GOLF’s experts rated six golf courses in Ireland among the finest globally, with one ranking in the top 10, three in the top 25, and five in the top 50.
Spanning only 302 miles from north to south, Ireland offers picturesque journeys by car. Its 1,990 miles of coastline make it a prime destination for links golf, with most courses welcoming players year-round.
Royal County Down, located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, holds the prestigious title of Ireland’s highest-rated course, securing the 6th spot on GOLF’s renowned list. For a detailed exploration of County Down and to discover the other outstanding Irish courses honored, continue reading below.
Listing the Best Golf Courses in Ireland
Royal County Down in Newcastle, Northern Ireland
- Address: 36 Golf Links Rd, Newcastle BT33 0AN, United Kingdom
- Established: 1889, 135 years ago
The journey of this design spanning over 130 years is truly captivating, resulting in what many regard as the finest front nine in the game. It’s characterized by intriguing blind tee shots, notably at holes 2, 5, and 9. On the back nine, a notable feature that was recently removed was a natural pond located 100 yards before the 17th green. George Combe, a member, deserves significant credit for Royal County Down (RCD) as he guided the course through the transition to the rubber core Haskell ball 120 years ago.
Interestingly, 40% of the top 15 golf courses globally, including Pine Valley, Oakmont, Royal Dornoch, Pebble Beach, and Merion, owe much of their essence to individuals who built only a few other courses. Such designs have their distinct identities, with County Down being further enhanced by breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea, the Mountains of Mourne, and the red-brick steeple of the Slieve Donard Hotel.
Royal Portrush in Portrush, Northern Ireland
- Address: Dunluce Rd, Portrush BT56 8JQ, United Kingdom
The Open Championship has been hosted by only one course outside of England and Scotland, consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 courses. Its enduring acclaim is owed to a remarkable 1929 design by H.S. Colt, ingeniously utilizing the high dunes bordering the Irish Sea. In 2019, the golfing community witnessed the debut of two new holes during the Open: the 7th and 8th, replacing the former, less captivating 17th and 18th holes.
Both front and back nines hug the cliff line, offering breathtaking views. The pinnacle of excitement arrives at the 5th hole, as it curves right towards a two-tiered green nestled against the cliff. Many holes require strategic play, with fairways bending in different directions, making the choice of club crucial. Negotiating the twisting fairways and approaching Colt’s angled greens from the optimal side of the fairway are key to success.
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Ballybunion in Ballybunion, Ireland
Nestled between towering sandhills and the Atlantic Ocean lies this hidden gem in Southwest Ireland. Renowned golf writer Herbert Warren Wind described it as “nothing less than the finest seaside course I have ever seen,” while five-time Open champion Tom Watson hailed it as “one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere.”
Seven years ago, greenkeeper John Bambury embarked on a mission to transform the poa greens into fine fescue and revive the traditional running game. His dedication has paid off, resulting in pristine playing conditions. The course boasts world-class holes, including the challenging 470-yard 11th, which slopes downhill to a green nestled between two dunes, and the picturesque 210-yard 15th, framed by the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
St. Patrick’s Links in Rosapenna, Ireland
- Address: Rosapenna Golf Resort, Sheephaven Bay, Carrickart, Co. Donegal, Ireland
The southwest region of Ireland boasts legendary links courses like Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Waterville, all nestled among the ancient sand dunes formed over millennia along the west coast. These courses showcase some of the most impressive natural landforms in the game.
In the northwest county of Donegal, St. Patrick’s Golf Course is poised to join the ranks of these renowned courses, attracting golfers eager to experience the exhilaration of playing amidst towering dunes and challenging winds. Despite opening as recently as 2021, the course exudes a timeless quality, a testament to the thoughtful routing and skilled craftsmen who shaped it.
The intricate green contours on holes like 5, 10, 11, and 17 add to the course’s allure, enhancing the overall playing experience. Both casual players and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the unique features that make the longest par-4s (9, 11, and 16) a delight to play.
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Old Lahinch in Lahinch, Ireland
- Address: Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
The collaboration between Old Tom Morris’ original 1893 design, Alister MacKenzie’s 1927 enhancements, notably the 9th green, and Martin Hawtree’s bold 2003 expansion into the imposing dunes, creates a golf course that seamlessly combines beauty, challenge, and enjoyment. It stands as a quintessential example of Irish tourism, with its rugged dunes and the majestic Cliffs of Moher nearby. Remarkably, the golfing experience matches the breathtaking setting, with an outstanding collection of two-shot holes that traverse the landscape in various captivating ways.
Portmarnock Old in Portmarnock, Ireland
As you approach Dublin airport, take a moment to glance out the window for a glimpse of one of the most enchanting golf course settings imaginable: Portmarnock. Nestled among gentle dunes at the tip of a peninsula, the course exudes a sense of tranquility and isolation, despite being only 7 miles from the bustling capital city. Portmarnock has hosted legendary champions like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, and Ian Woosnam, who claimed victories at the Irish Opens held here.
Arnold Palmer once praised the 15th hole as one of the finest par-3s in golf, but the shorter 12th hole on the same side is equally remarkable. Prepare yourself for impeccably fast and pure playing conditions, unmatched by many other courses. And don’t overlook the third nine, known as the Yellow Nine, for another delightful golfing experience at Portmarnock.
