460611
Fax: +353 (0) Course Name: Portmarnock Links Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,680 SSS: 73 Though very young by Irish golf links standards, Portmarnock Links is quickly gaining a reputation as fine golf layout. Bernhard Langer and associate Stan Eby designed a classic golf links. Good use of sand dunes, elevated tees and greens and ninety-eight strategically positioned bunkers combine to provide a tough but fair golf challenge. Bernhard Langer remarked, "There are very few locations in Europe which could have allowed me the opportunity and landscape to design such a classic championship golf links." Ireland's Darren Clarke is the current professional at Portmarnock Links. Directions:
The European Club, Brittas Bay, County Wicklow, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 404 47415
Fax: +353 (0) 404 47449 | | Mount Juliet Golf Club
Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 56 73000
Fax: +353 (0) 56 73019 Course Name: Mount Juliet: Holes: 18 Yardage: 6,700 SSS: 72 Mount Juliet Golf Club is situated in a wooded estate through which the river Nore flows and feature on six holes. It had the distinction of hosting the Irish Open from 1993 to 1995. Mount Juliet will be the venue for the WGC American Express Championship in September 2002. Strategic bunkering a hallmark of Nicklaus designs ensure the golf course will test the best of golfers. The resort also features a luxury hotel and nearby Kilkenny city offers many visitor attractions. Directions:
From Dublin go down the N7 (Naas Road) to Kilkenny. Before you come to Kilkenny, there is a turn for Thomastown, Take this turn and the golf club is on this road. Enter Via the Thomastown gate. | |
