Ireland Courses

Southwest

Tom’s Golf Tours

LAHINCH – OLD COURSE

Founded: 1892
Designer: Old Tom Morris, Alister MacKenzie, Martin Hawtree, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 6,950 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, Lahinch Golf Club is also one of the most respected links courses in the world. Set right on the Atlantic coastline, Lahinch is exposed to the ocean through all her moods and has been molded and shaped over the centuries by nature’s harsh elements and an occasional touch of human genius. Lahinch, with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways, rolling greens and fair share of blind shots, is the perfect natural golfing terrain a true links in the traditional meaning of the word.

Info from: www.lahinchgolf.com

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TRUMP DOONBEG

Founded: 2002
Designer: Greg Norman, Matthew Dusenberry, Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 7,026 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Opened for limited play in the summer of 2001, Doonbeg Golf Links opened for general play in 2002 and has already taken its place among the great courses of the Irish southwest. Within the parish of Doonbeg in County Clare, the links land that remains untouched by time sits astride a rugged piece of Atlantic coastline and will soon rank with Ballybunion and Lahinch as one of the finest golf courses in Ireland.

Info from: www.doonbeglodge.com

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DROMOLAND CASTLE

Founded: 1962
Designer: Ron Kirby, Joe Carr
Championship Length: 6,824
PAR: 72
Type: Parkland

Set in the stunning surrounds of Dromoland Castle, take in the majesty of the 15th Century castle as you enter the estate, winding up through the golf course and surrounding lakes. Playing over 6,800 yards, the championship Dromoland Golf Course has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting a stern challenge to both professionals and amateurs. Designed by the internationally renowned Ron Kirby and Joe Carr, this great course requires the perfect blend of distance, accuracy, risk and reward.

Website: www.dromolandgolf.com

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BALLYBUNION – OLD COURSE

Founded: 1893
Designer: Tom Simpson
Championship Length: 6,802 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The very name Ballybunion Golf Club, strikes a chord with golfing enthusiasts around the globe. Rated one of the ten best golf courses in the world, standing on the first tee at Ballybunion is every bit as awe inspiring as one could imagine in many respects, it’s like standing on the first at the Old Course in St. Andrews. This is an experience long since yearned for don’t duff it, don’t slice it, don’t hook it and whatever you do, don’t put it into the graveyard!

Consistently rated as one of the world’s greatest golf courses, the Old Course offers the ultimate links golfing challenge. Difficult to play in the wind but always rewarding not least because of the scenery.

Info from: www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie

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BALLYBUNION – CASHEN COURSE

Founded: 1984
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Championship Length: 6,318 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The Cashen Course at Ballybunion is set on the same majestic links land as its elder sister. Upon observing the terrain for the first time, Trent Jones commented that this was “the finest piece of links land I have ever seen and perhaps the finest piece of links land in the world”. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the river on the other, the tumbling, undulating, free flowing design is beauty beyond description in words.

Info from: www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie

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TRALEE

Founded: 1896
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Championship Length: 6,975 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Representing the first European design of Arnold Palmer, Tralee Golf Club in southwestern Ireland is one of the most spectacularly beautiful golf courses you will ever encounter. And while beauty often masks certain deficiencies in a golf course, that is certainly not the case with Tralee. Having completed his masterpiece, Palmer commented: “I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course. I am happy that we have one of the world’s great links here”.

Info from: www.traleegolfclub.com

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DINGLE

Founded: 1924
Designer: Eddie Hackett, Christy O’Connor
Championship Length: 6,737
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Nestled on the edge of Ireland's dramatic south-west coastline, Dingle Golf Links is a special place to play.  The towering headland to the south-west gives Dingle Golf Links its full Irish name and a unique microclimate where fescue, the champion of links grasses, has thrived in abundance.  Ranked in the top 80 golf courses in Ireland by Irish Golfer Magazine who say of Dingle Golf Links "A strong test for any golfer and located in one of Ireland's beauty spots".

Website: www.dinglelinks.com

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DOOKS

Founded: 1889
Designer: Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 6,586 yards
PAR: 71
Type: Links

Dooks Golf Club represents traditional Irish links golf at its best. Though not renowned the world over like its near neighbor Ballybunion, Dooks offers the visitor a unique links experience in a majestic environment. Golf Course architect Donald Steele aptly assessed the course as follows “Dooks is a rare gem it has a special place in the annals of links golf and must be preserved at all costs. Its character typifies the true meaning of what this form of the game should represent.”

