Old Head Golf Links
A golf trip to Ireland…few statements can stir your soul more than the thought of taking the pilgrimage across the Atlantic and descending upon one of the game’s most treasured destinations.
Ireland is much more than any one region for golf as the game is woven into the fabric of the culture here in a way that does, and should, make many Americans jealous. Ireland offers a collection of distinct regions, and for the traveling golfer working with an expert who understands what each region has to offer and how you can best plot your ultimate Irish golf itinerary is essential to making the most of your time on the Emerald Isle.
Lucky for you, the team at Lyons Links is made up of a team of experts who not only know the area like the back of their hand, but that also have exclusive access to premium tee times for you and your group.
But before we get into all those booking details, here is a breakdown of some of the main regions and collection of courses in Ireland.
Southwest Ireland: The Atlantic masterpiece
If there is a spiritual heart of Irish golf, it lies along the southeast of Ireland.
This is where the Atlantic Ocean collides with towering dunes and exposed headlands to create some of the most dramatic links golf courses on Earth, and one of the regions’ most famous designs is Ballybunion Golf Club, particularly its Old Course. Massive dunes frame narrow fairways, and the routing moves in and out of valleys shaped by centuries of wind. It is raw, strategic, and visually unforgettable especially once you reach the 6th hole and you get to enjoy some of the best ocean holes in Ireland.
Some courses transcend region and stand out due to their unique setting.
Old Head Golf Links is one of these courses. The course occupies a narrow peninsula stretching two miles into the Atlantic. Nearly every hole offers dramatic cliffside views that will have your jaw on the ground. While some purists may debate its modern design, the scenery is unmatched and the iconic lighthouse that can be seen throughout your round leaves an indelible mark on your golfing soul.
If you’re looking for the standout parkland experience in the whole of Ireland, and quite frankly among the best in the world, then a round at Adare Manor is a must play. Everything about your round and your stay here is draped in luxury whether it is your accommodations at the castle on property over your stroll down the perfectly manicured fairways. The course is fantastic, and we are eager to see the world’s best play here in the 2027 Ryder Cup.
With luxury on the brain, we must mention Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg which is a luxury links resort offering dramatic oceanfront holes combined with five-star accommodations. For travelers seeking championship golf with the highest levels of resort comforts, it can serve as an ideal anchor for your experience in this area.
Further north sits Lahinch Golf Club, a course that blends blind shots, rumpled fairways, and constantly shifting winds. Lahinch feels ancient in the best sense providing an unpredictable experience that is deeply connected to the terrain.
There are so many great other options here including the likes of Waterville and Tralee, and there’s a reason why Southwest Ireland is widely considered to be one of the best golf travel destinations on the planet.
Lahinch Golf Club
Northern Ireland: Championship pedigree
Northern Ireland has surged in popularity over the years thanks to the popularity of the region’s best players such as Rory McIlroy, hosting the Open Championship in 2025 at Royal Portrush, and the reinvigorated popularity of the top courses in this region. The coastline here is equally rugged, but the presentation can feel slightly more polished than other regions which appeals to many American visitors.
A must-play in this region is the undeniable greatness of The Championship Links at Royal County Down. Frequently ranked among the top courses in the world (even ranked No. 1 in the world by some), it combines towering dunes with views of the Mourne Mountains and you’ll encounter multiple blind shots throughout your round so trusting your caddy is essential to scoring well here. The fairways are ribbon-like corridors through fescue valleys, demanding precision and nerve as this epic design will test every facet of your game.
Equally compelling is Royal Portrush Golf Club which as we just mentioned recently hosted the 2025 Open Championship. The Dunluce Links course here is a masterclass in routing, weaving through giant dunes above the North Atlantic. The conditioning here is consistently elite, making it a favorite among championship purists and was actually preferred by this writer over Royal County Down.
Please note that this comparison is like saying I like Rolex watches over Patek Philippe watches, meaning you cannot go wrong either way.
