Roy, the owner of RC Golf Escapes golf tour company based in County Clare, Ireland has put together his top 10 golf courses in Ireland. Based on both his own playing of the courses and feedback from many golf tour clients.
Ireland has some world class golf clubs and courses that will surprise even the most seasoned golfers. However, scanning the country up and down for the best ones will take far too much time, so Roy Capon’s taken it upon himself to give you a list of his top 10 Irish golf courses. There is a variety of golf links and parkland courses while a number of courses listed have hosted the Irish opens.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Ireland – The Best of the Best
1. Royal County Down Golf Club
Tour – Northern Ireland Golf Tours
Located in Northern Island in Newcastle, County Down, The Royal County Down Golf Club is a wonderful location that features a fantastic golf course with a fabulous clubhouse. It’s been featured in countless magazines. In 2016, it was voted the best Golf Course in the world by US-based magazine Golf Digest. Since it was opened in 1889, the course has been visited by some of the most iconic players in the whole sport. With its two 18-hole links courses, there’s no shortage of challenges and enjoyment to be had at Royal County Down Golf Club. Had to come in at number one in our Top 10 Golf Courses in Ireland.
2. Tralee Golf Club
Tour – South West Golf Tours of Ireland
With records that go back all the way to 1896, Tralee Golf Club in county Kerry is a storied location that is steeped in history. With its 18-hole links golf course that overlooks the coast, it’s a beautiful location with a breathtaking backdrop that enhances the entire experience. You’ll also find plenty of amenities such as a shop and practice academy that is perfect for warming up or practising your skills. It was recently renovated and the course and its facilities have only gotten better, drawing in old and new players alike.
3. Royal Portrush Golf Club
Tour – Northern Ireland Golf Tours
Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the most challenging links golf courses in the world. Since its inception in 1888, Portrush has always held a reputation for being both a difficult course and a beautiful one. With a gorgeous clubhouse and nearby accommodation, this is one of the premier destinations for anyone avid golfer visiting Ireland. Recent changes to the open have made it a fantastic golf course that experienced golfers will absolutely love. The Dunluce Links course was home of the 2019 Open Championship.
4. Doonbeg Golf Club
Tour – South West Golf Tours of Ireland
Donald Trump might not be the most well-loved president of the United States, but his golf course in Ireland certainly shines in terms of style, presentation and challenge. The recent changes made to Doonbeg since Trump’s ownership have turned Doonbeg into an outstanding location to enjoy golf. It’s currently one of the premier golfing destinations in Ireland thanks to the outstanding course and golf house, and it has a certain air of prestige that makes it stand out from the rest of the courses in Ireland.
5. Adare Manor
Tour – South West Golf Tours of Ireland
Adare Manor has a prestigious reputation to uphold as the #1 rated golfing resort in Europe and also #5 in the entire world. The resort has won countless awards thanks to its outstanding course and clubhouse services. With a gorgeous gothic manor serving as the backdrop to the 18-hole championship course, Adare Manor is easily one of the most exciting golfing experiences that you can have in Ireland. The immaculate landscaping, the Michelin-star restaurant and the incredible spa add to the experience at Adare Manor. Turning your trip into one of the most unforgettable and luxurious golfing resorts that you’ll ever visit.
You’ll long to return once you leave Adare Manor just to experience the picturesque views once more as you play through one of the most enjoyable courses in Ireland. In 2026, Adare Manor will have the honour of hosting the Ryder Cup, making it a great time to visit.
6. Waterville Golf Course
Tour – South West Golf Tours of Ireland
Waterville Golf Course is one of Ireland’s top-rated courses and affectionately known as the Augusta of Ireland. Recently renovated the course transformed into a beautiful yet modest 18-hole course, that is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The recently-redesigned clubhouse is absolutely stunning, complete with an 1889 bar and restaurant that serves some of the finest Irish cuisines by an internationally-renowned chef. If you’re looking for a laid-back and modest golfing experience, Waterville is definitely worth your time.
7. Lahinch
Tour – South West Golf Tours of Ireland
If you’re looking for a challenging set of courses then Lahinch awaits you. With its two 18-hole courses accompanied by a scenic backdrop of the Irish coast, Lahinch is undoubtedly one of the gems of Irish golfing. The courses themselves are incredibly enjoyable and well-known among Irish golfers. The clubhouse and its surrounding amenities have recently been renovated and are also drawing a lot of attention. With its two huge walking courses and plenty of five-star facilities on-site, Lahinch offers one of the most comprehensive golfing experiences you can find in the South West of Ireland.
8. Royal Belfast
Tour – Northern Ireland Golf Tours
As one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, the Royal Belfast Golf Club is justifiably a hidden gem in the Irish golfing scene. Its 18-hole course is touted as a must-play for golfers of all skill levels. The course is surrounded by incredible scenery that really kicks up the experience and puts it on par with some of Ireland’s most legendary courses. With a lovely course layout and a beautiful clubhouse to relax in, Royal Belfast Golf Club has it all. Test your skills as there are plenty of opportunities on this course.
9. Druids Glen
Tour – Dublin Eastern Golf Tour of Ireland
Located in Newtownmountkennedy, Druids Glen is a picturesque upmarket golf resort that offers breathtaking views that accompany its two massive 18-hole courses. There’s nowhere nicer in the whole of Ireland when the weather is agreeable and the sun is shining. You’ll be unlikely to find anything that reaches the level of Druids Glen in terms of its outstanding beauty, landscaping and greenery. Although it’s a relatively new course that started in 1995, there’s no denying that it has quickly become one of the most iconic and well-loved golfing resorts in Ireland if it continues to impress and turn heads. Professional staff and a full range of amenities that includes even a sauna and fitness centre. Druids Glen is a must-visit golfing resort for anyone visiting Ireland.
10. Old Head
Tour – South West Golf Tours of Ireland
Old Head is often referred to as Ireland’s version of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in the United States. It offers a stunning golfing experience with each hole creating a picturesque view of the entire course and the resort. It creates an incredible game of golf that is difficult to find at the other courses in Ireland. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any flaws in its 18-hole course. With plenty of great facilities on the premises and an unforgettable day of golf that exposes you to some of the most creative holes in Ireland. You’ll want to come back time and time again to experience the incredible views at Old Head. Certainly recommended if you ever find yourself in Ireland and are looking for a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.
Time to book your Tour of the Golf Courses in Ireland
So many wonderful golf clubs are just outside the top 10 golf courses in Ireland. It’s no wonder that so many people trust Roy to plan their golf trips in Ireland. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing tour through Ireland’s most charming golf courses or want a real challenge to put your skills to the test, get in touch. Roy’s got the experience and knowledge to design the perfect itinerary for your visits to Ireland’s best golf courses.