Info from: www.dooks.com

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WATERVILLE

Founded: 1889
Designer: Eddie Hackett, John A. Mulcahy, Tom Fazio
Championship Length: 7,378 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Waterville Golf Links in Kerry is one of the finest links golf courses in the world, never mind Ireland. Located on the Ring of Kerry, the surrounding scenery and quality of golf holes is breathtaking to say the least. The Waterville area and Ballinskelligs Bay also play an important role in the mythology and history of ancient Ireland. The granddaughter of Noah (of Ark fame) is reported to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, while the last of the mythical invaders, the Milesians, settled here in 1700 BC, leaving behind many archeological reminders. These rich legends combine with a serene location to form a mystical aura that visitors to Waterville can sense to this day.

Info from: www.watervillegolflinks.ie

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RING OF KERRY

Founded: 1998
Designer: Eddie hackeet, Ron Kirby, Roger Jones, Jonathan Gaunt, Steve Marnoch
Championship Length: 6,663 yards
PAR: 73
Type: Parkland

After arriving at the elevated clubhouse, the first look back down the mountain reveals a breathtaking scene – the fairways and greens are superbly manicured, the bunkers are well maintained and raked, and you are in for a serious test of Irish golf. From the standpoint of location, design, topography and sheer golfability, this is one of the most unique golf courses in Ireland. The course boasts panoramic views across Kenmare Bay from every hole. Combine this with the beautiful Kerry mountains as a backdrop, and you have one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland.

Website: www.ringofkerrygolf.com

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ADARE MANOR

Founded: 1995
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Fazio
Championship Length: 7,453 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Parkland

Masterfully designed, magnificently maintained, and perfectly set within the glorious estate of one of Europe’s most spectacular manor house hotels, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is ready to take its place among the best championship courses in the world.

Celebrated golf architect Tom Fazio has taken what was already an award-winning course and transformed it into a parkland paradise befitting a country in the top tier of global golfing destinations. The new course has been created in harmony with the outstanding natural beauty of its surroundings: lush, softly rolling terrain, mature tree scaping, and the sweeping banks of the River Maigue.  Every bit as strategic as it is scenic, this is a course which demands precision but rewards risk and courage.

Website: www.adaremanor.com

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KILLARNEY - KILEEN

Founded: 1972
Designer: Dr. Bill O’Sulivan
Championship Length: 6,593 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Parkland

Host venue to the Irish Open in 1991, 1992, 2010 and 2011, and the Curtis Cup in 1996, the Killeen Course at Killarney Golf Club is nestled within Ireland’s largest National Park on the shores of Lough Leane.  The backdrop to Killeen is something very special indeed and provides golfers with a spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The wonderful lake and mountain views make for a spectacular backdrop to one of the world’s most renowned golf courses.

 

Website: www.killarneygolfclub.ie

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Old Head Golf Links

Founded: 1997
Designer: J. Carr, R. Kirby, E. Hackett, P. Merrigan
Championship Length: 7,200 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Designed by a combination of Ireland’s golfing heroes and design experts, the Old Head Golf Links is quite simply one of the most remarkable developments ever conceived in the history of golf; an Atlantic promontory that will never be rivaled in terms of drama and beauty. The course rises hundreds of feet above dramatic cliffs, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on all sides and commanding the most spectacular views from almost every part

Info from: www.oldhead.com

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Lahinch

Designer: Old Tom Morris, Alister MacKenzie, Martin Hawtree, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert

One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, Lahinch Golf Club is also one of the most respected links courses in the world. Set right on the Atlantic coastline, Lahinch is exposed to the ocean through all her moods and has been molded and shaped over the centuries by nature’s harsh elements and an occasional touch of human genius. Lahinch, with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways, rolling greens and fair share of blind shots, is the perfect natural golfing terrain a true links in the traditional meaning of the word.

