Adare Golf Club

Adare Golf Club was designed by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and offers a magnificent parkland layout. It is an American-style course, with rock walled streams, undulating greens, and Jones's signature cloverleaf bunkers. A 14-acre lake dominates the outward nine holes while the River Maigue meanders its way through a wooded back nine. Its testing design and manicured greens have assured Adare's position as one of the finest Irish inland courses.

Ballybunion

Located on the northwest coast of County Kerry, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find two wonderfully challenging and unique links golf courses at Ballybunion -- the Old Course and the Cashen Course. The Old Course exudes a majestic feel, with its beautifully contoured fairways that tumble down through a blanket of grassy dunes. These challenging holes have been consistently rated among the top courses in the world. The Trent Jones Cashen Course, located along the sweeping, undisturbed shoreline, offers breathtaking views throughout. There is a wild look to the place. Long grass covers the dunes that pitch and roll throughout the course. Whatever your choice, every hole, every hazard and every shot is defined by nature's infinite presence.

Ballyliffin

Ireland's most "northerly" club, Ballyliffin boasts two championship links courses: The Old Links and Glashedy Links. The Old Links undulates in the glory of its natural terrain, presenting an immensely enjoyable challenge to every golfer. Nick Faldo, one of Europe's most successful golfers, worked to refine the Old Links and it is a fantastic course. The new Glashedy Links is fashioned around the dunes, and is already notorious for its peat riveted bunkers and its opening three challenging par fours. You will not easily forget the expansive panoramic views of countryside, coastline and ocean savored by these magnificent links courses.

Baltray (County Louth Golf Club)

County Louth Golf Club or "Baltray" as it is more affectionately known is situated 4 miles from the historic town of Drogheda at the mouth of the river Boyne. With the river to the south and the Irish Sea to the east, this is links golf at is very best, with only the muted murmur of a ships engine to break the sounds of nature, as it quietly wends its way up river to the port. Golf Digest rated it among the top 100 courses in the world -- a "hidden gem." Sometimes ferocious and other times benign, it provides competition for all handicaps. In today's language it could well be described as "user friendly.”

Carne

Carne in North Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland lies in magnificent unspoiled sand dunes overlooking Blacksod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean near the town of Belmullet. Erris in North Mayo is famed the world over for its golf course and white sandy Atlantic beaches that stretch for miles. Carne Golf Links was the last links course to be designed by the late Eddie Hackett and it is now believed by many who have played it to be his greatest challenge.

Castlerock

Set among the rolling sand dunes of Northern Ireland’s north coast, Castlerock Golf Club’s scenic qualities embrace the river Bann flowing out to the Atlantic and also views of Donegal on a clear day. The Championship Mussenden Course is a par 73 with five par 5's, four par 3's, and nine par 4's. The best-known hole is the fourth, called the Leg o'Mutton, a 200 yard par 3 with a railway line to the right, a burn to the left, and a raised green. Additionally the 9 hole Bann course has widened the appeal of the club and contains a par 5 that has been described as "one of the most scenic holes in Irish golf."

Connemara

Nestled between the splendor of the 12 Bens mountain range and the rugged Atlantic Ocean lies Connemara Golf Links. From the testing dog-leg opening hole through the breathtaking back 9, which have been acknowledged as the "equal to any in the world," Connemara is an enduring monument to its designer Eddie Hackett. The unveiling in the year 2000 of an additional 9 holes hugging the sea shore adds a further dimension to the exhilarating Connemara golfing experience.

County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point

Designed by Harry Colt in 1927, the Championship Course has all the dignity and maturity of age. Benbulben Mountain competes with the Atlantic Ocean for scenic splendor, as you factor the breeze from the sea into your game; the 3rd, 5th, 10th and 14th holes have very satisfying downhill drives to compensate.

Dingle

The 6,690-yard par 72 layout was co-designed by Eddie Hackett and Christy O'Connor Jr. The architects moved virtually no earth, laying down a route over the land as they found it, using the tall grasses, mounds and environmental areas to good advantage in a simple, straight-forward plan. The most westerly hole is the 200-yard 10th, a beast of a pronounced uphill par 3 to a green with a sharp front and a large dune directly behind. Way out here just off the Atlantic, you can count on strong winds.

Donegal

Designed by the legendary course architect, Eddie Hackett, Donegal Golf Club is continually featured in Golf World's top 100 courses in Ireland and Great Britain. Nick Faldo played here in preparation for his third victory in the Irish Open. Screened from the outside world by a forest of evergreens, it is one of the longest links in Ireland and Britain.

