51. Strandhill

Golf Course Rd, Strandhill, Co. Sligo

6 Best Holes: 15, 13, 4, 18, 5, 16
Best Par 3: 2
Best Par 4: 15
Best Par 5: 5

The front nine is nice with some good holes and some good views but the back nine is very good. Holes 2, 3 and 4 are played near the water and it’s a beautiful part of the course. Easy to mess up the 10th hole. It’s not long but out of bounds on the left will concentrate the mind. 13 and 15 are cracking par 4’s. The 18th is a really tough finishing hole. The sea and Knocknarae Mountain provide an ideal back drop for the course. If there is little or no wind, you will score well round here. Fine course and it was a good day out.

52. Dingle Links

Ballyferriter Dingle Peninsula, Dingle, Co. Kerry

6 Best Holes: 10, 16, 3, 9, 13, 18
Best Par 3: 10
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 13

Known locally as Ceann Sibeal. This course was a pleasant surprise and was the last I played to complete the top 100. Very nice course with a mixture of a few ordinary holes and some great holes. My pal Peter hit the roof of a house off the 13th tee box which was a fond memory. The 10th is a brilliant par 3. As good as you’d get anywhere. Not a difficult course but very enjoyable and worth playing.

53. Bunclody

Carrigduff, Bunclody, Co. Wexford

6 Best Holes: 16, 15, 14, 2, 18, 13
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 18

The first 11 holes are grand but do not make your mind up about Bunclody until you have played the last 7 holes as they are as good a last 7 holes as you find on a parkland course in Ireland. 14, 15 and 16 are worldies. The 15th and 16th are two par 4’s and are simply magnificent holes. The 15th has a tree in the middle of the fairway and has a lake to catch you at the green. The drive on 16 is special. Also, the river runs along this hole to the green. Take a bogey at each one and move on. Make sure to take the lift up to the 18th tee box. Not overly expensive and great value as a result.

54. Dromoland

Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

6 Best Holes: 16, 18, 11, 2, 4, 6
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 18

Another of these courses that jumps up and surprises you. Didn’t expect much but it’s a great golf course. A few ordinary holes like 5, 9 and 10 but to make up for it there are some brilliant holes. Holes like 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 16 and 18 are all class. Pick the odd holes for driving if you are playing in a foursomes that’s for sure!!! You need to hit it straight and long round here. The 11th is the first of two wonderful par 5’s on the back nine. Be brave and go over the corner of the lake with your drive. Stay left for your second. Great hole. Super finish over the last 3 holes. The 18th is other great par 5 on the inward nine. You have to drive over trouble and then navigate your way to the green while avoiding a large tree or two. If you get a chance, you should play here.

55. Belvoir Park

73 Church Rd, Castlereagh, Belfast, Co. Down

6 Best Holes: 17, 3, 13, 2, 16, 12
Best Par 3: 16
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 5

A really fine tree lined parkland course. The first hole is easy but is then followed by 2 super holes. The 6th and 7th are really good par 4’s. On the back nine, the 12th and 13th will test the best of golfers. If you are looking for a proper parkland course then this one fits the bill. It’s fair but you’ll get punished if you stray off line. It’s really enjoyable to play and the staff were lovely. Great finish over the last 3 holes too. I’d recommend it.

56. Rosslare

Bearlough, Rosslare, Co. Wexford

6 Best Holes: 5, 11, 17, 7, 14, 16
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 5
Best Par 5: 7

A very good links course that starts with almost a 90 degree dog leg left par 4.. Some super holes here including the 5th which is a low index for a reason. The 11th is 472 yards off the back tee and is very difficult. Take a 5 and run. The course goes out to a head and back again. The last 3 holes are a strong finish with the 17th being a particular highlight. Not expensive to play here and very good value.

