Golf in Ireland

This country profile highlights some of the key aspects of golfing in Ireland.

About the Country

The Emerald Isle - home to Irish coffee, leprechauns, Guinness, dramatic coastal scenery and some of the friendliest people you could ever wish to meet. The green hills and pastures clearly need plenty of watering, and the Atlantic weather systems oblige at frequent intervals. With its wonderful countryside, deeply rooted celtic culture and a pragmatic, outward looking approach to the modern world, Ireland contains a rich abundance of history, places of interest and things to do. It also seems to be the ancestral home to half the population of the United States. The island of Ireland comprises the six counties in the north, which are part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), and the larger Republic of Ireland, known in Irish as Eire.

About the Golf
Ireland is quite simply a golfers paradise. Golf courses are everywhere - and their numbers are growing as each year passes. Whether it is coastal links gems you are looking for, usually complete with stunning sea views, or parkland treasures away from the coast, no country is better equipped than Ireland to meet your needs. If quantity and variety are well catered for, so to is quality. The roll call of great courses is long and impressive, and includes some of the world's legendary courses : Ballybunion, Lahinch, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, the K Club, Doonbeg, The Old Head of Kinsale, Mount Juliet, Portmarnock, Ballyliffin, Adare, Druids Glen, Waterville, Tralee, Royal Belfast, and so the list goes on, and on.

Golf Good Points
Every golf course in Ireland, including all the great name courses, are accessible to visiting golfers. There are no courses here which are exclusively for "members only". If you are on a tightish budget, there are always good value courses to be found in any neighbourhood, and many hidden gems can be counted in their number. As for the 19th hole, suffice to say that the best Guinness in the world flows as naturally here as do the streams and rivers that criss-cross the countryside.

Less Good Points
This is not a country to leave your umbrella in the car, but don't think that it rains all the time - it doesn't. Green fees vary tremendously, and seem to be drifting (sometimes racing) upwards as the popularity of golf in Ireland continues to grows unabated. Some of those great-value gems you visited last time, might require you to dig deeper into your pocket next time.

Golf - Booking
Always phone or e-mail in advance to make a tee time booking. Internet booking is also becoming more commonplace. Sometimes a deposit or a confirmation fax will be requested.

Weather
The Atlantic weather systems ensure a real mix of weather can blow through on any given day. Blues skies, sunshine, cloud, wind and rain might all make an appearance during your round - the big question is always in what proportions ! Generally the winter months are the toughest for golf, but that usually doesn't stop any of the hardier souls from playing.

Getting around
Travelling around Ireland by car, soaking in the scenery, is one of the country's greatest delights, provided you are not in a hurry. There are not too many motorway standard roads, so journeys can take longer than you imagine when looking at the relatively short distances on the map.

Accomodation
For a full guide to the best value Irish Golf Breaks check out Your Golf Travel. Where2Golf Travel is powered by YourGolfTravel.com who now represents 26 countries worldwide.

Currency
Euro in Eire / Pounds sterling in Northern Ireland

Language
English is spoken everywhere, but the Irish langauge still flourishes in many areas.

Check the Top Golf Courses in Ireland for ratings, reviews, photos and contact information of golf clubs and hotels.

Useful Links

Accommodation
Ireland's Blue Book Guide to top-quality accommodation in Ireland.

Travel
Stena Ferries Ferries to and from Ireland
Irish Ferries Ferries to and from Ireland