FORE! Golfing in Ireland
Did you know that the island of Ireland has more than ‘fore hundred’ golf courses! Duffers, putters, and professionals have cherished Ireland’s incredible golf courses since forever, but when Irish golfer Rory McIlroy had his stunning victory recently at the 2025 Masters Championship in Augusta, GA, the whole world was watching and thinking about Ireland.
This summer, all eyes turn to The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland on July 17-20, 2025. This prestigious major, held on one of the most iconic and challenging courses in the world, offers McIlroy the perfect stage to further cement his legacy.
In May, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady played rounds of golf at Royal Portrush, as well as Royal County Down, Portmarnock, Adare and Ballybunion. He told a reporter “One of the great highlights of my life is being on golf courses with my dad. And (my family) all love to share that kind of fellowship together.”
Most of Ireland’s courses, especially links, are open all year round, according to Ireland.com. Courses are in the best condition and the weather is most suitable for golfing from April to October. In summer, daylight hours can stretch up to 10 pm so two rounds and a lazy lunch can easily fit into a day.
With 400+ courses, including a third of the world’s natural links courses, it’s no wonder that Ireland attracts more than 240,000 golfers from all over the world each year to experience the impressive and challenging fairways.
Golfing in Ireland is a joy and pleasure, and visitors are always welcome, and not just for the links! As part of the golfing experience, Ireland offers stunning scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, castles, culture and history, and the warm welcome of a live traditional music session in the local pub
Here are some of Ireland’s favorite golf courses, according to golf legends who played them.
LAHINCH, CO. CLARE
Just a few miles from the Cliffs of Moher, Old Tom Morris said: ‘The links is as fine a natural course as has been my good fortune to play over.’
MOUNT JULIET, CO. KILKENNY
“I think the golf course is absolutely gorgeous, the fairways are perfect, the greens are the best greens we’ve putted on all year, including the majors. These things are absolutely pure,” declared Tiger Woods.
ROYAL PORTRUSH, CO. ANTRIM
To quote Rory McIlroy: ‘This is among my favorite places to play in Northern Ireland, one of the truly great links courses.’
ROYAL COUNTY DOWN, CO. DOWN
‘Royal County Down is my all-time favorite,’ said PGA Tour player Rickie Fowler.
PORTMARNOCK, CO. DUBLIN
‘There are no tricks or nasty surprises, only an honest, albeit searching, test of shot-making skills,’ said Tom Watson, five-time Open champion.
OLD HEAD GOLF LINKS, KINSALE, CO. CORK
‘Anyone who has a love of golf and scenic beauty should make a point of playing here, it’s as simple as that,’ said former Masters and The Open Winner Mark O’Meara.
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