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Golf in Ireland & the British Isles

 

For guests who want to turn the wedding trip into a golf adventure, Ireland is home to some of the world's most celebrated links courses. Below is a guide arranged roughly by distance from Dublin, moving outward across Ireland, with a few iconic courses in the UK that are worth considering if you're extending your travels.​ We recommend booking tee times well in advance, especially during the summer season.

 

Closest to Dublin:

 

 

Portmarnock Golf Club

One of Ireland's most prestigious championship links courses, located just north of Dublin. Consistently ranked among the finest golf courses in the world, Portmarnock offers a classic links experience with stunning views of the Irish Sea.

 

The Island Golf Club

A dramatic and highly acclaimed links course hidden among towering dunes. Frequently ranked among Ireland's top courses and a favorite among golf purists.

 

Royal Dublin Golf Club

Founded in 1885, this historic links course on Bull Island combines championship pedigree with convenient access from Dublin city.

 

The K Club

Host of the 2006 Ryder Cup and one of Ireland's premier parkland golf destinations. Luxury facilities and immaculate conditioning make it a standout experience.

 

County Louth Golf Club (Baltray)

Often regarded as one of Ireland's hidden gems, Baltray offers championship links golf less than an hour north of Dublin.

 

European Club

A spectacular modern links course stretching along the Wicklow coastline, known for its challenging layout and incredible scenery.

Ireland's East & Southeast Coast

 

Druids Glen Golf Resort

Nicknamed "The Augusta of Europe," Druids Glen is one of Ireland's most beautiful parkland courses.

Mount Juliet Estate

A world-class parkland course that has hosted multiple Irish Opens and combines championship golf with luxury accommodations.

 

Southwest Ireland — The Legendary Golf Coast:

 

 

Old Head Golf Links

Perhaps the most photographed golf course in the world. Situated on a dramatic peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head delivers unforgettable views from every hole.

Ballybunion Golf Club

One of the most iconic links courses anywhere in golf. The Old Course is a bucket-list destination for golfers from around the globe.

 

Tralee Golf Club

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Tralee features spectacular dunes and breathtaking ocean panoramas.

Waterville Golf Links

A favorite of many touring professionals, Waterville combines rugged natural beauty with world-class links golf.

Dooks Golf Club

One of Ireland's oldest golf clubs and a wonderful traditional links experience.

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West Coast & Wild Atlantic Way:

Lahinch Golf Club

Often called the "St. Andrews of Ireland," Lahinch is among the country's most beloved and historic links courses.

 

Doonbeg Trump Golf Club

A stunning modern links course set among massive dunes on Ireland's Atlantic coast.

 

Galway Bay Golf Resort

A championship course offering panoramic views across Galway Bay.

 

Connemara Golf Links

One of Ireland's most scenic courses, set against mountains, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Carne Golf Links

An extraordinary links course built through some of the largest dunes in Europe.

 

Enniscrone Golf Club

Known for towering dunes and a wild, unforgettable links layout.

 

County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point)

A classic championship links course with spectacular Atlantic views.

 

Northern Ireland:

Royal County Down Golf Club

Widely considered one of the greatest golf courses in the world. Set beneath the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down is an essential pilgrimage for serious golfers.

Royal Portrush Golf Club

Host of The Open Championship and one of the most famous links courses on earth.

Portstewart Golf Club

Home to one of the most spectacular opening holes in golf and consistently ranked among the world's best links courses.

 

Ardglass Golf Club

A charming and dramatic coastal course centered around a historic castle clubhouse.

 

For guests extending their trip across the Irish Sea:

 

The Old Course at St Andrews

The Home of Golf and arguably the most famous golf course in the world.

Muirfield

One of the most respected championship venues in golf and multiple-time Open Championship host.

Royal Troon Golf Club

Another legendary Open Championship venue featuring classic Scottish links golf.

Turnberry (Ailsa Course)

Renowned for its lighthouse backdrop and dramatic coastal holes.

 

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

One of England's finest championship links courses and a frequent Open venue.

 

Recommended "Bucket List" Top 10

  1. Royal County Down

  2. Royal Portrush

  3. Old Head

  4. Ballybunion

  5. Lahinch

  6. Portmarnock

  7. Waterville

  8. The Island

  9. Old Course at St Andrews

  10. Old Head

Portmarnock Golf Club
The Island Golf Club
Royal Dublin Golf Club
The K Club
County Louth Golf Club (Baltray)
European Club
Druids Glen Golf Resort
Mount Juliet Estate
The Old Course at St Andrews
Muirfield
Royal Troon Golf Club
Turnberry (Ailsa Course)
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Old Head Golf Links
Ballybunion Golf Club
Tralee Golf Club
Waterville Golf Links
Dooks Golf Club
Royal County Down Golf Club
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Portstewart Golf Club
Ardglass Golf Club
Lahinch Golf Club
Doonbeg Trump Golf Club
Galway Bay Golf Resort
Connemara Golf Links
Carne Golf Links
Enniscrone Golf Club
County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point)

© 2026 by EMILY LOMBARDI. 

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