1. Royal County Down
36 Golf Links Rd, Newcastle, Co. Down
6 Best Holes: 9, 13, 3, 4, 5, 8
Best Par 3: 4
Best Par 4: 9
Best Par 5: 18
Best Par 3: 4
Best Par 4: 9
Best Par 5: 18
The first hole may be ordinary enough but holes 2-8 are brilliant and make if the best front 9 you will play anywhere. The 4th is a famous par 3 where getting your par requires excellent golf. The 9th is simple a magic par 4. A blind tee shot with a long second shot to a tight green. World class. The 13th is a super par 4 with probably a blind second shot that you need to keep further right than you may think. A great test of golf and make sure you stay further left than you think on the 4 blind tee shots. A must play.
2. Royal Portrush
Dunluce Rd, Portrush, Co. Antrim
6 Best Holes: 14, 4, 16, 7, 10, 11
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 14
Best Par 5: 7
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 14
Best Par 5: 7
After the first 3 holes, this is a truly great golf course. Some much variety. The 4th is a class par 4 where you will be happy with a 5. The 5th plays down towards to the sea and provides some fantastic views. The 11th is a super par 5 and making the green in two is a possibility. The 14th has a severe green and make sure not to go left. The 16th is a 236 yard par 3 over a valley and is not one for the faint hearted. The 2 new holes are much better than the old 17th and 18th. Tricky greens generally with lots of undulations. The staff were super friendly and the food was excellent.
3. Ballybunion Old
Sandhill Rd, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
6 Best Holes: 11, 7, 9, 17, 2, 8
Best Par 3: 8
Best Par 4: 11
Best Par 5: 16
Best Par 3: 8
Best Par 4: 11
Best Par 5: 16
After 6 holes, I thought what is all the fuss about. Nothing special to begin with but then you get to play some truly great links holes. The 7th is a beautiful par 4 along the coast where staying a little left is a must. The 8th is only 146 yards off the white tees but has an amazing green that is tricky to hit off the tee. The back 9 is better than the front with some of the par 3’s a particular treat. The 11th is a classic Par 4. The final 3 holes are all dog leg holes but they provide a great finish. Super day out.
4. Lahinch
Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare
6 Best Holes: 6, 9, 14, 16, 3, 5
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 6
Best Par 5: 12
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 6
Best Par 5: 12
Lahinch comes with a big reputation and mostly it’s justified. There are a couple of ordinary holes but overall it’s a very good track. The 3rd is a lovely par 4 where it may pay not to hit driver off the tee. Like them or hate them but the “dell” (5th) and the “klondyke” (4th) are two holes, the likes of which, you won’t see anywhere else. I personally liked the blind Par 3 5th but that may not be to everyone’s liking. The 6th is a low index for a reason and is a super par 4. The back nine is interesting and holes 14-17 will test you. Great track.
5. Portmarnock
Strand Road, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.
6 Best Holes: 14, 4, 16, 7, 10, 11
Best Par 3: 15
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 6
There is a touch of class about Portmarnock. The atmosphere is still a bit serious but it’s an excellent links course. 5 par 4’s to begin with and the best of those are the 4th and 5th . Both are class holes and a par at either one is a great result. Other great par 4’s include 8 – 11 inclusive along with holes 14, 17 and 18. Not many courses that you can say that there is no bad hole, but this is one of them. Always in super condition too. A proper test even off the white tees.
6. Waterville
Murreagh, Waterville, Co. Kerry
6 Best Holes: 14, 15, 2, 3, 10, 11
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 14
Best Par 5: 11
Like Portmarnock in that there is no bad hole in Waterville. The par 4’s are all class holes, and are mostly quite long, difficult but fair. The 2nd and 3rd deserve a special mention. Two super holes where you can’t go right at either one. A great start to any course. You are worlds away from anywhere when you play Waterville but that’s part of its charm. The 11th is a beautiful par 5 where if you stay straight a par should be your reward. Liam Higgins the local pro has a hole in one on the par 4 16th many moon ago. This course is a great test. If you can play to your handicap round here then you have done well.
