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Ireland

THE GREEN OF DREAMS

Ireland is a golfer’s paradise, with many of its glorious golf courses rated among the best in the world. A golf tour around Ireland offers unrivaled scenic views of rolling countryside and dramatic coastlines, along with welcoming pubs, friendly people, and toe-tapping traditional music.

Ireland is known as the ‘green of dreams’ and has over 400 golf courses, including 58 of the 247 true links golf courses in the world. Moreover, Ireland plays host to seven of the top 100 golf courses in the world, making it the ideal destination for a golf break.

Undulating dunes at Lahinch

Take an Ireland golf vacation with Premier Golf

Premier Golf has been arranging golf tours to Ireland since 1988 and with a full-time office in the country and close relationships with ground handlers, you will be well looked after when booking a trip through us. Expect to be greeted by a Premier Golf representative when you arrive in Ireland and begin your Irish golf holiday.

Our golf travel specialists develop specific programs for each individual trip to ensure you get the most out of your experience. With direct flights from multiple US cities, Ireland provides an ideal golfing vacation.

Get in touch with our representatives to create your own custom luxury golf trip to Ireland.

Tour Packages

Weaving dunes at Lahinch

South West Ireland Golf Tour

7 nights & 6 rounds from $5,945

South west Ireland has a variety of breathtaking courses, with many overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. One must-play course here is Ballybunion. Established in 1893, it is considered one of the finest links courses in the world. There’s also Lahinch, Tralee, Waterville, Doonbeg, and Old Head, all of which could be played on the same trip.

Open Venue Royal Portrush coastline

Northern Ireland Golf Tour

6 nights & 6 rounds from $5,500

Northern Ireland is home to several picturesque Irish golf courses, including Royal Portrush, host of the Open Championship in 2025. On a Northern Ireland tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to play iconic courses at Portstewart, Castlerock, and Ardglass. Perhaps the star of this trip though, is Royal County Down Golf Club. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains, it’s ranked as one of the top golf courses in the world.

Enniscrone Banner Image

North West Ireland Golf Tour

6 nights & 5 rounds from $3,968

Several of the best Ireland golf courses lie on the north west coast, including Donegal, Carne, Enniscrone, and Ballyliffin. Each course is unique and beautiful, with our tour offering the opportunity to experience them all. Plus, don’t miss the magnificent golf resort at Rosapenna, now boasting three stunning links courses. The newest, St Patrick’s Links, debuted at No.55 in the latest Golf Digest World Ranking.

Portmarnock Resort

Dublin Golf Tour

6 nights & 6 rounds from $5,064

Dublin may be known for many things away from the fairways, but there are several must-play courses close to the city and on the east of the country. Portmarnock, Jameson Links, Royal Dublin, and European Golf Club are just a few of the courses you can look forward to playing on this tour. Take some time out and enjoy the vibrant culture of the Republic of Ireland’s iconic capital city.

Where to play

With over 400 golf courses, including 58 of the world’s true links courses, Ireland is a golfer’s paradise. Tee off at rugged coastlines, experience the friendly Irish hospitality, and witness the beautiful history unfold.

What makes a Premier Golf trip to Ireland special?

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58 true links golf courses
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World-famous scenery
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Captivating history
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Fun-filled hospitality and nightlife
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Best time to play golf: April to October
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Premier Golf team located in Ireland

What our customers say

Exceeded My Expectations
Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 26, 2023

I was with Mark Osborne, so had much of the same experiences. The 7 courses we played would be hard to beat: Old Head, Waterville, Tralee, Ballybunion (Cashen)/(Old), Lahinch, and Doonbeg. We ended up eating at all of the recommended restaurants and we pleased with all. We had 8 golfers, so making reservations as early as possible is highly recommended. We often had chowder for lunch after our rounds. The chowder at Lahinch is not to be missed. Mike Taylor was our driver and was perfect. Helpful, prompt, informative, funny, and professional are some of the adjectives to describe him. The coach was large and accommodating with everyone having more than enough room. Most importantly, Mike got us to our destinations on time and safely. We experienced every type of weather imaginable. One day was a shorts day with plenty of sunshine and only moderate wind (2 extra clubs). The other days had winds which required shots with 4+ extra clubs. We did get the remnants of two hurricanes which added to the rain and wind. Five of the caddies we had were off the charts good (clubbing, finding balls. humorous and reading putts). The other younger caddies were better than average but compared to the older caddies, were not as proficient. One day we rode in carts and our fore caddy was awesome. Caddies made a huge difference and I do not see how we could have played decent golf without them. They’re those who will bypass Doonbeg because of the Trump name. They will have deprived themselves from a great experience. The course conditions were the best of the 7 courses we played. The clubhouse was easily the best. We had researched a number of companies, before choosing Premier. We obviously made the right choice.