Info from: www.lahinchgolf.com

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Trump Doonbeg

Designer: Greg Norman, Matthew Dusenberry, Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 7,026

Opened for limited play in the summer of 2001, Doonbeg Golf Links opened for general play in 2002 and has already taken its place among the great courses of the Irish southwest. Within the parish of Doonbeg in County Clare, the links land that remains untouched by time sits astride a rugged piece of Atlantic coastline and will soon rank with Ballybunion and Lahinch as one of the finest golf courses in Ireland.

Info from: www.doonbeglodge.com

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Dromoland Castle

Founded: 1962
Designer: Ron Kirby, Joe Carr
Championship Length: 6,824
PAR: 72
Type: Parkland

Set in the stunning surrounds of Dromoland Castle, take in the majesty of the 15th Century castle as you enter the estate, winding up through the golf course and surrounding lakes. Playing over 6,800 yards, the championship Dromoland Golf Course has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting a stern challenge to both professionals and amateurs. Designed by the internationally renowned Ron Kirby and Joe Carr, this great course requires the perfect blend of distance, accuracy, risk and reward.

Website: www.dromolandgolf.com

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Ballybunion – Old Course

Founded: 1893
Designer: Tom Simpson

Website: www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie

The very name Ballybunion Golf Club, strikes a chord with golfing enthusiasts around the globe. Rated one of the ten best golf courses in the world, standing on the first tee at Ballybunion is every bit as awe inspiring as one could imagine in many respects, it’s like standing on the first at the Old Course in St. Andrews. This is an experience long since yearned for don’t duff it, don’t slice it, don’t hook it and whatever you do, don’t put it into the graveyard!

Consistently rated as one of the world’s greatest golf courses, the Old Course offers the ultimate links golfing challenge. Difficult to play in the wind but always rewarding not least because of the scenery.

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Ballybunion – Cashen Course

Founded: 1984
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Championship Length: 6,318 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The Cashen Course at Ballybunion is set on the same majestic links land as its elder sister. Upon observing the terrain for the first time, Trent Jones commented that this was “the finest piece of links land I have ever seen and perhaps the finest piece of links land in the world”. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the river on the other, the tumbling, undulating, free flowing design is beauty beyond description in words.

Info from: www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie

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Tralee

Founded: 1984
Designer: Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie
Championship Length: 6,991
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Representing the first European design of Arnold Palmer, Tralee Golf Club in southwestern Ireland is one of the most spectacularly beautiful golf courses you will ever encounter. And while beauty often masks certain deficiencies in a golf course, that is certainly not the case with Tralee. Having completed his masterpiece, Palmer commented: “I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course. I am happy that we have one of the world’s great links here”.

Info from: www.traleegolfclub.com

Read more

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Dingle

Founded: 1924
Designer: Eddie Hackett, Christy O’Connor
Championship Length: 6,737
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Nestled on the edge of Ireland's dramatic south-west coastline, Dingle Golf Links is a special place to play.  The towering headland to the south-west gives Dingle Golf Links its full Irish name and a unique microclimate where fescue, the champion of links grasses, has thrived in abundance.  Ranked in the top 80 golf courses in Ireland by Irish Golfer Magazine who say of Dingle Golf Links "A strong test for any golfer and located in one of Ireland's beauty spots".

Website: www.dinglelinks.com

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Dooks

Designer: Martin Hawtree, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert

Dooks Golf Club represents traditional Irish links golf at its best. Though not renowned the world over like its near neighbor Ballybunion, Dooks offers the visitor a unique links experience in a majestic environment. Golf Course architect Donald Steele aptly assessed the course as follows “Dooks is a rare gem it has a special place in the annals of links golf and must be preserved at all costs. Its character typifies the true meaning of what this form of the game should represent.”

Info from: www.dooks.com

Read more

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WATERVILLE

Founded: 1889
Designer: Eddie Hackett, John A. Mulcahy, Tom Fazio
Championship Length: 7,378 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Waterville Golf Links in Kerry is one of the finest links golf courses in the world, never mind Ireland. Located on the Ring of Kerry, the surrounding scenery and quality of golf holes is breathtaking to say the least. The Waterville area and Ballinskelligs Bay also play an important role in the mythology and history of ancient Ireland. The granddaughter of Noah (of Ark fame) is reported to have landed in Ballinskelligs Bay, while the last of the mythical invaders, the Milesians, settled here in 1700 BC, leaving behind many archeological reminders. These rich legends combine with a serene location to form a mystical aura that visitors to Waterville can sense to this day.