7. St. Patrick's Links
Sheephaven Bay, Carrigart, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 14, 9, 16, 2, 6, 13
Best Par 3: 15
Best Par 4: 14
Best Par 5: 6
It is so rare nowadays that a top class Links course opens but that’s what happened in July 2021. The rugged landscape that was at the disposal of Tom Doak to design a great course was stunning. There are many great holes here but the par 4 14th deserves a special mention as the view from the tee box is special looking out towards the Atlantic. It is a perfect par 4 and is one of the best in Ireland. The best run of holes might be 13 to 16 inclusive. Having another great links course to add to Ireland’s already brilliant list is significant. It’s so great for Donegal to have a golf course in the World’s Top 100 and St. Patrick’s Links will certainly add a lot to the area in terms of tourism in the coming decades. You will love visiting Rosapenna where all three courses deserve to be played.
8. Old Head of Kinsale
Downmacpatrick, Kinsale, Co. Cork
6 Best Holes: 12, 13, 4, 16, 17, 7
Best Par 3: 13
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 6
A crazy, brilliant, wild, breath-taking golf course. If you treat yourself to one expensive game of golf then this should be it. 10 holes overlooking cliffs that fall into the Atlantic. Only to be played on a calm day as otherwise it’s too difficult. The 4th hole plays along the cliff edge towards a green which is overlooked by the light house. The 12th is maybe the toughest par 5 you will ever play but it’s a magnificent hole. The par 3’s are worth the green fee alone. Magic and certainly unique. I adored it.
9. Tralee
West Barrow, Ardfert, Co. Kerry
6 Best Holes: 12, 16, 2, 8, 17, 10
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 2
We all know the famous quote from late Arnold Palmer about the back nine and it’s a great quote. The front 9 is good especially holes 2, 3 and 8 but the back nine I think is the best back nine in Ireland. The second is a special par 5 where you need to stay further left than you might think off the tee. The 12th, 13th and 16th are world class. The 12th is an incredibly difficult par 4. A bogey is a good score. The 16th is a beautiful par 3. Elevated tee to a wonderfully sculpted green. Tralee is a must play for any golfer. It’s a very fair and playable course unless the wind is howling. If the course was say 300 yards longer it would be ranked even higher.
10. The Island
Corballis, Donabate, Co. Dublin
6 Best Holes: 12, 13, 18, 14, 3, 10
Best Par 3: 13
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 10
Not quite as difficult as its reputation but then again we played it on a reasonably nice day. Some of the par 4’s on the front nine are too short namely 5, 6 and 8, to make it a classic course but the back 9 is maybe the second best back nine in the country. Holes such as 10, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 are all class holes. The 14th has probably the narrowest fairway in Ireland. It feels like its maybe 12 – 15 yards wide. Keep some energy for the finish as the 18th is a great hole but very difficult. This is a great golf course. I look forward to playing it again.
11. European Club
Ardanairy, Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow
6 Best Holes: 7, 3, 4, 13, 14, 11
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 13
Nice course with good greens but one thing I didn’t personally like was that the designer tries to restrict golfers off the tee by basically ending fairways where a driver might land eg. Holes 3 and 4. The 5th is a lovely par 4 that usually plays into the wind. You need a well-placed drive to have any chance of a par. The 7th is well known and is a classic hole. It’s narrow with out of bounds down the right. It is rightly index 1. Holes 10, 11, 17 and 18 are all super par 4’s on the back nine. If you par the last then well done. The 14th is a well-known par 5 but you should par that. You won’t need driver on all the par 4’s and par 5’s and a good straight tee shot of 200 yards will work on a lot of holes. Great course and a good test of golf.
12. Portstewart
117 Strand Rd, Portstewart, Co. Derry
6 Best Holes: 8, 17, 5, 1, 11, 10
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 4
One of the best front nines in Ireland. Even the first 11 holes are all very good and then you end up playing in a flat field for a while. Then the last 3 holes are quite decent again. If they could find room for some holes where the front nine is situated, then you would be talking about a world top 100 course. The 5th hole is a super par 4. It measures almost 450 yards from the back tee and is a low index for a reason. Take a 5 and move on. The 8th is a lovely dog leg left par 4 where a 3 wood off the tee should suffice. Holes 10, 11 and 17 are all great par 4’s. Driver off the tee and a decent second shot required here. The 17th is tough as its long and the green is difficult to land on. Great track. Really enjoyed it.