57. Killarney (Mahoneys Point)

Mahonys Point, Lackabane, Killarney, Co. Kerry

6 Best Holes: 17, 18, 3, 14, 2, 8
Best Par 3: 18
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 8

This is the definition of having a lovely day out playing a nice golf course, if you get the weather. It is old fashioned but that’s not a bad thing. Some lovely mature trees on the way round. You will score well round here. Not quite as good as its sister / brother course next door but a fine track nonetheless. The finish is super with possibly the best 2 holes on the course left till last. Killarney is a great place to visit and this course only adds to its charm.

58. Powerscourt (West)

Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 4, 13, 14, 8, 16, 6
Best Par 3: 6
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 16

This is the better of the two courses in Powerscourt. It is a resort type course where you can hit driver as often as you want as there is plenty of room. The 4th is a super par 4 and will test most golfers. The back nine is the more interesting of the two nines. Holes 13-16 are very good holes indeed where the natural undulations come into play. You have a good chance of shooting 36 points round here. Some great views.

59. Mullingar

Belvidere, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

6 Best Holes: 2, 17, 5, 8, 7, 13
Best Par 3: 2
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 4

Everybody should play Mullingar. Home to a famous scratch cup every year, it is one of those famous old courses that everybody should play at least once, like Carlow. The 2nd hole is a famous par 3 that you won’t par. You might but I’d say you won’t. The back nine is really good. They have some of the most majestic trees you will ever see on any golf course. Excellent value for money.

60.Seapoint

Termonfeckin, Co. Louth

6 Best Holes: 5, 17, 7, 14, 3, 18
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 5
Best Par 5: 18

It’s an obvious statement with a links course but the difference a windy day makes to Seapoint is massive. If it’s calm you’ll shoot 36 points if you play anyway well but if it’s windy then it turns into a bear. Some great holes like the 3, 4, 5 and 7 on the front nine. The 5th is a classic par 4. It dog legs round the corner to the right. You will need to be brave off the tee and aim right of the bunkers. Water basically surrounds the green so the safest way to play it is to just hit enough club that gets you to the front of the green, otherwise, you can end up wet. On the back nine, hole 14 is a great Par 4 up into the corner. The last 2 holes comprise of a great links par 3 and a thinking man’s par 5 to finish. Great course.

61. Tullamore

Brookfield, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

6 Best Holes: 16, 5, 18, 3, 12, 13
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 4

A couple of negatives to begin with. There are a few silly holes with dog legs and you also have a couple of fairways that cross over each other but overall the positives easily outweigh the bad. It’s a fine golf course with some really terrific holes. Holes 3, 4 and 5 are super holes on the front nine. The back nine is the better of the two nines. It’s very good from the 12th tee onwards. If you can par the 14th, then you have hit a few very good shots. Cracking hole. The 16th is a super dog leg left and the last is a good hole too. Very enjoyable and great value for money.

62. Ballinrobe

Cloonacastle, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

6 Best Holes: 10, 13, 14, 17, 2, 5
Best Par 3: 13
Best Par 4: 10
Best Par 5: 6

Had quite low expectations coming here but again was surprised and delighted in equal measure with this course. The front 9 is good but the back 9 is brilliant. The second hole is a brute of a par 4. The 3rd is a lovely par 3 of 175 yards that plays into the corner. The back 9 can play quite long and you will need to hit driver and hit it well to par some of these holes. The 10th is a beautiful par 4 with out of bounds all the way along the left. Holes 15 and 17 are two super par 4’s. They are quite long and with mature trees dotted all round this course, you need to hit it straight. You should par the last hole which is an easy enough par 5. Excellent value for money as the green fee is reasonable. Would play it again in a heartbeat.

