It is amazing to think that such wonderful golf is so close to us and so few people take the time to play these great golf courses. Many of Europe’s popular holiday destinations have good golf courses, restaurants and places of interest but there is nowhere else that packs so many great courses into such a small area as Ireland and all of them are nearer than travelling to mainland Europe. Combine that with its natural beauty, rich history and its famous warm welcome to visitors and it is the perfect golfing destination and the sun does shine there quite often!
Why Play Golf in Ireland?
Considering how close Ireland is to the rest of the UK it is amazing that so few people from the mainland travel there to play golf. Without doubt both the Republic and the North have some of the worlds finest golf courses and Royal County Down in the North is ranked the number one course in the world by the American magazine Golf Digest ahead of Augusta, Pebble Beach and Pine Valley.
Why Play In Ireland On Your Next Golfing Break?
There are more than 300 golf courses with prices to suit every pocket. As well as the more well-known ones there are a host of hidden gems that have ridiculously small green fees considering their quality. You are literally spoilt for choice whatever part of Ireland you travel to. As well as the golf Ireland has so much more to offer away from the golf course than many other destinations that a good time is virtually guaranteed. The Irish hospitality is well known and its not a myth there is always a welcome for tourists throughout the country and as it’s the home of the legendary “black Stuff” it doesn’t take long for an evening out to become a night to remember.
Dublin offers everything you need for an exciting evening out and even in the more rural areas there is usually a local pub which will be well worth exploring. The Guinness and Jameson’s distillery offer guided tours which you should not miss and there is a wealth of historical places to visit.
What Is The Best Way To Travel To Ireland?
Flights to Dublin are available from most UK airports and there are several regional Airports you can fly to from some of the UKs larger airports. Considering it is only an hour’s flight it couldn’t be easier.
There are various Ferry companies that also operate a regular service which is ideal for those wanting to take their own transport with them. You can travel from Holyhead to Dublin, Liverpool to Dublin, Pembroke to Rosslare and Fishguard to Rosslare.
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Ireland?
Across to the North West you have some of the finest Links style golf courses in the world. Ballyliffin and Rosapenna both have two courses on site that will challenge anybody no matter what their ability. A great package can be made up here with golf that will long linger in the memory.
Ballyliffin Golf Club
The Dublin area offers great links golf at places like Portmarnock and the Island and then some outstanding parkland style championship course such as the K Club, Druids Glen and The European. Dublin has a well-deserved reputation for being one of Europe’s top places to visit and its vibrant night life and historical places of interest make it a great place to stay on a golfing holiday. Head to the Coast and you have Portmarnock, Royal Dublin and The Island golf club which is links golf at its most authentic. About an hour to the South you have the K Club one of Ireland’s best five-star hotels with two great golf courses and Druids Glen again with two championship courses and a fine hotel.
If you head to the South East you come to Tipperary, Kildare, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford all of which have some great golf courses. Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny is a gem and well worth a visit.
The South West has some unbelievable golf courses many of which are golf design masterpieces. The traditional links courses here are outstanding with Ballybunion, Old Head, Fota Island and Dooks golf Club ranked with the best links course anywhere in the world. There are plenty of places to stay in this area where there is entertainment available to suit all pockets and tastes.
Fota Island
Galway and the Shannon regions should not be missed with Lahinch a great links course and the revamped Adare Golf Club something to see even if its out of the price range for many of us. There are several very good courses here that offer outstanding value for money.