13. Rosses Point
Sligo, Co. Sligo
6 Best Holes: 17, 6, 8, 4, 14, 11
Best Par 3: 4
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 12
Rosses Point is a great golf course. You will use every club in the bag. Like most links courses, the difficulty greatly depends on the weather. Some great par 4’s to test you especially No’s 6, 7 and 8. If you can come through that stretch with your scorecard still intact then you have done well. The last 5 holes also provide a tough test with No. 17 being a particular highlight. If the wind is howling then playing to your handicap may be a dream. It is easy to see why the West of Ireland is played there. Rosses Point is the best in the west. Loved it.
14. Baltray
Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth
6 Best Holes: 12, 7, 14, 5, 9, 13
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 3
The first thing to say about Baltray is the condition of the course. They spend a lot money maintaining it and it is well worth it. It is always in good nick. After 4 holes you might think its ordinary but it’s not. The two Par 3’s on the front nine are worth class. The 7th hole is simply a brilliant par 3. It only measures 163 yards but is usually into the wind. You need to be perfectly accurate to stay on this green. There are 7 par 4’s in a row from the 8th to the 14th and they are all great holes especially No. 12. Always enjoyable. Others courses could learn from Baltray.
15. Enniscrone
Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
6 Best Holes: 15, 17, 6, 16, 11, 18
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 15
Best Par 5: 16
A fine course. There are a few short par 4’s that are close together early on the back nine which is a pity but overall it’s a very good golf course. The first hole is a tough start right out of the blocks. Holes 5, 6 and 9 are all excellent par 4’s where a 4 is a great result on any of them. Holes 14 to 17 inclusive are a super stretch of holes. The 15th is one of the best par 4’s in the country. Its index 1 for a reason. A course that you will play better the second time round as there is a bit of course management involved. You won’t need driver on every par 4 and 5 that is for sure.
16. Adare (Hotel Resort)
Limerick Road, Adare, Co. Limerick
6 Best Holes: 18, 13, 1, 15, 2, 16
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 18
The best kept course in Ireland. The fairways are like greens. The changes to the course are good. I was surprised that they didn’t change more holes on the course. For example 8, 9 and 10 have hardly changed which is strange as they are 3 fairly ordinary holes. No premium on accuracy off the tee and is a bit “resorty”. Tough greens with unbelievable run-offs and like Augusta, I’m guessing, in that respect. Very enjoyable and a credit to the green staff. It’s not cheap but worth playing at least once.
17. Ballyliffin (Glashedy)
Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 15, 8, 9, 14, 7, 18
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 15
Best Par 5: 13
Great to see a course in Donegal host the Irish Open. 3 solid par 4’s to begin with and then a par 5 you should at least par. The 7th is a beautiful par 3. You think on the tee that you could throw it onto the green as its right below you but it’s not that easy. The 14th has a devilish green. If you have time take a few different putts on it. You will be left scratching your head. The 15th is a brilliant par 4, as is usually the case with an index 1. Its 451 yards off the tips. Tough hole which is normally into the wind. The last 5 holes provide a very strong finishing stretch. Great course. Well worth playing both courses in Ballyliffin.
18. Carne Links Belmullet
Carne, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
6 Best Holes: 8, 17, 15, 6, 5, 18
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 18
You get to Ballina and you still have another hour to drive but it’s worth the effort. This has the potential to be even higher on the list if more money was spent on the course. Some spectacular holes and some great views as well. The front nine is good but the back nine is class. The 10th is an easy enough Par 5 and then you have 2 holes that are a little mad but they will test you. The last 5 holes are as good as you find anywhere. You will need points in the bag before you get to here. Holes 15 and 17 are outstanding par 4’s. They are index 1 and 3 for good reason. They provide a great finish to your game. Some wow moments on the way round. Well worth a visit.
19. Portsalon
Fanad Way, Croaghross, Fanad, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 6, 2, 4, 16, 7, 15
Best Par 3: 5
Best Par 4: 6
Best Par 5: 4
Sometimes you get a pleasant shock when playing a new course and we got one here. What a lovely golf course. The 2nd is a brilliant par 4. You play over water twice on the hole and is almost 440 yards off the back tee. The 6th is even more difficult than the 2nd which takes some doing. You are surrounded by sand dunes and your long second shot is played to a very tricky green. Classic links. Those two are a low index for a reason. Be happy with a bogey on each one and move on. Great variety in the holes throughout the course. The 14th and 16th are great holes also and deserve a mention. Some excellent views along the way. Super day out. Well worth a visit.
