The best of Ireland golf

Ireland is rife with spectacular coastal terrain and rich history, not to mention world-class links golf courses.

To the north, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush reign, with less-ballyhooed links like Castlerock and Ardglass rife for discovery. Ballyliffin and Enniscrone are off-the-beaten-path gems in the northwest. In the south, it doesn't get much better than Lahinch Golf Club and its Old Course's amazing No. 6.

Your eyes will be stimulated off the course as well, with castle ruins and natural wonders dotting the landscape.

GolfEurope.com's Brandon Tucker offers up some of his best shots on the course and off from his recent trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Ardglass GC

Ardglass Golf Club in County Down is a hidden gem of Northern Ireland links golf.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ballyheigue Castle GC

Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club's ninth plays up to the base of the old castle ruins.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Glashedy Rock

Ominous Glashedy Rock looms offshore of Ballyliffin, Ireland's northernmost golf club.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

The Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is one of the island's most spectacular natural wonders.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

4th at Castlerock GC

The par-3 fourth at Castlerock Golf Club in Northern Ireland is known as "Leg o' Mutton."

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Connemara GC

Connemara Golf Club in northwest Ireland features uniquely rocky links terrain.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Royal County Down

Royal County Down in Northern Ireland is one of the most spectacular stages for links golf in the Isles.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Enniscrone GC

Enniscrone Golf Club in northwest Ireland: A fantastic bargain playing through dramatic dunes.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Stone Building near Castlerock

This stone building near Castlerock is one of many spectacular sights along the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

No. 6 at Lahinch GC's Old Course

No. 6 at Lahinch Golf Club's Old Course is a fantastic par 4 that plays out to the coast.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Lisselan

Parkland golf course Lisselan sets itself apart from the pack by offering funicular rides between some holes.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Portmarnock GC

Portmarnock Golf Club near Dublin is a classic century-old links.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush is Ireland's only British Open venue.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Royal County Down's Annelsley Links clubhouse

Ever-changing weather makes rainbows like this one over Royal County Down's Annelsley Links clubhouse a frequent sight in Ireland.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is located just a mile or so from Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com