Dooks

This traditional links course gives enjoyment and challenge without resorting to undue length, and so for the golfer who is seeking a beautiful and tranquil environment to enjoy good golf, Dooks presents a convincing case. Hole #13 best illustrates the charm and magic of Dooks. It is a throw-back hole to the time when golf began. Greens lay where they fell, and were the better for it. Dating back to 1889, Dooks is set on stretches of sand dunes at the head of the Dingle Bay. Just a few miles away the whitewashed houses of Cromane Fishing Village provide an eye catching distraction, and eastwards are the famed McGillicuddys Reeks (mountains).

Doonbeg

Doonbeg Golf Club officially opened in 2002, and was immediately designated as Golf Digest’s “Best New International Course.” In 2010 it held the prestigious title of European Golf Resort Of The Year (awarded by the IAGTO). With a breathtaking location matched with distinctive services and facilities, Doonbeg’s unique accommodations and close proximity to Shannon Airport make it one of the world’s most desirable golf destinations. The fairways and greens consist of native grasses, including fine fescues, bentgrass, and ryegrass.

Druids Glen

Known as "The Augusta of Europe,” this famous course was designed by Pat Ruddy & Tom Craddock and opened in 1995. Just a year after opening, Druids Glen hosted the Irish Open for four years in a row. Also, Druids Glen has hosted the prestigious Seve Trophy, a bi-annual event between the leading Tour Players of Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe.

Enniscrone

Situated beside the picturesque seaside town of Enniscrone (also spelled Inniscrone), the golf course affords panoramic views of Killala Bay, Bartra Island and sandy beaches with Nephin and the Ox Mountains forming the backdrop. 

Founded in 1918, redesigned by Eddie Hackett in 1974 and by Donald Steel in 2001, this Irish championship course is one of Ireland's finest authentic golf links. Apart from the championship links  known as The Dunes, there is also the splendid 9 hole Scurmore course.

European Club

The links of the European Club has developed into one of Ireland's finest links golf courses in a relatively short period of time. There is usually one reason and one reason only for this rapid progression to "must play" status and that reason is quality, a trait that is inherent at the European Club. The combination of rugged dunes, deep bunkers, sea breezes, and large undulating greens calls on the golfer to display strength of character, an ability to think, and shot making skills.

Fota Island

The splendid woodlands are woven into three challenging championship courses, which feature strategically placed bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. At the beginning of 1998 Fota Island Golf Club, under the direction of Jeff Howes Golf Designs, upgraded to European tour standards. Following an 18-month multi-million Euro program that saw the rebuilding of all 18 greens and the redesign of several holes, the course reopened in Sept. 1999.  This paid dividends with the Deerpark Course playing host to the Irish Open in 2001 & 2002.

The Island

A mere 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, the championship links course at The Island Golf Club is located across the estuary from Malahide, just North of Portmarnock. The Island Golf Club was established in 1890 and enjoys a unique setting surrounded by sea on three sides. As recently as 1973 the club was approached by boat. Golf Digest voted The Island the 11th best Links Course in Ireland in 2011.

K Club

At 6,776 yards from the whites (7,159 from the back), this par 72 jewel is arguably Arnold Palmer's best design, featuring wide, flat bunkers; water everywhere; modest elevation changes on the back 9; and beautiful vistas of the hotel and grounds, particularly at the signature 7th hole, a magnificent 600 yard hole that winds along the Liffey to a green on a small island in the river. A 19th century iron bridge crosses one branch of the river and connects the fairway to the green.

Portmarnock

Founded in 1894, Portmarnock is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world. With a rich history closely aligned to the progression of golf in Ireland, Portmarnock has hosted many professional and amateur events, including multiple Irish Open Championships, the Walker Cup, and the Irish Amateur Close Championship. From Sam Snead to Seve Ballesteros, some of golf's best known names have tested their skills on this north county Dublin sand spit. In 2009, Golf Digest magazine ranked Portmarnock Golf Club the best golf course in Ireland.

Lahinch

Playing the Old Course at Lahinch just a week before winning the 2009 Open Championship, Stewart Cink came away smitten with the club. The "first 10 holes at Lahinch are some of the coolest links holes I've ever played," Cink said. His comments only solidify Lahinch's status among the top links golf courses, not only in Ireland, but in the world. Phil Mickelson rates Lahinch among his all-time favorite links layouts. Lahinch is a traditional, out-and-back links and is a true classic; you'll relish every moment, especially the unique challenges of the par 5 4th followed by a blinding par 3 amid the dunes.

The Links Portmarnock

The Links Portmarnock is a championship links designed by Bernhard Langer and opened for play in 1995. It has hosted many top class amateur and professional events, including the 2008 & 2009 Ladies Irish Open. The Jameson family’s private golf course, developed in 1858, was one of the earliest courses in Ireland and stretched along the dunes from here to the 15th hole at Portmarnock Golf Club. Bernhard Langer affectionately incorporated part of the original layout in his design of this championship links. The use of dunes and natural terrain should please the most ardent links purists. Elevated tees and greens, blind approaches and doglegs, not to mention typical links sea breezes, keep you thinking through every round.

