Custom Ireland golf vacations
Outrageous natural beauty and a charming brand of hospitality dominate Ireland’s golf scene.
As with much of Ireland’s history, its golfing history is heavily influenced by the nation’s complex relationship with their neighbours across the Irish Sea.
Many Irish golf links have roots associated with British garrisons from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Courses were built near garrison or naval bases as British army members longed for a familiar pastime. As a result, the most famous Irish courses are spaced farther apart than in other top golf destinations like Scotland and England—often several hours of coastline between them—and the vast majority of golf groups find themselves driving around the country in a counter-clockwise loop.
That golf was so closely linked to high society in Scotland and England gave the start of the Irish game a distinctly British flavour. However, while the origins and culture of the sport on the Emerald Isle have a lot in common with the Scots and English, the courses themselves usually have next to none. Where Scotland is typified by subtle and rumpled linksland, the Irish version tends to be significantly more brash and dramatic. Huge dunes frame fairways and the landscape of an Irish links would rarely be described as subtle.
The west coast of Ireland and down into the Ring of Kerry dominates the majority of golf itineraries, with the Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee, Waterville acting as tentpoles. Old Head arrived on the scene 30 years ago as a singular course on one of the most dramatic pieces of land in the world.
Northern Ireland has ballooned in popularity over the past ~15 years as Belfast and the North have become more approachable in people’s minds and the mystique behind Royal County Down and Royal Portrush attract thousands of visitors per year. There is a solid next tier of golf in the north as well. One of the best long weekends to be spent playing the sport could take place in the two hour drive between Portstewart and Newcastle.
The North Coast of the Republic of Ireland is likely the least discussed, which is a shame. Tourists are increasingly exploring the northwest, and following the rugged coastline towards Northern Ireland to play the likes of Carne, Enniscrone, Rosapenna, and several more under-the-radar gems.
Lastly, golf in the Dublin area offers some extreme highs—and if rumours are true, a Dublin venue just might make history the first Open Championship host outside of the UK within the next decade. Portmarnock Golf Club is the absolute pick of the litter here, but The Island, Royal Dublin, and the ascendant resort at Jameson Links are all within roughly half an hour of Dublin. The good news for city goers: there is a place on a great golf itinerary for the country’s capital.
If you’re on the hunt for hidden gems specifically, the Dublin area and the northern coast of the county should be your focus. These two regions offer the highest density of less discovered destinations.