Best golf courses in Ireland

Known as Arnold Palmer’s Jewel, Tralee Golf Club is the hidden gem amongst the best golf courses Ireland has to offer. A number of memorable holes populate this beautifully located course with the signature par 3 being the most notable. A 200-yard punch shot to battle the elements is required at the ‘The Castle’ but be warned, as the rocks and ominous sea surrounding the green have claimed many a ball in the past. How’s your links golf shot shaping?

Length: - Back tees: 6,975 - Front tees: 5,481 Par: 72 Architect: Arnold Palmer Founded: 1984 Course type: Links

There is a reason why this is Rory McIlroy’s favourite course in the world as it tops Golf Digest’s ‘World 100 Greatest Golf Courses’ in 2016. With membership being obtained by invite only, this is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to get that exclusive experience. 3 time host to the Irish Open; Royal County Down is up there with the best calibre courses and deserves it’s spot amongst the best golf courses in Ireland.

Length: - Back tees: 7,186 - Front tees: 6,249 Par: 71/76 Architect: Tom Morris Founded: 1889 Course type: Links

Located on the banks of the River Liffey, the Arnold Palmer-designed Ryder Cup 2006 host is a true homage to the game. With it being the first time the event was held in Ireland, what better way to celebrate the biggest golfing event in Irish history than for Europe to come out on top. No one can dispute that the Palmer Course is a true test of skill, and will intimidate even the most seasoned golfer.

Length: - Back tees: 7,413 - Front tees: 5,467 Par: 72 Architect: Arnold Palmer Founded: 1991 Course type: Parkland

With no two holes alike, Waterville is firmly anchored amongst the top links courses in Britain and Ireland. It has hair-raising views of Ballinskelligs Bay and the mountain range beyond that circle this remote golfing retreat. Be at one with the course as you step out the clubhouse into the 360-degree sterling panoramic view. This course really does encapsulate the Irish countryside and deserves its place in our favourites.

Length: - Back tees: 7,347 - Front tees: 5,370 Par: 72/72 Architect: Claude Harmon & Eddie Hacket Founded: 1973 Course type: Links

It is easy to see why Tom Watson is such an advocate for this incredible piece of golfing architecture being the ‘course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses’. This is a true testament to the standard of the 18 holes on Sandhill Road and eludes to their sheer quality. Dramatic changes of elevation through valleys of towering dunes and narrow contoured fairways will take you on a historical golfing journey. You’ll never have the same shot twice.

Length: - Back tees: 7,317 - Front tees: 6,476 Par: 75/72 Architect: Harry Colt Founded: 1929 Course type: Links

This exquisite golfing venue held The Open in 2019, its first time in 1951, and remains the only Irish club to host the tournament. Improved by Harry Colt in 1932 this immaculate links championship course nestles seamlessly into the landscape. The meandering fairways through rugged links terrain and unimaginable picture frame back drops are what make this course so incredible to play. Will you beat Rory McIlroy's course record of 61?

Length: - Back tees: 7,317 - Front tees: 6,476 Par: 75/72 Architect: Harry Colt Founded: 1929 Course type: Links

What can only be described as incredible, is the euphoric experience that will take your breath away as you step out onto the first tee at Old Head. Set out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean you are truly exposed to the elements. Sheer cliffs populate the diameter of the 220-acre spot of land but do not be frightened by its intimidating persona, as six tees’ per hole welcome golfers of all handicaps. In terms of aesthetics this course is unparalleled in Ireland.

Length: - Back tees: 7,100 - Front tees: 5,413 Par: 72 Architect: Ron Kirby Founded: 1997 Course type: Links

A long-lasting dream became a reality when this supremely testing golf course played host to the 2018 Irish Open. Rory McIlroy has a long-lasting relationship with the rural village in Donegal and has instilled his passion for the course into helping to obtain the championship. Enjoy some of the finest links golf available with holes weaving their way through wild sand dunes and daunting undulations. Bring your best game with you if you want to score well here.

Length: - Back tees: 6,837 - Front tees: 5,443 Par: 71 Architect: Eddie Hacket Founded: 1973 Course type: Links

At the mercy of the wind, this testing north Dublin course is considered to be the fairest links course in the world. Continuously featured amongst the best golf courses in Ireland, it comes as no surprise why, with the purest of links experiences awaiting your shot shaping artistry. The natural windblown topography has hosted a multitude of tournaments over the years including several Irish Open Championships. Don’t be disheartened here though as even the greats have ended up plugged in the beach.

Length: - Back tees: 7,466 - Front tees: 5,794 Par: 72 Architect: William Pickerman Founded: 1894 Course type: Links

A club steeped in history with golf dating back as far as 1892. However, in a more recent chapter, the Old Course underwent a transformation in 1999, evolving into the prestigious track we know and love today. Offering a great variety of holes, the magical balance of difficulty and beauty make this course one of the best in Ireland and among the greatest on the global stage.

Length: - Back tees: 7,066 - Front tees: 5,502 Par: 72 Architect: Tom Morris Founded: 1892 Course type: Links

Golf has been played on this land since 1893, fast forward to 2012 the land was acquired by the Casey family. Guided by the visionary touch of Tom Doak, the existing 36-hole layout underwent a remarkable transformation, consolidating into a singular 18-hole masterpiece. This beautiful links course provides stunning views along the coastline of Sheephaven Bay. A defining feature of St Patrick's Links is the beautiful undulating fairways, forming a canvas where each round paints a unique lie, you could play this course thousands of times and never have the same lie twice.

Length: - Back tees: 6,930 - Front tees: 5,136 Par: 71 Architect: Tom Doak Founded: Course type: Links

Situated 30 miles south of Dublin, The European Golf Club plays host to captivating scenery offering dramatic views of the Irish Sea. This links-style course was founded in 1987 and features an additional pair of par 3’s (holes 7a & 12a) making it a 20-hole course. The meticulous attention paid to this course has allowed for every blade of grass to be maintained to perfection, resulting in being rated one of the top 100 courses outside of the USA. The 18-hole track spans over 7,000 yards creating a challenging, yet rewarding par-71 designed by the legendary course architect Pat Ruddy.

Length: - Back tees: 7,355 - Front tees: 5,569 Par: 71 Architect: Pat Ruddy Founded: 1987 Course type: Links

Navigate the rolling sand dunes at this must-play championship links course that carves its way through a challenging topography surrounded by the Irish Sea. The Island Golf Club is an establishment steeped in history that is both rich and illustrious, located just a mere 15-minute drive away from Dublin airport. Ranked number 7 in Ireland and 49th across the UK this golf course is arguably one of Ireland's best-kept secrets, a course not to be overlooked on any Dublin golf tour.

Length: - Back tees: 7,045 - Front tees: 5,953 Par: 72 Architect: Fred Hawtree Founded: 1890 Course type: Links