63. Hermitage

Ballydowd, Lucan, Co. Dublin

6 Best Holes: 11, 12, 2, 10, 18, 16
Best Par 3: 10
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 11

This golf course has a split personality. The front 9 is ordinary. Its tree lined but quite boring. You don’t need to use driver on many holes on the front nine as its not long but narrow in spots. The back nine is the opposite. It’s really good and very interesting. The par 3 10th hole is famous while the 11th hole is simply a brilliant par 5 right out of the top drawer. You must stay left of the Liffey. A par here is a great score. The 12th is a lovely par 4 of over 400 yards where you play almost a blind tee shot. The last 3 holes are all good par 4’s and finishes the course off well. The back nine is class. Good track.

64. Luttrelstown Castle

Annfield, Castleknock, Co. Dublin

6 Best Holes: 17, 14, 5, 6, 18, 7
Best Par 3: 6
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 18

The front nine is ok but just that. 5, 6, and 7 are fine holes but the other 6 you could see anywhere. The back nine is where the action is. Every hole on the back nine is good and the River Liffey comes into play. The 11th is a short par 4 but it runs alongside that famous river and is quite picturesque. The 17th hole is a par 4 with some huge trees to avoid. It is simply a magnificent hole that is very difficult to par. Decent 18th over water par 5 to finish.

65. The Heritage

Rathmiles, Killenard, Co. Laois

6 Best Holes: 18, 12, 9, 3, 4, 5
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 18
Best Par 5: 8

This course is a bit like Seve’s (designer) golf – a bit wild in places but very good overall. There are some ordinary holes such as 1, 2, 10 and 17 but then some brilliant holes such as 4, 9, 12 and 18. The 12th is index 1 and for a reason. You must drive down the left as there are numerous bunkers on the right. The second shot is long and with a lake on the right, a 5 is a good score. The 18th is as good a finishing hole as you will find in Ireland with the lake running all the way down the left hand side of the fairway. Be brave and don’t go right for safety off the tee. The bunkers are wild looking throughout the course but visually are a highlight. Fine course that is well worth playing and there’s a good chance you’ll shoot 36 points if it’s a nice day.

66. Palmerstown House

Palmerstown Demesne, Johnstown, Co. Kildare

6 Best Holes: 4, 18, 5, 14, 7, 9
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 14

Some great holes here and some pretty ordinary ones too. Holes 2-5 are decent. The 6th hole is a par 5 where you would want to be crazy to hit a driver. To me it’s a silly hole. Gets a little ordinary in the middle of the round but then gets going again from the 13th on. All the holes from 13-18 are very good with the 18th being a particular favourite with a fine clubhouse as the backdrop.

67. Arklow

Abbeylands, Tinahask Lower, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 17, 5, 4, 15, 12, 3
Best Par 3: 3
Best Par 4: 17
Best Par 5: 18

The first 6 holes are here are a test for anyone. There is no gentle introduction. The 3rd is a super par 3 and the next 3 holes are all cracking par 4’s. This is a decent links course. The 12th is a very good par 4 and is a good test. The last 4 holes are interesting. You should par the 16th and 18th which are par 5’s but you may struggle to par 15 and 16 which are two cracking par 4’s. This was a nice surprise, not expensive and is certainly worth playing.

68. Galway

Blackrock, Salthill, Co. Galway

6 Best Holes: 16, 18, 3, 6, 10, 9
Best Par 3: 9
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 7

Have played this course many times with my pal Neil who is a member there. This is a better track than people give it credit for. The 2nd and the 13th are two ordinary par 3’s to say the least but the rest of the course is very good. There are 4 great par 4’s in a row from the 3rd to the 6th. Two other great par 4’s are the 10th and the 16th. If you par the 16th then well done. Very good course and nice grub in the clubhouse afterwards too.

