Golfing In Ireland

The staging of the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club, put Irish golfing firmly on the world map. But for those in the know, Ireland has long been the place to come for really good golf, with its unrivalled range of both inland and coastal courses.

Dublin area:
Chief among the courses located around the capital of southern Ireland, must now be the relatively new K Club, setting of the 2006 Ryder Cup. But there are many other courses within easy drive of Ireland's most famous tourist destination. Among the best of the others is Portmarnock -- once described as "the most natural course in the world" --, and which has hosted more professional tournaments than just about any other course in Ireland.

And don't miss playing at the Royal Dublin, located just three miles from the capital on an island. Steeped in history, The Royal Dublin was the first course in all Ireland to have 18 holes, in 1885. That was created in the Royal's original home at Phoenix Park, Dublin. With the move, in 1890, to Bull Island a new course was developed. In more recent times it used to host the Irish Open, where Seve Ballestteros won twice. The course is also home to the legendary Christy O'Connor, designer of the Galway Bay Golf and Country Club Course.

With these courses close to hand and the "apres golf" nightlife of Dublin (yes, the Guinness does taste different over here!), what better place for a memorable golfing holiday.

South East Region:Wexford, Carlow, Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary

One of the best courses in this region is St Helen's Bay in Wexford. This is a beautiful combination of parkland and open links. In Kilkeeny, make a point of playing the relatively new (1990s) course Mount Juliet, which has quickly become one of the most popular courses in the area.

In Waterford, try the spectacular coastal course at Dunmore East. Designed by James Braids, it enjoys sweeping views of Waterford Harbour and the bay beyond.

The South West of Ireland: Cork and Kerry

This region boasts a trio of superb courses. First there is the Arnold Palmer designed Tralee course, closely followed by the most westerly course in Europe at Dingle.

One of the more recent courses: Waterville Golf Club, was only designed and built by Eddie Hackett in 1973. Yet it already has the reputation among some of being the finest golf course in the world -- particularly among Americans. It is here Tiger Woods has been known to practice before  the Open.

Two coastal locations are of particular merit. First, the oldest course in Kerry -- Dooks. This enjoys a spectacular setting overlooking Dingle Bay.

Next, comes The Old Head of Kinsale, which sits on it's own promontory, jutting out into the Atlantic. Here you not only compete against your partner and the course, but the fickle Atlantic winds!

Although not as long as some more modern courses, the Old Course at Ballybunion has to be mentioned, as to play it is an unforgettable experience.

The West Of Ireland: Galway, Mayo, Roscommon:
The jewel in the crown of this area is the beautiful Galway Bay Golf and Country Club, overlooking the legendary Galway Bay. Designed by Christy O'Connon, its location overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean, makes it both a beautiful and chaleenging course to play.

If you prefer a more stately, parkland setting try the Galway Golf Club course, which was designed by Dr Alistair MacKenzie.

Further along the coast at Connemara is another challenging course, designed by Eddie Hackett, with the added element of the wind whipping off the sea at the Connemara Golf Course.

A complete contrast is offered by the more sheltered woodland course at Roscommon -- although again water features large in the challenge -- this time in the form of lakes.

Shannon Region: Clare and Limerick:
The most famous course in this area is Lahinch. Although a traditional course it is peppered with deep bunkers and blind shots. For all that it is worth a visit, just for the rugged scenery of its setting.

The Doonbeg course has only been open a few years, yet already it has it's devotees, including Greg Norman who opened it and declared it to be located in one of the world's most beautiful areas. He is not wrong.

Two other courses, deserve a mention: the one at Limerick designed by Dr Alistair MacKenzie and The Adare Manor Estate, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.

The Shannon is a championship course in a parkland setting right by the River Shannon. In contrast to the many water adjacent courses in Ireland, you have little to fear from the wind on this inland location.

The North West: Donegal, Sligo and near Londonderry
This wonderfully wild and spectular area houses some of the best links in the world, led by the world famous Ballyliffin course on the Inishowen Peninsular.

Another top course in this area is the Old Tom Morris Links.

The region also boasts a number of parkland courses. Chief among these is the Slieve Russell course, which has hosted several top tournaments. You'll also find parkland courses at Letterkenny, located near Lough Swilly. And don't forget to visit the "Saint Andrews of the North" -- the North West Golf Club, located three miles from Buncrana and ten miles from Derry.

Northern Ireland:
This region boasts two of the best known courses, the Royal County Down and the Royal Portrush.

The Royal County Down, in County Down is an example of a links course at its best.

Portrush is located along with three other top class courses: Ballycastle, Ballyreagh, and Castlerock, on the world famous Causeway Coast, close to the amazing landscape of the Giant's Causeway.

If you like parkland golf courses, you will love Galgorm Castle, which is situated in the grounds of one of Irelands historic castles in mid Antrim.

Copyright 2007 Joseph Donegal and www.The-Best-Of-Ireland.com