Ireland's golfing heartland
Ireland’s answer to St Andrews, the South West is one of the world’s greatest places to play golf. Packed with dozens of magnificent courses – stretching from the eye-popping Old Head of Kinsale in the south all the way round to the westerly Lahinch – a golf tour in South-West Ireland really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Imagine yourself enjoying an itinerary that also included legendary links like Ballybunion, Tralee, Doonbeg, Waterville, Dingle and Dooks. With spectacular views, giant dunes and some of the world’s most incredible holes, this really is bucket-list golf. And with plenty of direct flights from North America to Shannon – and all the courses within a couple of hours of there – it’s easy to see why this corner of the Emerald Isle is so popular.
Why book a golf tour in South West Ireland?
- Incredible links golf courses
- Spectacular scenery
- Magical golfing town of Killarney
- Great pubs, restaurants & live music
- World famous trio of Ballybunion, Waterville & Tralee
- Easy access via Shannon or Cork from North America
Why choose a golf tour in South West Ireland?
South West Ireland is known by golfers far and wide as being one the best golf destinations globally, where you are never too far away from a coastal classic or inland gem. Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale, Tralee, Waterville, Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Doonbeg are some of the most famous courses in the world, and they all happen to be in this region.
For a change of scene and some respite from the demanding links, Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club offer stunning parkland layouts.
It’s a golfer’s paradise with spectacular courses that are intrinsically woven into the natural landscape, shaped by nature and the ages more than architects and machines. It really doesn’t get much better than a golf vacation in the South West of Ireland.
Best-selling golf tours in South West Ireland
From Cork to Galway & everything inbetween
It’s no surprise that the South West is one of the top destinations for golf in Ireland. It’s not just the championship golf courses on offer that make it so popular, but the wide variety of course layouts in awe-inspiring locations. It is a region filled with lakes, glens, mountains, castle ruins, quaint small villages, and old-fashioned courtesies. Getaway from the hustle and bustle of overcrowded cities and experience life at a slower pace, with world-class golf never too far away.
What’s more, the hotels are both comfortable and affordable. The area is also rich in prehistoric and early Christian remains, with some of the world’s most spectacular coastal scenery and the country’s best traditional music. Another added bonus throughout the region is the high quality of its natural, locally sourced produce, which is used in restaurants, giving the area a high reputation among foodies.
There’s good reason why SW Ireland is deemed the Emerald Isles’ number one golf destination, with Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee and Old Head being the big 4 you must play.
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Golf travel tips for South West Ireland
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Ireland's equivalent of 'southern hospitality'
If you’re wondering where to stay during your golf trip to the South West, the area boasts an abundance of luxurious five-star resorts and hotels, as well as more intimate boutique B&Bs and Inns, all located close to the best courses or within lively towns.
The city of Cork has a rich maritime history, great traditional Irish culture, and is within easy driving distance of the world-renowned Old Head of Kinsale links. Here, we’d recommend accommodation at The Kingsley, Hayfield Manor, or Fota Island Golf Resort which is just east of the city.
In Killarney, we’d recommended the five-star Killarney Park Hotel or three-star Eviston House Hotel which is home to the legendary Danny Mann pub. Both are located in Killarney town center and within easy reach of the best restaurants and local ‘craic’.
For those looking for complete luxury during every part of their golf trip, then there is no better place than Adare Manor Golf Resort, 2026 Ryder Cup host. Situated in a 180-acre estate just south of Shannon, this five-star resort offers an award-winning restaurant and one of the finest parkland courses in Ireland.