69. Tramore

Newtown Hill, Tramore, Co. Waterford

6 Best Holes: 13, 4, 10, 16, 7, 17
Best Par 3: 10
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 16

Nice course in the sunny south east. The most notable thing about Tramore Golf Club is that there some cracking par 4’s. As you go Holes 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16 and 17 are all cracking holes that you will do well to get a par 4 on. The 13th is maybe the best hole on the course. It only measures 353 yards off the back tee and there is no need to hit driver off the tee as a sneaky stream awaits down the right hand side. That river runs up towards the green so needs to be avoided on both shots. It shows again that a great par 4 does not need to be 450 yards. The 4 par 5’s on the course are nice too but you should par those if you play sensible and use 3 shots to get to the green. Well worth a visit and super value for money.

70. Galgorm Castle

Galgorm Rd, Galgorm, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

6 Best Holes: 11, 17, 8, 6, 5, 13
Best Par 3: 5
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 10

Decent drive to get there but was well worth it. It’s long off the white tees but it’s fair. The first hole is a silly hole. It’s a sharp dog leg right. The course is good from the 3rd tee onwards. A river meanders through the course and there are some lakes too. Some strong holes on the back nine. The last 3 holes are very good and leaves you with a good impression about the course. Nice course.

71. Laytown & Bettystown

Golf Links Rd, Betaghstown, Bettystown, Co. Meath

6 Best Holes: 7, 9, 12, 10, 18, 4
Best Par 3: 9
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 18

The first 2 holes here can be a little bit off putting but it’s a good track. Holes 7 to 13 are all class and give you some serious par 4’s to get your teeth into, namely holes 10- 13 which are all tricky to say the least. Par 4’s like No. 12 can be savage especially if the wind is blowing, which it usually is. A unique 18th to finish with. 2 large hills before the green which means your 3rd to this par 5 is blind. Stay further left than you think. Really enjoyable golf course that is a good test too.

72. Clandeboye

51 Tower Rd, Bangor, Newtownards, Co. Down

6 Best Holes: 10, 16, 8, 4, 6, 18
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 10
Best Par 5: 6

Got to play with 2 members and they were great company. Good laugh. Very nice course. The first couple of holes are quite ordinary but its springs into life on the 4th hole which is an incredibly tricky par 4. You need a good drive to set up for par. I didn’t. The back nine is the better of the two nines. Holes 10, 16 and 18 were a particular highlight. Good test of golf. You need to hit it straight. Well worth the effort of getting there. Good value for money.

73. Carton House (O' Meara)

Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

6 Best Holes: 14, 8, 15, 16, 11, 7
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 6

If your game is not in good shape then you should have a game here. It’s wide open for the most part and you can hit driver at almost all the par 4’s and 5’s. The 8th is a brilliant hole. It is 462 yards off the back tee and you simply cannot go left. You will be hitting a 5 wood at least for you second, unless you are down-wind. The 14th is a terrific par 3. You have to play over the river from an elevated tee. Great short hole. The 15th is a class par 5. You have to play your 3rd shot over water. This course is well maintained and has a nice layout. If you can’t shoot 36 points round here then you’ve had a bad day. Nice resort course.

74. Farnham Estate

Farnham Estate, Cavan, Co. Cavan

6 Best Holes: 13, 4, 12, 6, 14, 17
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 6

Some cracking holes on this course and it was another that was a pleasant surprise. The 4th is a brilliant par 4. You almost need to aim at the big trees on the fairway. This is a long hole and with water at the green to the right a 5 is more likely than a 4. The 6th is a fine par 5. There are some lovely holes on the outward nine but almost all the holes on the back nine are good. Holes 12, 13 and 14 are set in a wood and are all class. You’ve got to keep your ball in play on these holes. Fine setting for a course with a lovely hotel on the estate. Well worth playing.

75. Castletroy

Golf Links Rd, Kilbane, Co. Limerick

6 Best Holes: 14, 4, 12, 11, 18, 6
Best Par 3: 14
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 6

Another course that was a pleasant surprise. You need to hit it straight round Castletroy. Right from the first tee you need to be on your game. There are some great holes round here. Its fair, medium length but you get punished if you stray badly. The back nine is the better of the two nines. Good strong finish over the last few holes and well done if you par the last. Great value for money.

