Best Links Courses

A links golf course sometimes referred to as seaside links are the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. The word comes from the Scots language and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes. Links are located in coastal areas, on sandy soil, often amid dunes, with few water hazards and trees. 
 
The challenges of links golf fall into two categories. Firstly the nature of the courses themselves, which tend to be characterized by uneven fairways, thick rough and small deep bunkers. Secondly, due to their coastal location, many links courses are frequently windy. This affects the style of play required.
 
Our golf experts, at Celtic Tours, have played the courses and tailored itineraries to suit the average and expert golfer alike. With over 408 Golf Courses in Ireland, choosing can be difficult. The following is a list of our favorites.
 

Golf Courses in County Kerry

 

 Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

  Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

 With 3 championship courses, the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club can offer 3 totally unique and challenges to the golfer. 

 Ballybunion Golf Club

  Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland

  Located on the north-west coast of County Kerry, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find two wonderfully challenging and unique golf courses   at Ballybunion - The Old Course and the Cashen Course. Whatever your choice, every hole, every hazard, and every shot is defined by nature's infinite presence.  

 Tralee Golf Club

  Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland

  Designed and built by Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge what is widely acclaimed as one of the finest links courses in the world. 

 Dooks Golf Course

  Glenbeigh, County Kerry, Ireland

  The golf links are set out to be one of the three stretches of sand dunes at the head of Dingle Bay. In the immediate foreground are the sand dune peninsulas of Rossbeign and Inch and just a few miles away from the whitewashed houses of the Cromane fishing village provide an eye-catching distraction. South Eastwards is the famed McGillycuddy's Reeks, to the Southwest are the lovely Cooms and hills of Glenbeigh and across the bay to the north are the Slieve Mish and Dingle Mountains. A truly magical location for a stunning golf course.  

 Waterville Golf Course

  Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland

  Golfing at Waterville is a mystical experience- the beauty of the classic links land, surrounded by the sea, yet forever challenged by the shape of the elements. Over 100 years old, Waterville is rated among the top 5 courses in Ireland and as one of the top 20 link courses in the world.

Golf Courses in County Dublin

 

 St. Anne's Golf Course

  Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

  St. Anne's Golf Club is an impressive and testing 18-holes links golf course (par 71) situated on Dublin's most famous ecological attraction - Bull Island Nature Reserve in Dublin Bay.  

 Portmarnock Golf Course

  Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland

  Considered by many as a fair but challenging test of golf, Portmarnock invites you to experience one of the purest links courses in the world.

Golf Courses in County Sligo

 

 Enniscrone Golf Links

  Enniscrone, County Sligo, Ireland

  Enniscrone Golf Club, located in County Sligo in Northwest Ireland. Situated beside the picturesque seaside town of Enniscrone (also spelled as Inniscrone), the golf course afford panoramic views of Killala Bay, Bartra Island, and sandy beaches with Nephin and the Ox Mountains forming in the background.  

 County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point

   County Sligo, Ireland

  County Sligo Golf Club is situated on the Rosses Point peninsula in the North-West of Ireland, under the shadow of the majestic Benbulben Mountain. Their picturesque and challenging championship links is over 100 years old and is recognized as one of Ireland's greatest courses. It is one of the most popular golf destinations in Ireland, and when you experience it, you will understand why. 

Golf Courses in County Cork

 

 Lee Valley Golf & Country Club

   Cork City, County Cork, Ireland

  Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and overwhelming hospitality this family-run Golf Club is a must for anyone visiting Cork. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and quality of our product and service. There is always a member of the family on hand to ensure that your experience is made truly unique and unforgettable.  

 Carne Golf Links

   Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland

  The building of Carne has caused little disturbance in this wild and ancient landscape. Tees and greens occurred naturally and very little earth moving was involved in the course construction. There are some breathtaking views over the Atlantic and the legendary islands of Inis Gloire an Inis Geidhe. 

Golf Courses in County Clare

 

 Lahinch Golf Course

   Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland

  Lahinch is a traditional, out-and-back links and is a true classic and you'll relish every moment, especially the unique challenges of the par 5 4th followed by a blinding par 3 amidst the dunes. Offering 2 courses: Dough Castle named for the remains of the castle which can be seen on the 7th hole and the Old Course.

Golf Courses in County Louth

 

 County Louth Golf Club: Baltray

   Baltray, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland

  Rated in Golf Digest's top 100 courses in the world as a "hidden gem". It is one of the top twenty-five courses in the British Isles and it is in the top six in the island. Sometimes ferocious and other times benign, it provides competition for all handicaps.

Golf Courses in County Down

 

 Royal County Down

   New Castle, County Down, Ireland

  Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretch along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole.

Golf Courses in County Antrim

 

 Royal Portrush Golf Course

   Portrush, County Antrim, Ireland

  Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world, the Dunluce Links, and the hidden gem, the Valley Links. The only club in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship, Royal Portrush is a members’ club which welcomes visitors all year round to face the challenges of its courses and to brave the testing conditions.