20. K Club (North course)
Straffan, Co. Kildare
6 Best Holes: 16, 7, 17, 15, 3, 2
Best Par 3: 8
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 16
I have a soft spot for this course. Maybe not quite as well kept as Adare but the layout is better I think. Some brilliant holes around here. The 16th is probably the best parkland Par 5 in Ireland. It is a double dog leg and you have to play over the Liffey to get to the green. Rory McIlroy hit the green in 2 here with an amazing shot when he won the Irish Open here in 2016. Other great holes include 1, 2, 4, 7, 15 and 17. If you can manage a par 4 at the 7th then you have done very well. There is water down the right hand side of the fairway and the green is surrounded by water. Super hole. Playing this course is a huge thrill every time.
21. Rosapenna (Sandy Hills)
Rosapenna. Downings, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 6, 2, 15, 18, 8, 16
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 6
Best Par 5: 8
A candidate for the toughest course in Ireland as the rough is savage. In some areas you won’t even go look for your ball. The day we played it was quite windy and we didn’t play very well but it’s a beast especially if it is windy. Holes 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9 are the par 4’s on the front nine and they are all good holes. Just don’t expect too many pars on those 5 holes. The back nine is a little easier but is also no pushover because of the rough. Very good course. Great to play tough courses and this was very enjoyable even with a poor score.
22. Druids Glen
Leabeg Upper, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow
6 Best Holes: 13, 7, 12, 17, 1, 8
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 5
Druids Glen is a great golfing day out. The four Par 3’s are world class. You will struggle to find a course that has better par 3’s than those 4. The 17th is an island green par 3 where you may be hitting a 5 or 6 iron. Also, the par 4 13th hole is worth the green fee alone. You play from an elevated tee down into a valley. You may have thought that was the hard shot on the hole but it wasn’t. You still have a long shot to the green over water with trees left and right also. Amazing golf hole. Thankfully they have taken away some of the furze on the course that was too close to the fairways years ago. It’s a bit claustrophobic in places but it’s still a great course.
23. Narin & Portnoo
Naran, An Fhearthainn, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 15, 9, 10, 7, 14, 17
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 9
Best Par 5: 15
Again another course that was a pleasant surprise. It’s great when you play a course having heard nothing about it and it turns out to be a great golf course. Gentle enough start to the course over the first few holes but the 8th and 9th are a lovely finish to the front nine. The 9th is a class links hole. Its long, narrow and you may be playing a blind second shot depending on the wind. There are 3 par 5’s in a row on the back nine which feels a bit odd but there are all good holes. The 15th is a top quality par 5 with the sea on your right so stay left. Magic view here too. It may be a long drive for most people but well worth a visit.
24. Royal Dublin
Clontarf East, Co. Dublin
6 Best Holes: 10, 18, 5, 7, 17, 13
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 10
Best Par 5: 6
This club has been around since 1885 and has held many Irish Opens. It’s a very good course and is brilliantly maintained. It is close to being 9 holes out and 9 holes back. There are some truly great links holes here. Holes 3, 5 and 8 are all excellent par 4’s on the front nine. The 4th hole is the only one on the front nine that plays back in a western direction and it’s a lovely par 3 of 172 yards off the white tees. The back nine can often be back into the wind and straight away the 10th can be a monster. The 18th is a classic and well known. Out of bounds down the right where a 4 is a great score. Not the longest course in the world off the white tees but very enjoyable with a super finish. Great pro shop too.
25. Murvagh
Murvagh Lower, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 2, 4, 8, 14, 16, 7
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 2
Best Par 5: 8
I would like to play Murvagh again as the day we played it the greens were poor but that may have been just a bad year. It has a super layout and is no pushover. The first 4 holes are an excellent start. Holes 2 and 4 in particular are excellent par 4’s where getting a par is a big ask. The 8th hole, par 5, is a great hole but is tricky first time as it is difficult to know where to go. Holes 11, 14 and 16 are all super holes on the back nine. Lovely views on the way round. Great memories even allowing for the greens on the day.
26. Ballyliffin (Old)
Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 15, 2, 12, 3, 13, 5
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 15
Best Par 5: 14
If you going to play the sister course, then you should play here too as it is almost as good. Holes 2 and 3 test your golf right from the start and are two lovely golf holes. The two par 3’s on the front nine are a treat. The 5th is to an elevated green where you have to extremely accurate and the 7th is long with out of bounds on your left. The back 9 is the better of the two nines and has some great holes. The 15th hole is index 1 and is a great hole. Stay left off the tee and don’t be disappointed with a 5. Good finishing stretch from the 14th onwards and a cracking course overall.