Lough Erne

The Lough Erne Resort is the golf touring home to the 2011 U.S. Open Champion Rory McIlroy and to two wonderful Championship Golf Courses, including The Faldo Course, designed by six-time Major winner Nick Faldo. Golfweek voted Lough Erne Resort among the top 10 Best of Great Britain and Ireland's Modern Classic Golf Courses, 2011. The Faldo Championship Golf Course is an exciting challenge for golfers of all abilities, featuring 18 spectacular golf holes. Situated between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, 14 of the holes have water in play, highlighted by the iconic 10th hole, "Emerald Isle," where the green is surrounded on three sides by water.

Luttrellstown Castle

This 18-hole championship golf course is unique, not only because it is so close to Dublin, but because it has an amazing parkland palette from which to work -- gentle rolling countryside with lakes and ancient trees that make this an incredible course. It was designed by Tom MacKenzie and Donald Steel whose work includes Turnberry, St Andrews, and Royal St. Georges. The unique and custom-built practice facilities include a driving range, short game area, and a three-hole short course designed to sharpen the wedge game.

Mt. Juliet

The beautiful and challenging Mount Juliet golf course, which opened in 1991, is a premier golfing venue for top professionals and leisure golfers. Chosen as the first and only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Ireland, the “Golden Bear” was meticulous about his design and oversaw the construction of this great creation. Tigers Woods said that Mount Juliet presented “perfect fairways … and the best greens we have putted on all year.”

Old Head

Old Head Golf Links is built on a diamond of land, jutting over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Old Head, par 72, comprises five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s – stretching to over 7,200 yards from the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and the high handicapper alike.

Portstewart

Founded in 1894 and redesigned by Willie Park Jr. in the 1920s this championship links course received its greatest makeover with the purchase of land known as “Thistly Hollow” in 1981. This enabled the club to build a new seven holes through towering dunes and fabulous and natural links land. Designed by local Des Giffin, the Strand Course is the jewel in the Portstewart portfolio.

Rathsallagh

Located just south of Dublin and home to important domestic tournaments, Rathsallagh is regarded as one of the best parkland courses in Ireland.  Several lakes and small streams meander their way across the fairways creating a USPGA feel about the design, and the greens are immaculate to putt on. Or as one visitor commented recently - like putting on velvet. The undulating countryside creates the perfect golf terrain; it is a great test for golfers but is fair to all.

Rosapenna

The Old Tom Morris Links has been attracting golfers for over a century and now, with the addition of the magnificent Sandy Hills Links , Rosapenna is set to become one of the top links destinations in the world. Both links courses provide a true seaside challenge for all levels of players. 

Royal County Down

Royal County Down is located in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, so beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who stray from the prescribed path. The ninth hole is one of the most photographed holes in the world of golf. A 486 yard par-4, it is played from one side of a huge mound down to a fairway some 60 ft below and 260 yards from the tee.

Royal Dublin

Founded in 1885, The Royal Dublin Golf Club is Ireland's second oldest golf club. It is a private members' club with a warm welcome for the many visitors who wish to experience links golf in one of Europe's finest capital cities. Designed originally by the legendary Harry Colt, the links was extended for the modern era in recent years under the guidance of renowned golf architect, Martin Hawtree.

Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world, the Dunluce Links, and the hidden gem, the Valley Links. The only club in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship, Royal Portrush is a members’ club that welcomes visitors all year round to face the challenges of its courses and to brave the testing conditions.

Tralee Golf Club

The Tralee was designed and built by Arnold Palmer. Smitten at first sight, Palmer would later go on record with this memorable quote: “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.” Tralee, in addition to boasting a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean from every hole, has a fully qualified resident professional, fully stocked pro shop, a spacious and comfortable restaurant and bar, and it has earned a reputation for having a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for members and visitors alike.

Waterville

Golf at Waterville is a mystical experience – the beauty of classic links land, surrounded by the sea, yet forever challenged and shaped by the elements. Over 100 years old, Waterville is rated among the top 5 courses in Ireland and the top 20 links courses in the world. Links golf combines sand dunes gorse and native grasses, firm fairways, sod faced bunkers, and subtle putting surfaces all intertwined by the ever changing weather. Forget the lob wedge. Think bump and run and creative shot making

Westport Golf Club

Westport Golf Club is a magnificent 18-hole parkland course with breath-taking views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. A comfortable opening six holes allow the foundation of a solid round to be laid before the course steps up a gear with the newly shaped 7th hole. This is quickly followed by the 8th, which also has undergone major improvements, with water front and right and a newly shaped green providing a challenge to all. Finally, there is the 18th - the new feature hole at the Carrowholly course. This is a monster par 5 with water up the right hand side culminating in another massive undulating green.