10 Best Places Where to Golf in Ireland in 2021
Ireland is listed as one of the premiere golfing destinations in the world. However, even in Ireland, there are those courses that outshine the rest as we at RunRex have discovered. Here is our list of the top 10 golf courses in the country that you should think about visiting.
- Royal County Down
The course is located at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne in Newcastle. The area enjoys quite a dry climate compared to other areas of the Emerald Isle. This course has proven quite attractive to golfing pros owing to its great quality. Pros such as Tom Watson and Tiger Woods have played at this course in preparation for the Open Championships. The biggest star in Northern Ireland today, Rory McIlroy used to play golf at this course.
- Portmarnock (Old)
The course is located just 12 miles from the city of Dublin. It has been host to many Irish Opens in the past, which is proof of its quality. This course has three nines, the Red, Blue, and Yellow. The Red and Blue are combined to make a Championship course during major golfing events. It is worth noting that the course is located along the coastline of the Howth peninsula.
- Doonbeg
The course was opened in 2002. During that time, it has gained notoriety for being both difficult and beautiful. However, the owners have conceded to the demands of their players and had some of the plots of ball-swallowing rough removed, a few bankers yanked out, and the fairways widened. The result has been that playability, especially for intermediate players has improved quite a lot. Besides that, it ensures a faster pace of each round of golf.
- Rosses Point
The links terrain at this course is a great place to golf in Ireland. Its most famous hole is the 17th hole. It calls for a bold approach over a hill shoulder and to a narrow green. The rest of the course is also quite great. The greens are some of the best you will find in Ireland.
- Adare Manor
The course is designed on the banks of the River Maigue, which meanders through the entire course. Although it does not have much drama, it has some of the best scenery of all courses in the country. There is some tight and tricky par 4s at this course. However, one of its best holes is a slender par 5 that has a tight approach shot over the river to green just below the manor house.
- Ballybunion
This place is home to some of the best links courses in Ireland. These are the Cashen Course and the Old course. The place has been around since the 19th century. However, it only came to the limelight in 1982 when Tom Watson said no one should call himself or herself a golfer until they played here. Since that time, pro golfers have been pouring here to test their skills.
- Druid’s Glen
The resort is home to one of the greatest course in Ireland, Druid’s Heath. When it comes to variety, intrigue, and color, there are few courses in the world that can compare to this course. It has one of the finest collections of par three in the country. The 12th, 8th, and 17th holes are all beautifully drenched in water. Most of the back nines at the course are laced with water. However, despite this challenge, it is always an adventure to play at the course. The 18th hole is the toughest. A par 4 climbs to a green that has the stunning clubhouse as the backdrop.
- The European Club
The course at this location has received recognition globally as the finest links course in the world. However, it can be quite challenging. If you are looking to play some muscular golf, this is the place to be. The course is especially challenging off the tee, and the views of its majestic bankers only make it more difficult. You do not want to hit offline at this course. However, the back nine are a bit easy since the beach comes into play.
- Carton House Montgomerie
At this resort, there are two world-class courses. The Montgomerie course, which was launched in 2002, is an inland link. It also happens to be the toughest course in Ireland. The course has been host to some of the biggest golfing events in Ireland such as the Irish open. While playing at his course, it is advisable to pick your tee carefully. Mark O’Meara is the designer behind this awesome golf course.
- Killeen Castle
The course is set on 600 acres of idyllic parkland with a 12th-century castle acting as the centerpiece. The place is home to one of Jack Nicklaus’ finest courses. At 7.677 yards, it also happens to be the longest course on the Island. It offers golfers five tees from which to choose, and the fairways are quite generous. At this course, there are plenty of water hazards and majestic trees. However, the spaciousness of Killeen Castle is what impresses most people.