Golfing in Ireland

Ireland offers golfers the complete package with top championship courses, stunning scenery, fascinating history and some of the best craic (good fun) around

Irish Heritage

From ancient Neolithic monuments to 20th-century troubles, Ireland enjoys a rich heritage and an exceptionally compelling history.

Only in Ireland! The sand dunes at Castlerock Golf Club in County Londonderry were inhabited during the Neolithic and early Bronze Ages and the links is protected under the Historic Monuments Act. How’s that for a slice of history while you play your round? No matter where you go in this fascinating land, you’ll come face to face with some aspect of Ireland’s history and heritage, which dates back to around 7000BC.

The Challenge

Challenge your perceptions as well as your golf and find out why Ireland is one of the leading destinations in the world for a golfing break.

Ireland is justifiably famous for a number of things – the people, the scenery and the sights. It’s also one of the world’s leading destinations for golf. A golfing trip to the Emerald Isle will not only convince you of Ireland’s golf pedigree, it will also challenge any perceptions you had about the quality of the great game in Ireland. Internationally, Ireland’s commitment to golf was rewarded with the staging of the Ryder Cup 2006, and was also named International Golf Destination of the Year 2004 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. With over 400 golf clubs including a third of the world’s natural links courses, and a slew of exceptional championships courses in spectacular locations, it’s no wonder that Ireland attracts over 240,000 golfers from all over the globe each year. This year, why not join them…

The Cuisine

After you’ve worked up an appetite on the course, treat your taste buds to some exceptional Irish cuisine, from seaside pub food to fine-dining delights.

Ireland may be famous for its sparkling atmosphere, sensational scenery and fascinating history, but the Emerald Isle has also become one of Europe’s top places to enjoy spectacular food. Many of Ireland’s top golf resorts are also home to some of the country’s top fine-dining spots, so make sure to sample some of the top cuisine that’s making the country a favourite amongst the food cognoscenti. With wonderfully fresh seafood, excellent local ingredients, Michelin-starred restaurants and the internationally acclaimed gourmet county of Cork, Ireland is a top destination for food lovers.

The Irish 19th

From traditional old pubs in secluded villages to the golfer’s clubhouse perched on high, the Irish know how to enjoy themselves!

Walk into any country pub and you won’t hear the sounds of slot machines or overbearing music – you’re more likely to be greeted with a busy hum of chat, the crackling of real fires and the clinking of pints. Part of the pleasure of golfing in Ireland is being able to enjoy a warm welcome and the legendary ‘craic’ (good fun). From a traditional music session in a secluded rural pub to top gourmet grub in a stylish urban bar, you’ll find the atmosphere absolutely unbeatable. And if you don’t want to stray too far from the course, don’t worry – the clubhouse, otherwise known as the Irish 19th, is a great place to trade stories with other golfers and relax post-match with a couple of well-deserved pints!

Golf events

For pure atmosphere, stunning surroundings and top-class golf, make sure to check out one of the many events taking place in Ireland.

In 2006, Ireland hosted the Ryder Cup at the K Club in County Kildare and in 2011, Killeen Castle, County Meath is set to host the Solheim Cup. These incredible championship events have sealed Ireland’s fate as a world-class destination for the golfing greats and those with a hankering to be just that. But while it’s easy to focus on these behemoths of golfing competitions, there is a huge selection of top quality events taking place across the island every year. From April to October, Ireland’s golfing scene hots up with golf’s best known-names treading the greens, and open weeks and events are all listed on the Golfing Union of Ireland website under Open Fixtures. Sample some of the events for yourself.

Discover Ireland

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Golfing in Ireland