76. Dun Laoghaire

Ballyman Rd, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 18, 3, 13, 15, 17, 6
Best Par 3: 11
Best Par 4: 18
Best Par 5: 17

They have 27 holes here and we played the main course. The greens are very tricky to say the least. They slope towards the sea and you’ll think you’ve gone mad at some point of the round. Great views on occasions on the way round. It’s a resort style course. The back nine is the better of the two nines and the 18th is a brilliant finish to a nice course. Beautiful clubhouse that serves fine food. Enjoyable day out.

77. Westport

Golf Course Road, Carrowholly, Westport, Co. Mayo

6 Best Holes: 13, 8, 6, 11, 15, 18
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 15

This course has spectacular views of clew bay and Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. It provides a long stern test. Two holes that stand-out are the par 3 12th playing 231yd from an elevated tee looking down on a small green with clew bay as the back-drop and the par 5 15th which has an intimidating drive over an inlet to an elevated fairway. This hole is 586yds in length and it gently dog legs left along the coastline. If you are in the brilliant town of Westport then make sure you play here.

78. Royal Belfast

Station Rd, Holywood, Co. Down

6 Best Holes: 9, 15, 10, 1, 12, 18
Best Par 3: 19
Best Par 4: 9
Best Par 5: 18

This is the oldest golf club in Ireland and dates back to 1881. It starts with 2 very good par 4’s with the second being a particular favourite. It is just over 400 yards and has a low index for a reason. The 8th is a very picturesque hole playing down the hill towards the water. The 9th is index 1 and is possibly the best hole on the course. Out of bounds on your left, it takes a brave drive to aim at the left half of the fairway. A par is a great score. The 11th is a super par 3 up the hill where you may not see all of the flag. Don’t go left. Some other good holes on the back nine including 14, 15 and 17. Great views and a good golf course.

79. Shannon

Shannon, Co. Clare

6 Best Holes: 3, 9, 15, 6, 1, 17
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 3
Best Par 5: 6

This is like a course you would play in Spain or Portugal (without the weather) as in its not very long but it is tight. Put your driver away for most of it and just try to keep your tee shots as straight as you can. I liked it. The 3rd is a beautiful par 4 that measures 415 yards off the white tees. You need to be deadly accurate at this hole to score well. The 9th hole is a lovely par 4. It’s long and measures 472 yards off the back tee. You can’t go left or right here. Holes 15, 16 and 17 provide a very strong finish to the round. This is a good golf course. Well worth a visit and good value.

80. Moyola Park

15 Curran Road, Curran Rd, Castledawson, Magherafelt, Co. Derry

6 Best Holes: 8, 11, 6, 18, 14, 9
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 18

A nice course with a few hidden delights. The first two holes are quite similar par 4’s but they are a great start to the course. The 8th hole here is one of the finest par 4’s you will ever play. It is also one of the toughest. You need to hit a decent drive to have a go at the green which is set in a woods beyond a river. Well done if you manage a par but I doubt it. The 14th is a super par 4 of over 400 yards while the 15th is a silly 90 degree dog leg left par 4. The 17th is a very short but a very beautiful par 3. There are some fine golf holes with majestic trees everywhere. A really nice surprise and well worth playing.

81. Powerscourt (East)

Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 8, 17, 10, 5, 1, 11
Best Par 3: 5
Best Par 4: 8
Best Par 5: 17

Like the course next to it, this is a resort style course. Not the hardest course in the world if you keep your ball in play. The 2nd hole is a mad par 5. I liked it. After a well-placed drive, a birdie beckons. The front nine is just grand but the back nine is very nice indeed. Higher elevation (holes 15, 16 and 17 in particular) and some very interesting holes in the second half of the round. Usually in super condition which is always a help.