Info from: www.watervillegolflinks.ie

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Killarney - Killeen

Founded: 1972
Designer: Dr. Billy O’Sullivan
Championship Length: 6,593
PAR: 72
Type: Parkland

Host venue to the Irish Open in 1991, 1992, 2010 and 2011, and the Curtis Cup in 1996, the Killeen Course at Killarney Golf Club is nestled within Ireland’s largest National Park on the shores of Lough Leane.  The backdrop to Killeen is something very special indeed and provides golfers with a spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The wonderful lake and mountain views make for a spectacular backdrop to one of the world’s most renowned golf courses.

Website: www.killarneygolfclub.ie

Read more

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Ring of Kerry

Founded: 1998
Designer: Eddie Hackett, Ron Kirby, Roger Jones, Jonathan Gaunt, Steve Marnoch
Championship Length: 6,663
PAR: 73
Type: Parkland

After arriving at the elevated clubhouse, the first look back down the mountain reveals a breathtaking scene – the fairways and greens are superbly manicured, the bunkers are well maintained and raked, and you are in for a serious test of Irish golf.  From the standpoint of location, design, topography and sheer golfability, this is one of the most unique golf courses in Ireland. The course boasts panoramic views across Kenmare Bay from every hole.  Combine this with the beautiful Kerry mountains as a backdrop, and you have one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland.

Website: www.ringofkerrygolf.com

Read more

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Adare Manor

Founded: 1995
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Fazio
Championship Length: 7,453
PAR: 72
Type: Parkland

Masterfully designed, magnificently maintained, and perfectly set within the glorious estate of one of Europe’s most spectacular manor house hotels, The Golf Course at Adare Manor is ready to take its place among the best championship courses in the world.

Celebrated golf architect Tom Fazio has taken what was already an award-winning course and transformed it into a parkland paradise befitting a country in the top tier of global golfing destinations. The new course has been created in harmony with the outstanding natural beauty of its surroundings: lush, softly rolling terrain, mature tree scaping, and the sweeping banks of the River Maigue.  Every bit as strategic as it is scenic, this is a course which demands precision but rewards risk and courage.

Website: www.adaremanor.com

Read more

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Old Head Golf Links

Founded: 1997
Designer: J. Carr, R. Kirby, E. Hackett, P. Merrigan
Championship Length: 7,200 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Designed by a combination of Ireland’s golfing heroes and design experts, the Old Head Golf Links is quite simply one of the most remarkable developments ever conceived in the history of golf; an Atlantic promontory that will never be rivaled in terms of drama and beauty. The course rises hundreds of feet above dramatic cliffs, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on all sides and commanding the most spectacular views from almost every part

Info from: www.oldhead.com

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North Coast

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BALLYLIFFIN

Founded: 1920
Designer: Eddie Hackett, Nick Faldo, Pat Ruddy, Tom Craddock
Championship Length: 6,937
PAR: 71
Type: Links

Ballyliffin Golf Club consists of two outstanding, contrasting links courses and 36 wonderful holes, making up one of the finest golf resorts to be found anywhere in the world. The expansive panoramic views of countryside, coastline and ocean savored by these magnificent links courses will not easily be forgotten.  The Old Links undulates in the glory of its natural terrain, presenting an immensely enjoyable challenge to every golfer.  The new Glashedy Links is a Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock masterpiece fashioned around the incredible dunes, and is rated amongst the best links tracks in the world.

Website: www.ballyliffingolfclub.com

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CASTLEROCK

Founded: 1901
Designer: Ben Sayers, Harry Colt
Championship Length: 6,805
PAR: 73
Type: Links

Castlerock Golf Club is a classic links course set amid towering dunes.  Situated on the Causeway coast and only a 20 minute drive from both Royal Portrush Golf Club and Portstewart Golf Club, Castlerock is a more than worthy neighbor to both of these great Irish links.  Castlerock is rated as one of Ireland’s finest links courses and its status in the game is reflected by the fact that it has hosted many National Championships both Amateur and Professional.