27. Dooks
Knockaunroe, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry
6 Best Holes: 18, 5, 7, 11, 1, 14
Best Par 3: 11
Best Par 4: 18
Best Par 5: 6
One of the lesser known Kerry courses but if you are going to the Kingdom then you should play here. No bad hole on the course and gets interesting straight away as the first hole grabs your attention. The 7th is a classic links par 4. It is 469 yards off the back tees and unless it’s downwind then it is extremely tough. Holes 6 and 9 are lovely par 5’s. They are usually into the prevailing wind and if so then a 5 is a good score. Holes 14, 15 and 17 are great par 4’s on the back nine but keep some energy for the 18th as you’ll need it. Super finishing hole. Great day out.
28. Mount Juliet
The Gallops Kilkenny, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
6 Best Holes: 13, 18, 4, 3, 10, 2
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 10
Most people that play here love it. I’ve played here many times and I like it a lot too. Some ordinary enough holes such as 5, 6 and 15 but overall it is very good. There are some magic holes too such as 2, 3, 4, 10, 13 and 18. The 10th is an interesting par 5 that gives you an option to go left, right or over some big trees in the middle of the fairway close to the green. The 13th is a class par 4. If you hit a good drive then you can go for the green which is set in trees behind a lake. Great hole. The 18th is possibly the best finishing hole in the country. It is 474 yards off the whites. Yes off the whites. It has a lake along the left and a couple of trees that can catch your drive. Super hole. The setting for the course is idyllic in a beautiful estate. You can play to your handicap around here.
29. Carton House (Monty)
Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
6 Best Holes: 11, 5, 1, 10, 3, 14
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 11
Best Par 5: 18
This course gets a bit of unfair flack because of its bunkers. There is only one or two that can cause heartache if you hit a good drive down the fairway. It is a great test of golf with some very strong par 4’s especially the 5th and the 11th. The 11th is index 2 and is 477 yards off the back tee. You must aim at the left half of the fairway. Because it is a dog that swings from left to right the temptation is to go down the right but don’t. The bunkers and rough down the right are too severe. It’s a magic hole. The 18th is a great finishing hole. It is a par 5 that runs along the river. Again, stay left. I think this is a cracking course and is usually in excellent condition.
30. Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris)
Rosapenna Downings, Co. Donegal
6 Best Holes: 11, 10, 6, 14, 9, 7
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 11
Best Par 5: 8
Probably as good as its sister course next door and a little bit more forgiving as its not set in the hills as much and therefore is more forgiving if you stray off the fairways. The back 9 is the better of the two. Some super holes including 9, 10 and 11 which is a great stretch of holes in the middle of the course. They are possibly the 3 best holes on the course. The last 3 holes are reasonably straight forward and give golfers a chance to rescue a scorecard. Some great views on the way round. Lovely course.
31. Royal Portrush (Valley)
Dunluce Rd, Portrush, Co. Antrim
6 Best Holes: 18, 8, 16, 5, 6, 14
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 18
Best Par 5: 8
Not near as good as its sister / brother next door but it’s worth playing. As the name suggests most of the holes are in the valley. The 3rd hole is only 141 yards but it’s a cracker. It’s all duck or no dinner with the tee shot as you must find the green. The 5th is 443 yards off the back tee and is a lovely golf hole. They took 2 of the best holes from this course and gave them to the other course. It can be a little bit up and down at times but has a strong finish over the last 3 holes.
32. Concra Wood
Dundalk Road, Concra, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
6 Best Holes: 12, 16, 4, 13, 5, 11
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 4
After 2 holes, you may think that is just another parkland course but you will soon change your mind. It bursts into life from the 4th which is a great double dog leg par 5. 3 wood off the tee is the best option on this hole. Stay well right for your second and then you still have a shot over water for your third. Brilliant hole. The 5th is a very good par 4 also where a par is a good effort. Some great holes on the back nine too including 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. No easy track off the back tees. There are 8 holes along a lake called Lough Muckno. Great views on the way round and this course is a must play.