82. Tulfarris

Blessington Lakeshore Resort, Burgage More, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 10, 12, 18, 4, 15, 2
Best Par 3: 2
Best Par 4: 10
Best Par 5: 15

Great setting for a golf course with plenty of water about. They did a reasonably good job with the design of the course. The 9th hole is interesting and should be birdied. Stay further right off the tee than you think. The 10th is a great par 4. You need to be straight and long off the tee to get to the green in two. Plenty of variety round here. Strong finish over the last 4 holes. A par at the last is a good score. Not expensive to play. Good value.

83. Athlone

Athlone, Hodson Bay, Co. Roscommon

6 Best Holes: 16, 13, 1, 4, 18, 11
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 8

I went to college in Athlone so played this course many, many times. They changed the layout many years and a lot of people don’t like it but I think they are being a bit stubborn. It is a very good course. The first hole is as good an opening hole as you will find. Some other excellent holes including 3, 6, 11, 13, 16 and 18. The 13th is a mad hole over a hill but it’s unique. The 16th is a class par 4 along the lake. Super hole. Take your 5 and move on. Great course and not expensive.

84. Woodenbridge

Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 12, 7, 18, 16, 13, 17
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 18

This course was closed for a few years but has re-opened and you can see that money has been spent on the course as it’s in very good condition. A couple of ordinary holes such as the 9th and 15th which are very short par 4’s. However, some super holes such as 6, 7, 12, 16 and 18. If you can par the 7th then you can play golf. Tough hole. Keep some energy for the last 3 holes as it is quite a tough finishing stretch. Not far from Dublin and certainly worth playing.

85. Esker Hills

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

6 Best Holes: 7, 4, 17, 3, 11, 18
Best Par 3: 15
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 6

As the name suggest this has a unique setting of drumlins and eskers. You will play some holes here that you won’t see anywhere else. Holes such as the 4th, 7t and 14th are unique and brilliant. A few ordinary holes too such as 1, 2 and 16 but overall it’s a very good golf course. Make sure you take a buggy. You can play here all year round. Course condition could be a little better but it’s a course that you must play at least once to fully appreciate it. You will enjoy it.

86. K Club (South)

Straffan, Co. Kildare

6 Best Holes: 13, 9, 18, 16, 1, 7
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 18

This is about as resort as an Irish course gets. Plenty of room to hit driver as often as you like and plenty of water features too. It’s a grand course but no better than that. There are some ordinary holes on it but some nice ones too including 1, 9, 13 and 16 which are decent par 4’s. The 18th is a super par 5 to finish on. Not really on in 2 unless downwind, if you play it sensible then you should get your 5. You should play to your handicap round here.

87. Mount Wolseley

Mountwolseley, Tullow, Co. Carlow

6 Best Holes: 18, 3, 8, 11, 2, 7
Best Par 3: 11
Best Par 4: 18
Best Par 5: 7

This is a nice resort course with a hotel on site. It is not the most difficult course in the world but is well worth a visit. Plenty of water features to keep you on your toes. Keep it straight and you’ll shoot 36 points round here. The 3rd is a fine par 4. It measures 447 yards off the back tee and a water hazard on the front right of the green makes it a dangerous hole to score on. The 11th is a super par 3 of over 200 yards that is played over water. The best is kept till last as the 18th is a super par 4. This will test you as you start to get tired. Perfect venue for a society.

88. Dundalk

New Golf Links Rd, Haggardstown, Co. Louth

6 Best Holes: 16, 15, 3, 11, 5, 7
Best Par 3: 5
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 7

It’s hard not to like Dundalk Golf Club. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s usually in good condition. It has solid holes throughout with no silly holes. You can score here but you need to play well. Rolling fairways are a real feature. Some super par 4’s such as 3, 4, 11, 15 and 16. After you hit your drive on the 3rd you will have a blind second shot. It almost feels like a links shot. The 15th and 16TH are two lovely par 4’s of almost 400 yards. Great setting for 2 golf holes with mature trees all around. This course is great value for money. Nice food in the clubhouse too.