Website: www.castlerockgc.co.uk

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PORTSTEWART

Founded: 1894
Designer: Willie Park Jr., Des Griffin (Strand)
Championship Length: 7,118 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Host of the 2017 Irish Open, the Championship Strand Course is dubbed “the sleeping giant.” It is a true test of golf with undulating dunes, run-off bunkers, rolling fairways and tricky manicured greens. The views from almost every hole are quite simply, magical. Strand is the jewel in Portstewart’s crown of 3 outstanding courses, which also include The Riverside and Old Course.

Info from: portstewartgc.co.uk

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ROYAL PORTRUSH

Founded: 1888
Designer: Harry Colt (1933 redesign)
Championship Length: 7,317 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Home to the 2019 British Open, the Dunluce Championship Course at Royal Portrush is one of the world’s finest links courses. Known as the County Club when first formed in May 1888, it became the Royal County Club in 1892 and finally, Royal Portrush Golf Club in 1895, with the Prince of Wales as patron. The links has undergone many changes during the course of its existence. The initial nine holes were extended to eighteen by 1889, while the renowned golf architect, Harry Colt, designed the present course. Upon completion of his work at Portrush, Colt remarked that it represented his best ever layout.

Info from: www.royalportrushgolfclub.com

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Ballyliffin

Founded: 1920
Designer: Eddie Hackett, Nick Faldo, Pat Ruddy, Tom Craddock
Championship Length: 6,937
PAR: 71
Type: Links

Ballyliffin Golf Club consists of two outstanding, contrasting links courses and 36 wonderful holes, making up one of the finest golf resorts to be found anywhere in the world. The expansive panoramic views of countryside, coastline and ocean savored by these magnificent links courses will not easily be forgotten.  The Old Links undulates in the glory of its natural terrain, presenting an immensely enjoyable challenge to every golfer.  The new Glashedy Links is a Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock masterpiece fashioned around the incredible dunes, and is rated amongst the best links tracks in the world.

Website: www.ballyliffingolfclub.com

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Castlerock

Founded: 1901
Designer: Ben Sayers, Harry Colt
Championship Length: 6,805
PAR: 73
Type: Links

Castlerock Golf Club is a classic links course set amid towering dunes.  Situated on the Causeway coast and only a 20 minute drive from both Royal Portrush Golf Club and Portstewart Golf Club, Castlerock is a more than worthy neighbor to both of these great Irish links.  Castlerock is rated as one of Ireland’s finest links courses and its status in the game is reflected by the fact that it has hosted many National Championships both Amateur and Professional.

Website: www.castlerockgc.co.uk

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Portstewart

Founded: 1894
Designer: Willie Park, Jr.
Championship Length: 7,004
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Host of the 2017 Irish Open, the Championship Strand Course is dubbed “the sleeping giant.” It is a true test of golf with undulating dunes, run-off bunkers, rolling fairways and tricky manicured greens. The views from almost every hole are quite simply, magical. Strand is the jewel in Portstewart’s crown of 3 outstanding courses, which also include The Riverside and Old Course.

Info from: portstewartgc.co.uk

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Royal Portrush

Founded: 1888
Designer: Harry Colt, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 7,317
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Home to the 2019 British Open, the Dunluce Championship Course at Royal Portrush is one of the world’s finest links courses. Known as the County Club when first formed in May 1888, it became the Royal County Club in 1892 and finally, Royal Portrush Golf Club in 1895, with the Prince of Wales as patron. The links has undergone many changes during the course of its existence. The initial nine holes were extended to eighteen by 1889, while the renowned golf architect, Harry Colt, designed the present course. Upon completion of his work at Portrush, Colt remarked that it represented his best ever layout.

Info from: www.royalportrushgolfclub.com

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East Coast

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ARDGLASS

Founded: 1896
Designer: David Jones
Championship Length: 6,268
PAR: 70
Type: Links

Ardglass Golf Course, only 30 minutes from the world renowned Royal County Down golf links, hugs the northeast coast of Ireland, with stunning views, unique golf holes and memorable people.  With the almost ever-present wind, hard fairways and small firm greens, Ardglass is a true test of golf.   The Irish Sea, which can be seen from all 18 tees and greens, comes into play on no fewer than 8 holes.  Ardglass also claims the oldest golf club house in the world, dating back to the 15th century.