Mix in rounds at other area favorites such as The Strand Course at Royal Portstewart and Ardglass, and you’ll have a destination that is ideal for travelers who want iconic venues and tournament-caliber presentations.
Royal County Down
Northwest and West of Ireland
For golfers seeking solitude and authenticity, the Northwest and West of Ireland regions are continuing to gain momentum as the best value golf destinations in Ireland. We’ve combined these two regions into one as we often find that golfers will blend courses from each region into one trip.
Rosapenna Golf Resort is home to multiple courses with their recent addition of St. Patrick’s Links that continues to fly up the rankings among the best golf courses in the world. Tom Doak’s St. Patrick’s Links stretches across enormous dunes overlooking Sheephaven Bay providing a scale that is breathtaking, all while providing a resort atmosphere that remains understated and accessible.
Narin and Portnoo Links delivers an intimate seaside golf with rumpled fairways and constant Atlantic winds. It is less formal than some marquee names, but it is a strategically brilliant design by Gil Hanse that can be a sneaky area favorite. Other area favorites include County Sligo, Carne, and Enniscrone that offer exceptional golf at a better value.
This region requires more travel effort, but the reward is space, quiet, and golf that feels profoundly connected to land and sea.
Dublin and the east coast
For those flying into Dublin, the east coast provides immediate access to historic clubs and refined parkland alternatives. The links here are firmer and more understated than the Atlantic giants but equally strategic.
Portmarnock Golf Club stands out for its balance and championship heritage as rumors are swirling that it may be picked to host an Open Championship in the coming years. Situated on a peninsula, it offers classic routing and consistent wind exposure without overwhelming elevation. The quaint clubhouse feel that makes you feel like you became a part of the membership for the day, and you’ll want to enjoy a pint of Guinness or two in here after navigating your way around these tabletop greens.
Just south lies The European Club, a bold modern links known for deep bunkering and long, demanding holes. It provides a sterner test and appeals to players who enjoy strategic complexity.
For parkland golf, The K Club provides a former Ryder Cup venue that features tree-lined fairways and inland championship conditions which can sometimes serve as a welcomed change of scenery during a long trip in Ireland. Other area favorites include Royal Dublin, County Louth Golf Club, and The Island Golf Club.
The Dublin region works well for shorter trips or as a starting and ending point to a broader Irish itinerary, or it can be a trip in and of itself.
Portmarnock Golf Club
Choosing the correct region
Ireland’s genius lies in its variety of both courses and cultures. If you are a first-timer taking a vacation to Ireland, you can often be tempted to bite off more than you can chew as the desire to cross off as many bucket-list courses as you can all in one trip can feel overwhelming. This is where we highly suggest you lean on the expertise of a tour operator, and one we know that can take great care of you is Lyons Links.
The other main question is budget. Anything is possible if you are willing to pay for it, and we’ve seen the team at Lyons Links work across a multitude of budgets to create unforgettable itineraries. For example, one group was insistent on going from Dublin to Northern Ireland to Western Ireland to the Southwest of Ireland all in nine days. With the help of some proper planning and some helicopters, it was doable.
Also, embrace the journey during your visit here. We’ve been on trips when everything was bunched together, and we’ve been on trips when we spend hours in our bus or van navigating our way throughout the country. Those times in the vehicle have been some with the most laughs, so if you are thinking about hitting up a couple of destinations in one trip we say the more power to you!
One thing is for sure, and that is if your group is considering a trip to Ireland than we suggest you start planning immediately as the popularity of this region has never been higher, and with good reason. For a lucky few, the team at Lyons Links has a few 2026 deals still available that can be found here so be sure to check these out if you want an amazing trip to Ireland or Scotland in the coming months.
Happy planning, and we hope you and yours end up pulling the trigger on the trip of a lifetime.
Tralee Golf Club is included in one of Lyons Links’ packages.