Best parkland golf courses in Ireland

Ireland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Among its many treasures, the country boasts some of the world's finest parkland courses in the world, offering players a unique combination of natural beauty and challenging layouts.

There is always a magical essence when travelling to Ireland, especially when the country has such a diverse landscape. So, let us delve into some of our favourite parkland golf courses in Ireland, each promising an unforgettable UK golf break.

We kick off with the 2027 Ryder Cup host, Adare Manor. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones before an extensive reimagining from Tom Fazio in 2017, here lies one of our favourite Irish golf destinations.

Visitors will be treated to an unforgettable experience from the 1st tee shot to the last putt on the 18th green, which is encircled by the River Maigue and overlooked by stunning Manor House. The impeccably manicured fairways and undulating greens provide a challenging yet rewarding round for a golfer on any level.

With a golf resort that has been awarded Golf Digest’s Editor’s Choice Award for ‘Best Golf Resorts in Great Britain and Ireland’, there’s no reason why this stunning venue shouldn’t be on every golfer’s bucket-list.

Next on the list is the beautiful Mount Juliet Estate. Situated in the southeast Irish countryside, just 20 minutes from Kilkenny, sits this superb golf resort accompanied by a signature-designed golf course from Jack Nicklaus.

At 7,200 yards, the course is long and winds its way through 180 acres of stunning scenery, incorporating water features and mature woodlands. With many prestigious and international golf events hosted here over the past 30 years including the 2021 and 2022 Horizon Irish Open to name a few, Mount Juliet is another must-play destination.

Just under an hour from Dublin sits a luxury five-star golf resort, The K Club. Boasting two championship courses designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, golfers will be met with a unique and magnificent golf experience.

When golf fans think of The K Club, they are immediately drawn to the historic 2006 Ryder Cup win on the Palmer North Course. Europe arguably produced their best win in the competition’s history, with the European Team winning 18 ½ points to USA’s 9 ½.

People may also remember Rory McIlroy’s epic 3 wood into the 18th during his 2016 Irish Open win. Rightly proud of their legacy as a leading tournament destination and European golf, you’ll be able to walk the fairways of some of golf’s greats.

Spread over 350 acres of beautiful natural woodland presents the stunning Killeen Castle. A golf course which sits in the shadow of the historic 800-year-old castle, this Jack Nicklaus design is famed for hosting the 2011 Solheim Cup and multiple Women’s Irish Opens and offers a wonderful test of golf for players of all abilities. The castle's majestic presence adds to the overall allure of this top-tier golfing destination.

You know you’re in for a treat when one of the courses at this delightful golf resort is nicknamed the “Augusta of Europe”. Located in the heart of County Wicklow, Druids Glen is thought of as one of the best golf resorts in Ireland.

The Glen Course is the kaleidoscope of golf courses in Ireland due to its ever-lasting colour and flora throughout the 18 holes. Designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, fantastic features are aplenty, notably the wonderful Celtic cross on the 12th hole leaving you with wonderful views etched in your memory.

For those looking for the full stay & play experience, the Heath Course is a magnificent addition to the resort, adding a links-style heathland feel that overlooks the Irish Sea and Wicklow Mountains.

One of the only facilities around the world to be endorsed by the PGA, Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club is the perfect example of a luxury golf break. The PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell is a two-time host to two European Tour events including the Irish PGA Championship in 1996.

Add to this the accolades including the No. 1 Parkland Course in Ireland 2016 by ‘The Irish Golfers Guide’ giving you plenty of reasons to have this course on your list. The resort is home to over 50 acres of lakes in its estate and luxurious accommodation, providing a tranquil golfing experience in a delightfully picturesque setting.

A previous host to the Irish Open in 2005, the Montgomerie Course at Carton House is a proven top-class parkland course with a links-type feel. This is the second golf course designed by Colin Montgomerie with its beautiful definition coming from sculpted undulations to many deep pot bunkers. Located a mere 15 miles from Dublin city centre and complemented by a beautiful luxury hotel, Carton House is a standout destination for all golf enthusiasts.

Another host to the Irish Open on numerous occasions, Deerpark at Fota Island Resort is kept at an exceptional standard year after year and it’s easy to see why. The course is laid out on rolling parkland and mature woodland with wide fairways and meandering water features.

Don’t let the wide fairways pull you into a false sense of security, this golf course presents a tough challenge yet an enjoyable golfing experience for the likes of any golfer. The 18th especially presents a memorable conclusion to your round with a multi-tiered green, just try not to end up in three-putt country.

Dromoland Castle, located in County Clare, offers a parkland course set within the historic grounds of Dromoland Castle and is nothing short of spectacular. Redesigned by the world-renowned Ron Kirby and JB Carr (the driving force behind Old Head), it’s not surprising that drama is very much evident here.

The par 72 incorporates the castle estate’s naturally through rolling hills, mature tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and stunning water features offering a test for all standards of golfer. From tee to green, you’ll be faced with views of the castle providing a delightful setting that oozes class from the outset and throughout.