Website: www.ardglassgolfclub.com

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ROYAL COUNTY DOWN

Founded: 1889
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 7,186 yards
PAR: 71
Type: Links

Royal County Down the very words are enough to send a shiver up your spine. Laid out beneath the imperious gaze of the Mountains of Mourne and enjoying a magnificent setting along the shores of Dundrum Bay, Royal County Down is truly one of the world’s finest links golf courses. Designed by Old Tom Morris for the princely sum of four guineas back in 1889, Royal County Down, as well as being one of the most beautiful courses in the world, is also one of the most challenging.

Info from: www.royalcountydown.org

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COUNTY LOUTH BALTRAY

Founded: 1892
Designer: Tom Simpson, Donald Steel, Tom McKenzie
Championship Length: 7,031 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The late Frank Penninck wrote in an article in 1962 in the “Golfers Companion” referring to the Course as “natural unspoilt seaside territory with towering sand hills, murderous rough, and a rating of long holes that call for powerful hitting”.

In more recent times the “Golf World” magazine was moved to observe: “County Louth is one of the best kept secrets of Irish golf. Sometimes also referred to as Baltray this has to be one of the most enjoyable Links in Ireland and undoubtedly represents superb value. There is not a weak hole on the course and some of the holes merit greatness”.

The present course was designed in 1938 by the renowned Tom Simpson. The course is laid out in two loops covering some 190 acres with no two holes running in the same direction. The only exception being the 12th and 13th which run along the sea. It speaks highly for Simpson’s design that he saw need to introduce only fifty bunkers in the course’s defenses the rest was taken care of by the natural terrain.

Info from: countylouthgolfclub.com

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THE ISLAND

Founded: 1890
Designer: Fred Hawtree, Eddie Hackett, Jeff Howes, Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 6,312
PAR: 71
Type: Links

The Island Golf Club enjoys a unique setting bordered by sea on 3 sides.  A classic links course set in a rugged terrain and nestled between the highest sand dunes along the east coast of Ireland, it is only 15 minutes from the Dublin airport. One of the oldest courses in Ireland, the Island Golf Club was ranked 13th in Golf Digest’s Top Courses in Ireland in 2015.

Website: www.theislandgolfclub.ie

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PORTMARNOCK

Founded: 1894
Designer: W.C. Pickeman
Championship Length: 7,295 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Portmarnock Golf Club is universally acknowledged as one of the world’s truly great links courses and having played it, you will understand why. Located on a small peninsula, which extends into the Irish Sea, Portmarnock is surrounded by water on three sides and laid out in serpentine fashion, with no two successive holes playing in the same direction. Unlike many courses in this respect, Portmarnock demands a continual discernment of wind direction.

Info from: www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie

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ROYAL DUBLIN

Founded: 1885
Designer: H.S. Colt, Martin Hawtree, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 7,269
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The Royal Dublin Golf Club is steeped in golfing history and presents a stern golfing examination on a truly magnificent links course and is widely accepted as one of the greatest links courses in the world.  Host to many Irish championships including the Carrolls Irish Open from 1983-1985, Royal Dublin is both challenging and rewarding, and classic links golf at its best.

Website: www.theroyaldublingolfclub.com

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DRUIDS GLEN

Founded: 1995
Designer: Tom Craddock, Pat Ruddy
Championship Length: 7,046
PAR: 71
Type: Parkland

Enjoy the tranquility of the mystical Druids Glen, with manicured tree-lined fairways, historical landmarks, spectacular water features and vibrant floral displays.  Just a year after opening in 1995, Druids Glen hosted the Irish Open for four years in a row.  Druids Glen and its sister course, Druids Heath, both offer exhilarating landscapes, and are renowned as being amongst the finest, most challenging and most enjoyable courses in Europe.

Website: www.druidsglenresort.com

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Ardglass

Founded: 1896
Designer: David Jones
Championship Length: 6,268
PAR: 70
Type: Links

Ardglass Golf Course, only 30 minutes from the world renowned Royal County Down golf links, hugs the northeast coast of Ireland, with stunning views, unique golf holes and memorable people.  With the almost ever-present wind, hard fairways and small firm greens, Ardglass is a true test of golf.   The Irish Sea, which can be seen from all 18 tees and greens, comes into play on no fewer than 8 holes.  Ardglass also claims the oldest golf club house in the world, dating back to the 15th century.

