A Golfer's Guide to Ireland: Swing By These Spots
- Dakota Murphey
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ireland’s reputation as a golfer’s paradise is well and truly deserved. The stunning links courses on the coast, the landlocked luxury resorts and the rural greens nestled within cascading hilltops, means the Emerald Isle offers something for every player.
For those serious about and committed to improving their game while experiencing one of the world’s most scenic countries, they’re spoiled for choice. This guide is here to help you by offering a closer look at six destinations which should be at the top of your list as a golfer. What’s more, with a private, personalised tour from Little Gem Tours, you can experience some of them in truly exquisite style and comfort.
Ashford Castle
Nestled on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ashford Castle stands as Ireland's most magnificent golfing retreat, once owned by the esteemed Guinness family. This 13th-century castle, recently showcased in Netflix's Guinness: The Story of Ireland's Greatest Dynasty, offers far more than a round of golf, however. It takes you on an immersive journey into the rich and storied history of Ireland.
The castle's golfing spaces are perfectly integrated into its 350-acre estate, where manicured fairways wind through ancient woodlands and along the shimmering lake. After a round of nine, you can dine at the adjacent kitchen from award-winning chef Liam Finnegan, featuring many seasonal ingredients foraged from the castle’s grounds. If you’re stopping for the night, the individual suites offer panoramic, picturesque views across Lough Corrib.
Ashford boasts facilities and features that are bound to entice any keen sportsperson, further emphasising why it’s a must-visit. Imagine playing nine holes in the morning, before spending the afternoon indulging in the in-house spa (which was voted Ireland's Best Hotel Spa eight years running), or some clay pigeon shooting or even archery. Hard to say no, really.
As part of Little Gem Tours' bespoke packages, Ashford Castle embodies exactly what a private Irish tour should encompass (premium facilities wrapped and intertwined in authentic and respectful heritage), but especially if you’re into the beautiful game of golf.
Lahinch Golf Club
Known as the "St Andrews of Ireland," Lahinch's Old Course offers players the chance to soak in the finest coastal scenery Ireland has to offer. The club’s famous par-5 fifth hole, “Klondyke,” requires players to hit a blind shot over a vast dune, a challenge which has tested many golfers over the years. Not only that, but Lahinch is especially appealing as it challenges every aspect of your game whilst remaining playable for ambitious mid-handicappers looking to elevate their skills.
Ballybunion Golf Club
Consistently ranked as Ireland's finest golf links course, Ballybunion's Old Course is a place for a few rounds as part of a wider pilgrimage.
Perched on the Kerry coastline, this renowned course features towering dunes and challenging holes that have tested everyone from Rory McIlroy to Bill Clinton (to the point where there’s a statue of him in the village). The wild, rugged surrounding greenery solidifies Ballybunion as a links course as nature intended it – both challenging and enriching.
Adare Manor Hotel and Resort
The course at Adare Manor in County Limerick (which underwent a dramatic redesign at the behest of Tom Fazio) has quickly established itself as one of Europe's most prestigious venues. Host to the 2027 Ryder Cup, this parkland course offers a more manicured alternative to Ireland's wild links, with pristine conditions, challenging holes, and dramatic features, including SubAir systems under the greens. This is one of numerous clubs in Ireland that now incorporate innovative golf simulators as part of their membership experiences. Therefore, allowing members to use cutting-edge, sophisticated golf tracking software, monitors, and training aids to analyse specific aspects of their game and get the most out of their golf practice time, all year-round, regardless of the inclement weather that hits Ireland regularly.
Portmarnock Golf Club
Just north-east of Dublin, Portmarnock represents a true links course on rolling ground with an abundance of soft dunes. This championship course has hosted numerous Irish Opens over the years, and remains a favourite amongst professionals for its layout, conditioning and scenery.
The course's peninsular setting means wind is always a factor, teaching players to work the ball in ways that will transform their game.
Old Head Golf Links
Few courses worldwide can match Old Head in terms of pure spectacle and enrichment. Built on a promontory jutting into the Atlantic near Kinsale, this course delivers breathtaking views at every single hole on the green. Whilst not a traditional links course, Old Head offers a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience where concentration is constantly tested by the crashing waves 300 feet below.
Your Personalised Irish Golfing Journey
One of the many perks of exploring the many golf courses dotted throughout the tiny island of Ireland is that you have the opportunity to make it truly memorable. Your expert local driver-guide with Little Gem Tours can craft an itinerary that balances what you want to see in a feasible and non-exhausting timeframe, ensuring you get to see all the rich golfing heritage that the country boasts in spades. Fundamentally, however, you’ll be doing it at a healthy pace.
From the regal splendour of Ashford Castle to the wild beauty of Ballybunion, Ireland's golf courses offer serious players the chance to test their skills against some of the world's most challenging and beautiful layouts, all within a country that measures 300 miles from top to bottom.
Ready to book your next adventure? Look no further than Little Gem Tours. Get in touch with us today and let’s see what memories we can help create for you!
_____________________________________________________
Author bio
Dakota Murphey is a writer with a passion for exploring the world and capturing its beauty through her lens. She specialises in travel, photography, and sustainability, offering insightful and inspiring content to her readers. Her work with Little Gem Tours focuses on highlighting the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
