Fairways & Fisheries

Ireland guide

Golfing in Ireland

Ireland combines legendary links golf with compact touring routes, making it ideal for both first-time and repeat golf travellers.

Best regions for golf

  • Southwest: iconic links stretch with high scenic value.
  • Northwest: dramatic dunes and less crowded rounds.
  • Dublin and East Coast: easier access and short transfers.
  • Shannon and West Coast: classic links with strong route flexibility.

Best time to go

  • May to June: excellent daylight and course conditioning.
  • July to August: highest demand and booking pressure.
  • September: often best value-quality balance.
  • April and October: quieter travel with variable weather.

For marquee links in summer, secure tee times early and leave room for weather-flexible scheduling.

Golf courses to know by area

Southwest Ireland

  • Ballybunion Old Course
  • Tralee Golf Club
  • Waterville Golf Links
  • Dooks Golf Club

Northwest Ireland

  • Rosapenna St Patrick's Links
  • Ballyliffin Glashedy Links
  • Narin and Portnoo Links
  • Donegal Golf Club Murvagh

Dublin and East Coast

  • Portmarnock Golf Club
  • The Island Golf Club
  • Royal Dublin Golf Club
  • The K Club Palmer North

West Coast and Shannon Access

  • Lahinch Golf Club
  • Doonbeg Golf Club
  • Galway Bay Golf Resort
  • Connemara Championship Links

Nearest airports and transfer times

  • Dublin Airport to east-coast clubs: 25 to 50 minutes
  • Shannon Airport to Lahinch: 45 to 60 minutes
  • Kerry Airport to Ballybunion area: 45 to 70 minutes
  • Knock Airport to northwest links: 1 hour 30 to 2 hours 30 minutes

Sample 6-day Ireland route

  1. Arrive Dublin and play one east-coast round
  2. Transfer west via Shannon base for 2 nights
  3. Play Lahinch or Doonbeg style links
  4. Continue to southwest for 2 nights and two rounds
  5. Return via Dublin or Shannon based on flights

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