33. Doonbeg
Doonbeg, Co. Clare
6 Best Holes: 10, 6, 1, 2, 14, 18
Best Par 3: 9
Best Par 4: 6
Best Par 5: 10
Felt very disappointed after playing here. The greens were terrible but we were not informed before we teed off. Two of the greens, in our opinion, looked in trouble. It is a great location for a golf course and it could be amazing if the condition improved. Some great holes including 1, 2, 10, 17 and 18. The 10th is an amazing par 5 that hugs the out of bounds all the way on your left. Play it as a 3 shotter. You may have no choice if it is into the wind. The green is tucked away in the corner. The last hole is a super hole. You need to be brave as out of bounds awaits on the right. Good finish to a good course. The greens needs work however, in our experience.
34. Castlerock
65 Circular Rd, Castlerock, Coleraine, Co. Derry
6 Best Holes: 8, 7, 12, 17, 5, 9
Best Par 3: 9
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 17
A fairly bland start but then then things come to life on the 5th which is a super par 5. Then you have 3 great holes in a row with 7, 8, and 9. They are 2 par 4’s and a par 3 and those 3 holes are worth the green fee alone. The 7th is a classic par 4 links hole that will test any golfer. It measures 407 yards but is usually into the wind. Hole 17 is a class par 5 where you have to make a decision if you hit a good drive. They have some extra holes set in the dunes and the pro there they may change the course, in time, to bring some of them onto the main course. If they did it would be world class. Well worth playing as it is.
35. Cork Golf Club
Castleview, Little Island, Co. Cork
6 Best Holes: 17, 5, 4, 6, 8, 14
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 5
Also known as Little Island. Again this was another course that I knew nothing about and after 3 holes I thought, this will be just ok. However, it turns out to be a truly great golf course by the time you finish. There are holes along water, in a quarry and ones that are tree lined. There are some brilliant holes on this course. Basically from the 4th tee onwards it is class. The 4th is a lovely index 1. The 5th is a super par 5 where you hit a blind tee shot. Stay further left than I did. Water to the right of the green also. A great par 5 but you need to hit the fairway off the tee. The 6th is in a quarry and you don’t need to hit driver here. A straight 4 or 5 iron will work. The 7th is a beautiful par 3 with a very tricky green. The 17th is a stunning par 4 at just under 400 yards. Huge variety round here and it is a must play. Don’t make up your mind too early.
36. Connemara
Creggoduff, Co. Galway
6 Best Holes: 8, 13, 15, 10, 12, 1
Best Par 3: 13
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 18
Next stop New York. They have 27 holes here and we played the main 18 holes. It is a long drive even from Galway City but afterwards I thought it was worth it. You need to be on your game right from the start round here as the first is tricky par 4 that is index 6. The 8th and 9th are two excellent par 4’s measuring well over 400 yards each. The back 9 is the better of the two and is certainly the more challenging of the two. 10, 12 and 13 are three great holes. The par 3 13th hole is 212 yards off the back tees. Two par 5’s to finish and two pars could make your scorecard look good again. Tiring day but a great day.
37. Hogs Head
Ballybrack, Waterville, Co. Kerry
6 Best Holes: 13, 12, 3, 4, 18, 5
Best Par 3: 13
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 18
Built by 2 pals for their pals. Visitors are allowed play it once a year. The course is set up for people to enjoy their golf and it is very forgiving. You will shot 36 points round here. Some excellent views on the way round and has some class holes too. The 4th is a cracking par 4 of 455 yards where a par is a bonus. The 12th is a lovely par 4. It measures 425 yards off the back tees and you play close to the cliffs and the Atlantic. There are two 13th holes which they alternate and both are beautiful looking holes with a stunning backdrop. The 18th is a lovely par 5 and is no pushover. It is expensive but it was a very enjoyable day out.
38. Killarney (Killeen)
Mahonys Point, Lackabane, Killarney, Co. Kerry
6 Best Holes: 3, 4, 18, 13, 10, 11
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 11
The only time I got to play in a Pro Am was here. This is a lovely golf course. 3 of the first 4 holes are along the lake and it really is a great start to the round. The 3rd hole is a stunning par 3 where you play over the lake towards the green. It measures 166 yards off the whites and plays every bit of it. The 13th is a class par 4 that measures 414 yards of the whites. Good golf required there to get a par. The 18th is a great finishing hole back to the clubhouse. It measures 390 yards of the whites and is a cracker. It is probably not the hardest course but it is a great lay out. If you are near Killarney, make sure you play here. As you would expect, there are some wonderful views of water and mountains.