Mike Carlson
The seven day test
Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 26, 2023

The golf on Old Head was scary good. Waterville was a tough beauty even without the wind gusting over 40. I want another shot at Tralee without the rain and 35 mph winds (we wimped out after nine holes). Ballybunion Cashen was extremely demanding and unique. Ballybunion Old exceeded expectations and had a couple of crazy holes that were even more fun. Lahinch was spectacular. No matter what you think of Trump, he runs a hell of a course at Doonbeg.

If you’re game isn’t sharp or you’re advancing in years, don’t be afraid to move to more forward tees. The caddies will love you for it. BTW, if given the choice, always take a caddie….worth ever penny as entertainment and as a stroke saver.

Our coach driver, Mike was THE BEST. You need not worry about anything with him in charge.

Our hotels were top notch. No cookie cutter facilities were they. It was sometimes difficult to get a full breakfast if we had an early tee time.

All in all Premier puts together a spectacular package to Ireland.

Mark Osborne
Thank you for planning an amazing trip!
Rated 5.0 out of 5
August 7, 2023

Everyone said it was the best trip of their life! We all loved Belfast and really loved RCD, Portrush and Portstewart. The trip to Derry and the other courses were fun too.

Chris C
A wonderful trip
Rated 5.0 out of 5
August 4, 2023

Thank you for such a wonderful trip! I had an absolute blast and a vacation of a lifetime. Although the trip was no rest for the weary I wouldn’t have it any other way. Got absolutely drenched at Tralee as goretex can only hold on for so long but that course just might be my favorite along with Ballybunnion. Battled 30-40 mph winds at Waterville and ended the golf trip with back to back birdies! Really enjoyed my time at Lahinch and Doonbeg as well.

Can’t believe I never got in a wreck with the car considering the hairpin turns and the locals racing like F1 drivers and it is true…the Guinness is definitely much better!

Jeff W
Thank you for making it happen
Rated 5.0 out of 5
June 21, 2023

We loved ALL the courses. Adding St Patrick’s was really special. So glad Bill Hogan suggested it.

Adare was our least favorite, but everyone agreed it was ideal for the day we got off the plane to practice for the tournament we ran on the final four courses. Everyone’s favorite was Royal County Down (and mine especially because I had 3 birdies including the 18th!).

Drumshanbo was a huge hit. The Shed Distillery tour was fun, and we got a kick out of how everyone in the town knew about our helicopter within an hour.

Andy

Ireland Golf Tours

There are incredible golf clubs and courses around the entirety of Ireland, alongside plenty of other things to see and do. Each individual region has a selection of beautiful courses.

Premier Golf can arrange a luxury golf vacation to Ireland based on your specific requirements.

With an office in Killarney, Ireland our local representatives can recommend the perfect combination of popular clubs and hidden gems.

All are paired with superb accommodation that’s selected to suit your taste. From luxury boutique hotels to larger resorts, there’s something for everyone.

Lighthouse sitting on the cliffs at Old Head Golf Links

What makes golfing in Ireland special?

Ireland is as welcoming as it is breathtaking. It’s shrouded in history and its myths and legends cast a magical air over the land that offers a unique experience quite like nowhere else.

Not only can you look forward to incredible landscapes and amazing hospitality, but you can also enjoy a whole host of golf courses, each offering something different. There are options for all abilities, with most of the clubs being open all year round. What’s more, Ireland is steeped in rich golfing history, having previously hosted the Solheim Cup, The Open, and the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2006 – there’s plenty to see, do and experience on a golf tour around Ireland.

The Open Championship 2025 will be held at Royal Portrush and the Ryder Cup 2027 will be held at Adare Manor, which recently won Golf Resort of the Year for Europe, Middle East & Africa in the International Association of Golf Tour Operators Awards 2022. Ireland itself has previously won Golf Destination of the Year in the prestigious awards.

Many of Ireland’s golf courses are positioned close together, so we’re able to daily golf into our Ireland golf packages with minimal travel. Booking in the summer months also means that the nights draw in a lot later, and you can enjoy time on the course up to 9pm most days.