89. Ballybunion (Cashen)

Sandhill Rd, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry

6 Best Holes: 13, 12, 2, 8, 2, 18
Best Par 3: 13
Best Par 4: 13
Best Par 5: 8

If the ballybunion courses were 2 brothers then the Cashen course would be the wild one that stays out all night and never comes home. It’s a wild track in places. It gets a lot of flak for being a bit mad, but I enjoyed it. Yes there are a couple of head scratchers but give it a break. The 13th and 14th are two super par 4’s together on the back nine. You need to hit a straight drive if you want to par either of those two. It’s interesting and never boring. Play it with an open mind.

90. Portarlington

Garryhinch, Portarlington, Co. Laois

6 Best Holes: 7, 2, 12, 14, 15, 17
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 13

This was another course that was a pleasant surprise. Didn’t expect much but it’s a very good course. The front nine is not spectacular except for the 7th which is a fantastic hole. It’s long, tree lined and if you get a par then you deserve a round of applause from your playing partners. Worth the green fee alone to play his hole. The back nine is really good especially from the 12th tee onwards. It’s fair but is a good test of golf. Very reasonable green fee and in the summer, it is well worth playing. You will enjoy it.

91. Grange

Whitechurch Rd, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin

6 Best Holes: 3, 10, 4, 18, 17, 16
Best Par 3: 1
Best Par 4: 3
Best Par 5: 17

Grange has 24 holes and can have 3 different layouts. When we played it we began with 2 par 3’s which the course is well known for. The 3rd hole is a class par 4. It is over 400 yards and has some beautiful mature trees on both sides to hinder your progress. The 10th hole is a super par 4 also. Ideally a draw will give you a chance of getting on the green in two but a 5 is not a bad score here. The 18th is a lovely finishing hole. You must stay down the left or you can be blocked out. Nice course that was in very good condition.

92. Coollattin

Coolattin Park, Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 4, 13, 1, 8, 7, 2
Best Par 3: 7
Best Par 4: 4
Best Par 5: 6

This course deserves to be in Ireland top 100. There are some cracking holes round here. If you have 8 stableford points after 4 holes then you have done well as it’s quite a tough start. The first is a beautiful par 4 which some majestic trees. The 4th hole is a tough par 4. Its long and you need to be straight or more trees await. You should at least par the 11th which is a par 5. Some good holes on the back nine including 4 decent par 4’s in a row from the 12th. The 18th is an ordinary par 3 to finish but overall it is a very nice course that was another pleasant surprise.

93. Macreddin

Macreddin East, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 12, 16, 13, 4, 15, 6
Best Par 3: 4
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 13

Again another course that was a pleasant surprise. The front nine is grand. Holes 10 and 11 are ordinary but he last 7 holes are as fine a finishing stretch as you are likely to see. They are all class holes. The 12th is a low index for a reason. Super hole. Holes 13, 16 and 18 are three other super par 4’s that will test you even on a good day. Don’t judge this course until you have finished. The last seven holes are worth waiting for. Lovely hotel on site too. Well worth playing if you get a chance.

94. Greenore

Greenore Village, Greenore, Co. Louth

6 Best Holes: 7, 12, 8, 1, 17, 16
Best Par 3: 1
Best Par 4: 7
Best Par 5: 17

Greenore is a lovely course and if you can shoot 36 points then you have done very well as it’s a good test. There are some cracking holes here. The first is a 218 yard par 3 so no gentle introduction round here. There are some super par 4’s including 4, 7, 12 and 16. The 7th is index 1 and rightly so. Tough drive with furze on the left that can leave a long second shot. It’s a pity the course can’t be reconfigured as the 12th would make a brilliant closing hole. You should really par all 3 par 5’s. They are not overly difficult. The course can struggle if there is a hot summer as there was in 2018.