39. Portmarnock Links
Strand Road, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
6 Best Holes: 18, 9, 16, 1, 3, 17
Best Par 3: 9
Best Par 4: 18
Best Par 5: 4
They hold a winter series there and I’ve come to appreciate this course the more I play it. Mr. Langer made great use of the space he had at his disposal. Tough first 5 holes to begin with. The 5 itself is a beast, its index 2 and a 5 is a good score at this hole. The 9th hole is only 145 yards off the whites but it’s a beautiful par 3. Usually into the wind and being short is a no go. The final 3 holes provide a brilliant finish. The 16th and 18th are excellent par 4’s while the 17th is a really tough par 3. It measure 171 yards off the whites but again is usually into the wind. The green is raised and is very tough to get on from the tee box. Usually in very good condition. It’s not cheap but it is well worth a visit.
40. Carlow
Deerpark, Co. Carlow
6 Best Holes: 18, 9, 16, 1, 3, 17
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 5
What a gem of a course. Every hole is completely different. You will use every club in the bag and it represents amazing value for money. 4 brilliant par 4’s are 7, 8, 14 and 16. If you can make par on some of those 4 holes, then you can play golf. The 7th is a stunning hole. You need to hit a long and straight drive to have any chance of getting to the green which is tucked away and barely visible from the fairway. The 16th is a famous par 4. It only 410 yards but plays longer as it is uphill and is usually into the wind. Stunning hole. Not easy first time as local knowledge is a big help round here. Loved it. A must play. Amazing value.
41. Fota Island
Tullagreen, Co. Cork
6 Best Holes: 8, 10, 14, 15, 18, 3
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 10
If you are going to Cork to play The Old Head (you must) then you stop off here along with Cork Golf Club. Fota has 27 holes but we played the main course. It is a bit resorty and you don’t need to be overly straight but it’s a fine track. The 3rd is a fine par 3. It is not long but you must avoid the lake on your right. The 8th is a great hole. Measures 450 yards even off the whites. Tough to hit this green in two. It has a sneaky lake on the left, as I found out. The 10th is a highlight. It is a par 5 down a hill with huge trees all around to make you concentrate. A par can be yours here but you need to keep it straight. Super hole. Very enjoyable golf course in beautiful surroundings.
42. Slieve Russell
Cranaghan, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
6 Best Holes: 2, 12, 13, 4, 15, 16
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 2
Best Par 5: 13
They did have drainage problems once upon a time but they are all sorted now. The first 5 holes are possibly the toughest opening 5 holes in Ireland. If you have 10 points stableford are those 5 then well done. The first 4 on the back nine are all class holes. The 12th is a lovely par 4 along the lake while the 13th is a brilliant par 5. You must be brave and stay close to the lake on your drive, your second shot and your approach to the green. If you shoot 36 points off the whites then well done. Played 9 holes there one day with the late and great comedian Frank Carson, which is a fond memory. Hilarious man.
43. Killeen Castle
Dunsany, Co. Meath
6 Best Holes: 17, 18, 1, 5, 12, 11
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 12
I was a member here for 2 years and have great memories of playing here mostly on Wednesdays. Yes it is a little wide open and yes you can smash your driver almost all day long, but it’s a fine track nonetheless. Holes such as 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18 are all to a high standard. The 5th is a beautiful par 4. It is quite long and there is a lake to the right of the green so a par is tough work. There is a strong finish as the last 3 holes are superb. The 16th is a lovely par 3 over water while 17 and 18 can ruin any card that is going well. It’s a long course off the white tees with some tricky greens that might catch you out.
44. Portumna
Ennis Road, Portumna, Co. Galway
6 Best Holes: 16, 17, 3, 6, 14, 5
Best Par 3: 5
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 17
I have a huge soft spot for Portumna Golf Club. Of any course in Ireland that surprised me the most in a good way, it was here. I went with no expectations and simply loved it. Holes such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17 are all really good holes. The 3rd is a huge par 4. The 5th is a beautiful par 3 that requires at least a long iron. The 6th is a class par 5 with out of bounds on your right. The 16th is a short par 4 but it’s a gem. It shows that you don’t need huge yardage to be a good hole. It can be just a 4 iron and a wedge, if there is no wind, but it is a magic hole. The 17th is a picturesque par 5 where your third shot is played possibly over water as there is a lake at the front right of the green. This is an instruction – go play Portumna. It’s not expensive and is incredible value. Best played in the summer as it can be a bit too soft underfoot in the winter.