“There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.”

W.B Yeats

More reasons to visit Ireland

There are plenty of other exciting things to see and do on the emerald isle that you can fit in around teeing off.

Ireland has some of the most beautiful and exciting natural beauty spots, including the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. You can’t visit Ireland without drinking a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish Whiskey.

You’ll never get a better stout than when you are enjoying the warm welcome of a quaint pub listening to traditional Irish music and eating local delicacies.

Whatever you do and wherever you stay in Ireland, you’ll make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

The intricate coastline at Tralee Golf Club

Planning Your Irish Golf Adventure: 9 Must-Play Courses in Ireland

Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, and Ballybunion make the top 20 of most world lists, and rightly so. However, outside of these spectacular, unmissable venues, what other courses on the Island of Ireland are must-plays for your next golf trip?

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Ireland Golf FAQs

For a country its size, Ireland has a lot of golf courses, with some estimates placing the number at more than 400, including 9- and 18-hole courses. Three of Ireland’s most prestigious courses are Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, and Portmarnock.

The oldest golf course in Ireland is The Royal Curragh Golf Club, located in the heathland of the Curragh in County Kildare. There are records of a match being played there as early as 1852. Other old courses in the country include Royal Belfast (1881) & Royal Dublin (1885).

There are 4 great golf regions on the Island of Ireland, each with its own charms and unique offers. They break down as follows:

  • Northern Ireland and the North Coast – Home to some of the most challenging and famous links courses, including Royal County Down, Portstewart, Castlerock, Ballyliffin, and Royal Portrush. 
  • Southwest Ireland – Find the highest concentration of world-ranked courses like Ballybunion, Waterville, Lahinch, Old Head, and Tralee.
  • Dublin/East – Get a mixture of sights and golf in the capital, with fantastic links courses such as the European Club, The Island and Portmarnock and parkland courses such as The K Club. 
  • Northwest Ireland – Discover the hidden gems and undiscovered courses, including natural and rugged links like Donegal, Enniscrone, Carne and the new St Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna.

These are just some of the best regions, but you will find more, given the sheer number of options available in Ireland.

The best time to visit is subjective for most people and depends on budget, preferred weather, interests, and availability. Generally, however, the golf travel season in Ireland is from April to October when the weather is favorable, and courses are in peak condition. 

To avoid the crowds, the shoulder months of April and October offer more value, but you must pack warmly and prepare for wind and rain. We recommend May and September, a month after the season begins and a month before the season ends, respectively, to get better weather and avoid crowds.

The best stay-and-play golf packages depend on what the golfer wants and factors such as availability, weather, preferred courses, budget and more. 

To offer an expansive and full experience, we have 4 recommended stay-and-play packages in Ireland; Northern Ireland, The Southwest, Dublin & East Ireland, and The Northwest. They allow you to sample entire regions for a complete experience.

Based on sources that provide rankings of golf courses in Ireland, the courses most considered best, including by golfing enthusiasts, pros, and architects, include; Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, Ballybunion, Lahinch, Rosapenna & Portmarnock.

There are several ways to book a golf tour in Ireland, depending on your preferences and budget. Some of the options include:

  • The easiest option is to book via a travel agency, using packages that include almost everything you will need. For instance, Premier Golf specializes in luxury golf tours to Ireland, with a team based in Killarney that will take care of everything for you. 
  • Book it yourself via online platforms, check tee times, and act as a one-person golf tour agency. This is higher risk though – as certain courses have restrictions and requirements, such as the need for a caddie. 
  • Booking via a local golf resort or club, where stay-and-play packages include accommodation and golfing at their own courses and other amenities.

Depending on which option you choose, your experience will vary.

The most prestigious golf tournament to be held in Ireland is the Open Championship, which is one of the four major championships in professional golf. The 153rd edition of the Open Championship is scheduled to take place in 2025 at the iconic Royal Portrush Golf Club

In addition, the 2027 Ryder Cup will be held at Adare Manor and was previously played at the K Club in 2006.

The prices vary depending on the season, currency, course, package, etc. Generally, playing in the off-season or just before or after the peak season costs less. Northern Ireland golf packages can cost more than similar tours in other parts of Ireland, and it’s worth noting that Northern Ireland uses the British Pound and not the Euro.  

The courses you choose also affect the rates, with the most prestigious commanding higher prices. 

At Premier Golf, we offer 6-night, 6-round packages that start at $3,900 per golfer.