Chasing legends, luxury and the 2027 Ryder Cup on the island of Ireland.
Picture the scene. You are standing on an elevated tee with a fresh ocean breeze in the air, looking over a sea of towering sand dunes that were carved by millennia of Atlantic storms. On the island of Ireland, you don’t just play the landscape; you battle it, negotiate with it and ultimately fall in love with it. Here, the pursuit of iconic links is matched seamlessly by the warmth of the locals, the brilliant storytelling in the clubhouse and the sheer grandeur of the estates that host you.
With more than 400 legendary golf courses located so close to vibrant towns, ancient heritage sites and spectacular stretches of coastline, you can easily weave together epic driving routes, centuries of history, culinary delights, and world-class golf in a single trip. You’ll never be far from your next great round or cultural discovery, allowing you to spend more time soaking in an atmosphere you simply cannot find anywhere else. And with the sporting world turning its gaze towards the island for next year’s Ryder Cup, there has never been a better time to experience this magic for yourself.
The Ryder Cup Stage and the Wild Atlantic Way
Next September will see the centenary Ryder Cup arrive at Adare Manor in County Limerick, and the anticipation across the island is palpable. To play Adare Manor is to walk the very turf where history is made. This is a meticulously manicured parkland masterpiece set against the breathtaking backdrop of a Gothic manor. It represents the height of luxury where an afternoon on velvet fairways transitions smoothly into an evening of falconry, fine dining and unparalleled five-star service.
Adare Manor also serves as the perfect opulent gateway to the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. Stretching along the western coastline, this spectacular 2,500-plus-kilometre coastal driving route is a dramatic theatre of towering dunes and crashing ocean waves. The journey between courses is an unforgettable experience in itself.
Venture towards County Clare to play Lahinch Golf Club. Regarded as a masterpiece of pure links design, its rumpled fairways and blind approaches offer a wild adventure right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. There is a magic to stepping off a wild, wind-whipped 18th green and straight into the warm sanctuary of a vibrant surf town like Lahinch. This is where the famous Irish welcome truly shines. Pull up a stool by a roaring open fire, listen to the unmistakable lilt of live traditional music and thaw over a bowl of fresh seafood chowder made from ingredients sourced from the harbour and farms just down the road.
For the true golf purist seeking the most remote and glorious terrain on the island, head further north along the coast to the Belmullet Peninsula to play Carne Golf Links in County Mayo or tackle the colossal dunes of Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort. In these remote corners, minimalist course design allows the extreme, natural dunes to dictate the play, resulting in an intoxicating blend of untamed challenge and welcoming luxury.
The Spectacle of Northern Ireland
No visit to the island is complete without venturing north. Northern Ireland is an undisputed heavyweight on the global golf stage, combining dramatic coastal topography with profound history and world class luxury.
At the very top of any serious golfer’s bucket list sits Royal County Down. Nestled spectacularly beneath the heather-clad Mourne Mountains, its sweeping fairways and bearded bunkers present a beautiful yet ferocious test. But the brilliance of the experience lies in the contrast. Just steps from the legendary first tee is the magnificent Slieve Donard, a five-star resort where you can soothe tired muscles in a premium spa overlooking the very sea you played alongside.
Following the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the most breathtaking drives on the island, will lead you to Royal Portrush Golf Club. Here the Dunluce Links is framed by beautifully rugged limestone cliffs. The golf is magnificent, but the experiences beyond the course are just as rich. Spend your afternoon wandering the ancient hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway or toast your birdies with a tasting session at the Old Bushmills Distillery. Along the way, you will discover that the island’s greatest hazard is getting trapped in a brilliant conversation. You will meet locals who are as passionate about their storytelling as they are about their golf, always eager to share a laugh, a legend and a recommendation for tomorrow’s tee-time. It’s all part of the charm of the Irish 19th hole, where the stories of the day often become as memorable as the golf itself.
Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin
If you want to combine your golf with thousands of years of history and vibrant urban energy, the east coast offers a remarkable blend.
In Ireland’s Ancient East, the legendary European Club is currently transforming to the newly rebranded Brittas Bay. Re-opening in 2027, this Pat Ruddy masterpiece – famous for its incredibly deep – railway sleeper-lined bunkers, is poised to be a stunning addition to the centenary golf landscape.
This region is a tapestry of ancient high crosses, monastic ruins and historic towns. Imagine tackling a brilliant coastal layout in the morning then venturing inland to spend your afternoon wandering through the corridors of a 12th century castle in medieval Kilkenny, followed by a fantastic farm-to-fork dinner celebrating incredible local produce.
Closer to Dublin, the historic sandy peninsula of Portmarnock Resort offers championship pedigree just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city. This proximity allows for a perfect duality to your trip. You can battle the coastal breeze in the morning and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Dublin city by afternoon. Trade your golf shoes for walking boots to explore the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, discover the Book of Kells at Trinity College or experience one of Ireland’s most famous exports at the Guinness Storehouse.
The Ultimate Stay and Play
The island of Ireland is not just a place to play golf, it is a place to live it. Whether you are chasing the toughest links or championship courses, or seeking a balanced itinerary of morning tee-times, afternoon thermal spas and evening Michelin-starred dining, the island delivers in abundance.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of stepping off an epic course and into a welcome so warm it feels like coming home. With 2027 rapidly approaching, now is an ideal time to discover these legendary estates and courses for yourself.
Navigating tee-times, transfers and boutique accommodations across the island is a big task, so why not collaborate with specialist tour operators or travel agents to craft your perfect itinerary.
The fairways are waiting. Discover exclusive offers, immersive course guides and the inspiration to plan your ultimate golf getaway at Ireland.com/golf
