The Best Golf Courses in Ireland for Your Vacation

There are more than 300 golf courses in Ireland alone, so it isn’t surprising many golf enthusiasts often want to travel to some of the best golf courses in Ireland for a vacation. But because there are so many famous golf courses in Ireland, it might be difficult for you to figure out where to start. After all, any of Ireland’s courses make a good choice.

Fortunately, this guide will help you decide between some of the best golf courses in Ireland. Keep reading and learn more about your choices for golfing in Ireland below.

1. Carne Golf Links

Carne golf course is a new breed of golf course borne out of the pandemic. It has been around for much longer, but with golfers looking for those off the beaten track places, it really ticks that box. Carne has such a unique landscape. The first thing you will notice about this course is that it has a huge dunes, and each one of those dunes seems to tower over the next. Some as high as 500 feet, which even for an Irish links, is quite unique giving you plenty of challenges to conquer.

You will find that the tees are scattered in interesting locations across the golf course. Some are high up on these of the dunes, while others are deep into some of the depressions that the course has to offer.

You might wonder why the golf course is designed like this, and it all has to do with the original architect, Eddie Hackett. Hackett decided that Carne should be different from the others, but he realised that there wasn’t much to change, God had provided the perfect tapestry. Such a natural, flowing, and almost chaotic landscape, Carne is as unique a golf course as you will find.

The Details

Of course, the landscape makes it a bit harder on those that are still somewhat new to golf. However, if you already have plenty of experience and love spending time exploring links golf, then you will have a great time at Carne Golf Links.

There were originally a total of 18 holes to play on this course. However, there have recently been an additional 9 holes added to the course in 2013. These holes are known as the Kilmore 9.

With 27 holes to play, you can easily spend a full day on Carne,  or even better, come back for a second visit the next day, because you are bound to have a completely different experience.

2. Enniscrone

If you’re looking for a golf course that is full of dunes and hills, then you don’t need to look any further than Enniscrone. This course is known for its amazing dunes and hills that are somewhat similar to those in Carne Golf Links. The landscape of the Enniscrone course, however, is slightly different. The dunes in Enniscrone seem almost craggy, shaped brutally by the Atlantic ocean when they were formed.

Many of them are backed right up against the coastline, so you’ll be able to enjoy the pleasant ocean breeze while enjoying the course.

What You Need to Know

This is yet another golf course that will provide quite the challenge. Not everyone is up for this kind of competition, but if you love golf, you shouldn’t have any problem enjoying yourself in Enniscrone. A particular challenge that you may face more than once is having to play blind shots over some of these huge dunes. A local caddie can come in very useful at Enniscrone. This is not only exhilarating but also quite fascinating since you won’t be able to know where your ball landed until you go and find it. Holes 12 and 13 are known to be some of the most difficult holes to reach since they are placed so precariously.

Some of the holes, however, such as hole 17, are famous for their breathtaking views of the entire golf course. The Enniscrone course is certainly one that you will want to visit if you want to play golf but also enjoy the scenery of Ireland at the same time.

3. Royal County Down

Arguably the No. 1 golf course in the world, RCD is located in Dundrum Bay, overlooked by the Mourne Mountains. These mountains might not be the tallest in the world, but they are certainly breathtaking and immense, especially when viewing them from the golf course. Royal Co. Down is one of the stiffest tests in world golf and one that every golfer should experience once kid they are to indeed call themselves that. It is a special place.

County Down has a great layout, the front nine being particularly strong. There is a fabulous mix of holes on the front, with a mix of long and short par three’s and blind approaches. The chance to play ones is great, but if you have the option to play 36-holes in a day, grab it with both hands. The second round is much more enjoyable when you know the lie of the land. Simply one of the very best in the world.

All About the Best Golf Courses in Ireland

If you’re looking for the best golf courses in Ireland, you won’t have to look very far. There are more than 300 golf courses on the island and they all have fantastic views and challenges. While this article only explored a few of the golf course options in Ireland, these three will certainly pique your interest if you decide to visit them.

To learn more about planning a golf vacation, click here.