Website: www.ardglassgolfclub.com

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ROYAL COUNTY DOWN

Founded: 1889
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Championship Length: 7,186 yards
PAR: 71
Type: Links

Royal County Down the very words are enough to send a shiver up your spine. Laid out beneath the imperious gaze of the Mountains of Mourne and enjoying a magnificent setting along the shores of Dundrum Bay, Royal County Down is truly one of the world’s finest links golf courses. Designed by Old Tom Morris for the princely sum of four guineas back in 1889, Royal County Down, as well as being one of the most beautiful courses in the world, is also one of the most challenging.

Info from: www.royalcountydown.org

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COUNTY LOUTH BALTRAY

Founded: 1892
Designer: Tom Simpson, Donald Steel, Tom McKenzie
Championship Length: 7,031 yards
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The late Frank Penninck wrote in an article in 1962 in the “Golfers Companion” referring to the Course as “natural unspoilt seaside territory with towering sand hills, murderous rough, and a rating of long holes that call for powerful hitting”.

In more recent times the “Golf World” magazine was moved to observe: “County Louth is one of the best kept secrets of Irish golf. Sometimes also referred to as Baltray this has to be one of the most enjoyable Links in Ireland and undoubtedly represents superb value. There is not a weak hole on the course and some of the holes merit greatness”.

The present course was designed in 1938 by the renowned Tom Simpson. The course is laid out in two loops covering some 190 acres with no two holes running in the same direction. The only exception being the 12th and 13th which run along the sea. It speaks highly for Simpson’s design that he saw need to introduce only fifty bunkers in the course’s defenses the rest was taken care of by the natural terrain.

Info from: countylouthgolfclub.com

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The Island

Founded: 1890
Designer: Fred Hawtree, Eddie Hackett, Jeff Howes, Martin Hawtree
Championship Length: 6,312
PAR: 71
Type: Links

The Island Golf Club enjoys a unique setting bordered by sea on 3 sides.  A classic links course set in a rugged terrain and nestled between the highest sand dunes along the east coast of Ireland, it is only 15 minutes from the Dublin airport. One of the oldest courses in Ireland, the Island Golf Club was ranked 13th in Golf Digest’s Top Courses in Ireland in 2015.

Website: www.theislandgolfclub.ie

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Portmarnock

Founded: 1894
Designer: Fred Hawtree, W.C. Pickermann
Championship Length: 7,466
PAR: 72
Type: Links

Royal County Down the very words are enough to send a shiver up your spine. Laid out beneath the imperious gaze of the Mountains of Mourne and enjoying a magnificent setting along the shores of Dundrum Bay, Royal County Down is truly one of the world’s finest links golf courses. Designed by Old Tom Morris for the princely sum of four guineas back in 1889, Royal County Down, as well as being one of the most beautiful courses in the world, is also one of the most challenging.

Info from: www.royalcountydown.org

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Royal Dublin

Founded: 1885
Designer: H.S. Colt, Martin Hawtree, Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Championship Length: 7,269
PAR: 72
Type: Links

The Royal Dublin Golf Club is steeped in golfing history and presents a stern golfing examination on a truly magnificent links course and is widely accepted as one of the greatest links courses in the world.  Host to many Irish championships including the Carrolls Irish Open from 1983-1985, Royal Dublin is both challenging and rewarding, and classic links golf at its best.

Website: www.theroyaldublingolfclub.com

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Druids Glen

Founded: 1995
Designer: Tom Craddock, Pat Ruddy
Championship Length: 7,046
PAR: 71
Type: Parkland

Enjoy the tranquility of the mystical Druids Glen, with manicured tree-lined fairways, historical landmarks, spectacular water features and vibrant floral displays.  Just a year after opening in 1995, Druids Glen hosted the Irish Open for four years in a row.  Druids Glen and its sister course, Druids Heath, both offer exhilarating landscapes, and are renowned as being amongst the finest, most challenging and most enjoyable courses in Europe.

Website: www.druidsglenresort.com

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