45. Lough Erne
193 Lough Shore Rd, Ross Inner, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
6 Best Holes: 10, 9, 18, 8, 5, 16
Best Par 3: 18
Best Par 4: 10
Best Par 5: 9
There are parts of this that are really brilliant and then there are parts that are very ordinary. Firstly there are 5 par 3’s and 5 par 5’s which is not ideal, in my opinion. On the 8 par 4’s you can only hit driver on maybe 4 of them. Just a few too many short holes. Some class holes dotted around such as 5, 8, 9, 10, 16 and 18. The 9th is a beautiful par 5 where you need to be brave to cross trouble with your second. The 10th hole is a short par 4 but it is a stunner. The green is set out into the lake. 4 iron and a short iron is the best way to play that beauty. Very picturesque along the lake. Good chance to play to your handicap if the weather allows. Lovely course.
46. Headfort (New)
Kells, Co. Meath
6 Best Holes: 8, 15, 5, 9, 12, 17
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 14
A good track that is usually in good condition. One piece of advice, do not hit driver on all the par 4’s and par 5’s. You can run into trouble without realising it by going a bit too far. It is a course that will play better the second time round. Some fine holes on it such as 5, 8, 12, 15 and 17. The 8th is a beautiful par 4. You need to hit a straight drive as you have some large trees on both sides of the fairway. You will use most clubs in your bag. Great setting for a course and good value for money.
47. Malone
240 Upper Malone Rd, Dunmurry, Belfast, Co. Antrim
6 Best Holes: 7, 15, 14, 8, 6, 13
Best Par 3: 15
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 17
Again another pleasant surprise. Didn’t know what to expect but it is a fine tree lined parkland course that is well worth the drive to Belfast. The staff were all very pleasant. The 7th is as good and as tough a par 4 as you could wish to play. 8 and 9 are two good par 4’s also, to finish the front nine. The 15th is not a long par 3 but its class. The green is set into the lake and it is a beautiful hole. Great finishing hole with water to the right as I found out. Very good golf course.
48. Galway Bay
Oranmore, Co. Galway
6 Best Holes: 5, 12, 9, 7, 14, 18
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 5
Best Par 5: 14
Starts off in a friendly almost boring manner and then come to life when you reach the 5th tee. When you stand on the 5th tee, you will think holy god what a hole. It is a brilliant hole with the bay on your right and it’s a beast if you are into the prevailing wind. The 7th is only 140 yards off the white tees but is a little beauty over a lake. It plays tougher than an index of 16. The 12th is a lovely par 4 that plays downhill. Second shot is over water. Two good par 4’s to finish. Huge variety on this course. The back 9 is the better of the two. You will need a calm day to shoot 36 points. Liked it a lot.
49. St. Annes
Bull Island Nature Reserve, Dollymount Ave, Co. Dublin
6 Best Holes: 7, 8, 15, 11, 12, 6
Best Par 3: 6
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 11
Backs onto Royal Dublin and while it’s not as good as its illustrious neighbour, it is a fine golf course. It is worth playing for sure. It starts off in a bland manner over the first 4 or 5 holes but does get better. Holes 7 and 8 are really good. There are very strong holes round here and like it neighbours the difficulty of the holes greatly depends on the wind direction from one day to the next. Very good value too.
50. Ardglass
Castle Pl, Ardglass, Downpatrick, Co. Down
6 Best Holes: 11, 4, 12, 1, 17, 2
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 11
I have a soft spot for Arglass too. It’s not a long golf course but has some magic holes on it especially the ones overlooking the sea. 3 holes in particular stand out. A par 3, a par 4 and a par 5 that are class. Namely the 4th, 11th and 12th. The 11th is a par 5 that would not look out of place on any golf course. You have water all the way along the right and trouble on the left. It is narrow but brilliant. Have played it 3 times now. One day we played the 2nd and 3rd holes in a blizzard and 20 minutes later it was grand. You must play Ardglass. It’s worth the drive. Great views too. Not expensive.