95. Naas

Kerdiffstown, Naas, Co. Kildare

6 Best Holes: 5, 16, 4, 11, 7, 17
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 5
Best Par 5: 13

This course has to be in Ireland’s top 100 courses. It’s a solid golf course with hardly a bad hole on it. There are some great par 4’s on the way round including holes 1, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 16. Be brave on the first and stay to the right off the tee. The 5th tee shot does not require a driver. Left half of this narrow fairway is the way to go with a 5 wood. The 11th is a dog leg right but you need to stay down the left half of the fairway so as not to be blocked out. It’s a lovely approach over water to this green. It is one of those courses that will surprise you but in a good way. The par 3’s are not memorable except for the 17th which is a super hole. Not expensive and super value for money.

96. Glasson

Killinure, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

6 Best Holes: 16, 7, 15, 13, 6, 3
Best Par 3: 15
Best Par 4: 16
Best Par 5: 6

Again this is another course that you should really play to your handicap on as it’s not overly difficult. It’s a resort course, set up for societies with a hotel so site. Some great views of Lough Ree on the way round. Some average holes along the way but there is a strong finish with the last 4 holes among the best on the course. The 15th is a super par 3 where you must hit your ball over water. The 16th is a cracking par 4 also.

97. Roscommon

Ardsallagh Beg, Mote Park, Co. Roscommon

6 Best Holes: 5, 18, 2, 14, 12, 13
Best Par 3: 12
Best Par 4: 5
Best Par 5: 15

The front nine is quite long and most holes are just straight holes with not many features to them. The 5th hole is the best hole on the front nine and requires a good drive to have any chance of getting on the green in two. A 5 is not a bad score here. The back nine is the better of the two nines. The two par 3’s on the back nine are good holes including one over water. The best hole on the course is the 18th. Roughly 420 yards off the whites it takes 2 serious golf shots to get on this green in two. Fine course and certainly not expensive.

98. Blainroe

Kilpoole Lower, Blainroe, Co. Wicklow

6 Best Holes: 2, 16, 14, 12, 3, 6
Best Par 3: 15
Best Par 4: 2
Best Par 5: 5

You be tired when you’ve the 18th here. Hilly walk especially on the front nine. The front nine is a little up and down but they are mostly good holes. The 2nd hole is a really solid par 4. Two good shots required to get on the green. The 7th hole is straight down a hill. Do not hit driver or you may never see it again. The back nine is the better nine. Great tee box on 14th overlooking the sea. The 16th is a tough hole but you should really par the last 2. Good course with super views.

99. Moyvalley

Balyna Estate, Ballina, Moyvalley, Co. Kildare

6 Best Holes: 12, 7, 18, 16, 13, 17
Best Par 3: 17
Best Par 4: 12
Best Par 5: 18

This course was closed for a few years but has re-opened and you can see that money has been spent on the course as it’s in very good condition. A couple of ordinary holes such as the 9th and 15th which are very short par 4’s. However, some super holes such as 6, 7, 12, 16 and 18. If you can par the 7th then you can play golf. Tough hole. Keep some energy for the last 3 holes as it is quite a tough finishing stretch. Not far from Dublin and certainly worth playing.

100. Knightsbrook

Dublin Road, Iffernock, Trim, Co. Meath

6 Best Holes: 2, 12, 14, 8, 11, 1
Best Par 3: 18
Best Par 4: 2
Best Par 5: 17

This is quite a long golf course even off the white tees that we played. Good start as the first is a decent hole and the second hole is a super par 4. There is a big tree down the right that you must stay left of. Great hole. Holes 3 to 7 are ordinary. The 8th is a good par 4 that requires a decent drive so that you can see the green which is off to your left. The back nine is certainly the better of the two nines. Some super par 4’s including 11, 12, 14 and 15. Water in play on all par 3’s including the 18th which is a nice hole to finish on. Hotel on site too. Decent food. Good day out.