Ireland offers some of the finest links golf in the world at prices that are still reasonable by international standards. A golf weekend in Ireland built around two or three courses can rival a Scotland trip in quality while offering a distinctly different character and hospitality. Here is how to plan it.
The Southwest: Kerry and Clare
The southwest of Ireland is the premier golf destination on the island, home to links courses that regularly appear in global top-100 rankings.
Waterville Golf Links (Kerry) is the jewel of the west coast, a spectacular links on the Iveragh Peninsula that curves around a bay with mountains behind and the Atlantic in front. Waterville was a favourite of Sam Snead and has the statistics of a championship course in an almost impossibly beautiful setting. Green fees are around €185 to €225 in peak season.
Ballybunion Golf Club (Kerry) has two courses (Old and Cashen) and the Old Course is one of the truly great links in the world. Its dunes are some of the largest in golf; the holes twist and fall through terrain that feels like a natural amphitheatre for the game. Tom Watson described Ballybunion as his favourite course. Green fees are around €150 to €200.
Lahinch Golf Club (Clare) is one of the most characterful links courses in Ireland, with original holes designed around natural dunes that create shots unlike anything you find elsewhere. Lahinch sits on the Clare coast near the Cliffs of Moher, which adds a natural excursion to the trip if non-golfing partners are along. Green fees around €160 to €200.
Dromoland Castle Golf Club (Clare) offers resort-quality parkland golf with accommodation in a genuine fifteenth-century castle. If you want to combine great non-golf activity with comfortable accommodation, Dromoland is the best option in the region.
A three-day southwest itinerary: Day 1 Ballybunion Old Course, Day 2 Waterville, Day 3 Lahinch. Stay in Tralee or Killarney for central access.
The North: Portrush, Royal County Down, and Causeway Coast
The north of Ireland has a different character from the southwest but arguably even greater density of world-class links.
Royal County Down (Newcastle, Co. Down) is consistently ranked among the top five courses in the world. Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, the Championship Course at Royal County Down is golf on a scale that is unlike anything else on the island. Visitor access is restricted (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and some Saturday mornings); book well in advance. Green fees around €250 to €320.
Royal Portrush (Co. Antrim) hosted The Open Championship in 2019 and will host it again in 2025. The Dunluce Links is a spectacular clifftop course above the Atlantic; the Valley Course offers a quality visitor round at lower cost. Green fees for Dunluce are around €170 to €250 depending on season.
Ballyliffin Golf Club (Co. Donegal) offers two excellent links courses in Donegal at prices significantly below the headline venues. The Glashedy Links is particularly impressive, with dunes running parallel to the Inishowen coast. Green fees around €80 to €120. Ballyliffin is a long drive from Dublin or Belfast but makes an excellent remote destination.
A three-day northern itinerary: Day 1 Royal Portrush Dunluce, Day 2 Royal County Down, Day 3 Castlerock or Portstewart. Stay in Portrush or Bushmills for easy access.
Practical Tips for Golfing in Ireland
Book courses well in advance. Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are booked months ahead during peak season (May to September). Waterville and Ballybunion can also fill up. Email the clubs directly for visitor bookings.
Fly or ferry? Direct flights from UK airports to Cork, Shannon, Belfast, or Dublin make most destinations easily reachable in under two hours. The Holyhead to Dublin ferry (or Fishguard to Rosslare) takes longer but allows you to bring your own clubs without airline fees.
Irish weather. Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast. Irish coastal weather changes quickly, but it also clears quickly. A full set of waterproofs, layers, and a hat make any weather manageable and are worth carrying even on sunny mornings.
Hiring clubs. Most Irish courses have club hire available at reasonable rates (€30 to €50 per round). If airline baggage fees make bringing clubs uneconomical, hiring is a viable alternative for a two or three-round trip.
Founder & Tour Professional
Sandeep Grewal is a former tour professional and the founder of Swyng. He personally handles every booking and redemption, using his competitive background to match you with the right course, lesson, or experience. About Sandeep →
