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Bucket-list Scotland & Ireland golf trips
Explore bucket-list golf trips across the pond
Both Scotland and Ireland are high up on most golfers’ bucket-list as they have some of the oldest and most historic golf courses in the world. The different styles and architecture of layouts are very hard to replicate stateside which makes a golf trip overseas a unique experience.
While golf may be the main reason for the trip, the locations themselves are also a big draw for many golfers. Many Americans can trace our heritage back to the UK and/or Ireland, so sightseeing and tourism when not on the golf course is also a driving factor.
Why book a Scotland & Ireland golf trip?
- Play world-class links courses in either country
- Make your own history by playing Open Championship courses
- Experience the scenery, tourism, & culture when not on the course
- Customized trips with advice and recommendations from our travel experts
- Save time with our hassle-free trip planning service
- Receive guaranteed best prices with no extra booking fees or taxes
Popular Scotland & Ireland golf destinations
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Experience all the Emerald Island has to offer
Ireland is one of the world’s premier golf destinations, known for its natural links, coastal scenery and rich golfing heritage. From the iconic layouts of the South West and Dublin to the raw beauty of the North West, each region offers a distinct experience both on and off the course.
Dublin
Championship links on the capital’s doorstep.
A lively city paired with some of Ireland’s most accessible and historic courses.
Set just outside the city, Portmarnock delivers a classic links experience with a layout consistently ranked among the world’s best. Along the Wicklow coastline, Brittas Bay offers a modern take on links golf with dramatic scenery and a challenging design.
North West Ireland
Remote links and raw coastal beauty in the North West.
One of Ireland’s most scenic regions, known for its quiet, unspoilt courses.
- Hidden within towering dunes, Carne provides a wild and remote links experience shaped entirely by nature.
- Framed by the Donegal coastline, St. Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna is a modern masterpiece designed for pure links golf.
Northern Ireland
Iconic courses in the North.
A must-visit region featuring some of the highest-ranked courses in the world.
- Regularly hosting major championships, Royal Portrush is a demanding links set against a spectacular coastal backdrop.
- Beneath the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down offers one of the most visually striking and highly regarded layouts in golf.
South West Ireland
The South West is Ireland’s most famous golf region.
Home to legendary links set against dramatic Atlantic scenery.
- Rolling through towering dunes, Ballybunion’s Old Course is widely considered one of the purest links experiences in the world.
- Perched on the Clare coastline, Lahinch combines rich history with quirky, wind-shaped holes that define Irish links golf.
Planning Your Trip
- Best time to visit: May–September for peak conditions
- Where to stay: Resorts, hotels and local B&Bs across all regions
- Top tip: Book tee times early, especially in peak season
From the North to the South, Scottish golf will amaze you
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, offering an unrivalled mix of historic links, championship venues and scenic landscapes. From St Andrews and the East Lothian coast to Ayrshire and the Highlands, each region delivers a distinct golfing experience.
St Andrews & Fife
The heart of Scottish golf in St Andrews.
Home to the most iconic setting in the game, with a concentration of world-renowned links.
- At the Home of Golf, The Old Course delivers one of the most famous and sought-after rounds in the world.
- Along the Fife coastline, Kingsbarns offers a modern championship layout with stunning sea views.
Aberdeen & North East
Traditional links and towering dunes in the North East.
A region defined by dramatic landscapes and classic Scottish links.
- Set among towering dunes, Trump International provides a modern and visually striking links experience.
- Just outside Aberdeen, Royal Aberdeen delivers one of the oldest and most respected links tests.
Scottish Highlands
Remote golf and natural beauty in the Highlands.
One of Scotland’s most scenic regions, offering quiet and unspoilt courses.
- In the north, Royal Dornoch is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the world.
- Along the Moray Firth, Nairn offers a classic links layout with exceptional conditioning.
Edinburgh & East Lothian
Championship golf along Scotland’s Golf Coast.
A concentrated stretch of world-class courses within easy reach of the capital.
- In East Lothian, Muirfield is renowned for its championship pedigree and classic design.
- Along the coast, North Berwick offers a traditional links with unique and memorable holes.
West Scotland & Ayrshire
Iconic Open venues on the West Coast.
Home to some of Scotland’s most famous and historic links.
- On the Ayrshire coastline, Turnberry (Ailsa) delivers a championship layout with dramatic coastal holes.
- At Royal Troon, the Old Course offers a classic links test including one of golf’s most famous par 3s.
Planning Your Trip
- Best time to visit: May–September for peak conditions
- Where to stay: Resorts, hotels and lodges across all regions
- Top tip: Book tee times early, especially for bucket-list courses
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