Destination Ireland: A guide to planning your Irish golf vacation
By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer
Heading to Ireland to golf? GolfEurope.com's destination guide has travel tips, reviews and recommendations on hotels to help you make the most of your golf vacation to the Emerald Isle.
Ireland golf spotlight
Northern Ireland: Links golf's historic "new" destination: Northern Ireland has been peaceful for a decade, and golfers are rediscovering its world-class links.
Also: Golf for adventurers on Ireland's northwest coast
Featured Ireland course reviews
Links golf at the edge of the world: Ballyliffin Golf Club, Ireland's northernmost links, is a course like no other.
Also: Take a closer look at Ballyliffin's two tracks, Glashedy Links and the Old Course.
Ireland on-course: The southwest giants
Ballybunion's Old Course is Ireland's most popular links and anchors the southwest's acclaimed offerings. Plus, on the course at Lahinch Golf Club, Doonbeg Golf Club and Tralee Golf Club.
Also: More Ireland course reviews
Where to stay in Ireland
GolfEurope.com's recommended accommodations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Ireland golf podcasts
Sweet Spots: Host Brandon Tucker talks with Enniscrone Golf Club professional Charlie McGoldrick and Ballyliffin Golf Club member Larry Olmsted.
TravelGolf.com This Week: Tucker joins host Dave Berner to talk Northern Ireland golf.
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Ireland golf and travel FAQ
What you need to know when planning a golf trip to Ireland.
Blogging in Ireland
GolfEurope.com's Brandon Tucker recently spent two weeks golfing the Emerald Isle and kept up a running commentary from the road in his Ireland travel blog.
Also: Having played both classic links in recent months, Tucker offers his thoughts on Royal County Down beating out the Old Course at St. Andrews in the latest Golf Digest course rankings.
More Ireland golf and travel features
With club and reel: Off-course in Ireland, Tim McDonald found plenty of great fishing.
Parkland gems: Ireland golf is more than just great links. Here's a look at the isle's finest parkland courses.
Guinness for strength!: A thirsty golfer's guide to Dublin's best pubs.
Recent Ireland Articles
Ireland Course Review: The secret's out at hidden Enniscrone Golf Club in NW Ireland
There's a big secret emerging on the Emerald Isle: a handful of golf courses in its undiscovered northwest are welcoming golfers with open tee sheets and links as fine as anywhere else - but at a fraction of the cost. Among northwest Ireland's budding golf scene, lies one links jostling for the area's top spot: Enniscrone Golf Club.
Ireland Feature Story: Seapoint and Baltray: Two good Irish links are neighbors near Dublin
Most golfers landing at Dublin airport usually drive right by Seapoint Golf Club and County Louth Golf Club on their way to famous Royal County Down. They just don't know what their missing. The joke is on those who don't take the time to stop and play. With less than 200 true links layouts worldwide, it's amazing to find two good ones in such close proximity.
Ireland Course Review: Headfort Golf Club's new course: Christy O'Connor brings forth an Irish beast
Just as Christy O'Connor's playing career will forever be linked to his magical 2 iron to the 18th green against Fred Couples that allowed Europe to retain the Ryder Cup in 1989, all his designs will likely be compared to the new course at Headfort Golf Club about 45 minutes northwest of Dublin in County Meath.
- Ireland Course Review: Play authentic Irish 'castle golf' at Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club in County Kerry
- Ireland Course Review: Connemara Golf Club provides a safe landing in northwest Ireland
- Ireland Destination Guide: Destination Ireland: A guide to planning your Irish golf vacation
- Ireland Photo Gallery: Ireland golf in pictures: Lisselan Golf Club in West Cork
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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