These expertly-designed courses – created by world-renowned golfing legends, but suitable for players of all levels – are home to beautiful four and five star resorts, so you can really make the most of your golfing getaway.
Enjoy a freshly-pulled post-golf pint in one of the cosy clubhouses, play a round with inimitable sea views or relax those muscles in the sauna; the choice is yours.
The course
Set on the grounds of the old Jameson Estate, this spectacular links course works around the natural terrain of hillocks, wild grasses and gorse. Think elevated tees and greens, doglegs and of course the typical links sea breezes.
The designer
Overlooking the Irish Sea on the shoreline of a rugged peninsula, this is the first links course designed by two-time Masters champion and three-time winner of the Irish Open, Bernhard Langer, along with architect Stan Eby.
The events
The Championship Portmarnock Links course has played host to a number of both professional and amateur golfing events, including the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open.
After an energetic day spent on the green, enjoy a relaxing drink in the Jameson Bar. Sit by the fire with an expertly-pulled pint and some tasty pub grub, and admire the original oak-panelled walls and high sash windows.
Then, return to one of the 134 luxury bedrooms for a well-deserved rest. With an earthy colour palette, beautiful fabrics and soft furnishings, they enjoy panoramic views of the course, the beach or the manicured garden courtyard.
The course
Guests can choose between the The Ryder Cup and Smurfit Course; the former regularly ranks in the top three parkland golf courses in Ireland, while the latter offers an incredible inland links experience.
The designer
Both courses were designed by World Golf Hall of Fame Arnold Palmer, whose career spanned more than six decades with 62 PGA Tour titles and the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award.
The events
Collectively, the two courses have been home to major events like the 2006 Ryder Cup and 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, as well as thirteen European Opens.
Located in the famous Arnold Palmer Clubhouse, Legends is the best place to enjoy long lunches and casual evening drinks against a backdrop of golf memorabilia and the landscaped greens and lakes of the Ryder Cup Course
Then, have a full night’s rest in one of the individually designed luxury suites. Notice the artwork by Jack Yeats (brother to poet WB) paired with dark wood antiques, duck down duvets and glass chandeliers.
The course
The classic parkland O’Meara Course meanders through acres of pastures and woodlands on the banks of the River Rye, while the 7,300 yard links style Montgomerie Course sweeps across fairways, bunkers and greens.
The designer
The two courses were named after their designers, two-time major winner Mark O’Meara and seven-time European Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie respectively.
“Carton golf course is a magical place, full of beauty and wonderful history. My idea for the golf course was to make sure members and guests really have fun out there. It has to challenge golfers of all abilities and I think that is exactly what we achieved. I am thrilled with what we created.” ~ Mark O’Meara
The events
Between the two courses, they’ve been home to both the 2004 and 2005 AIB Irish Amateur Open Championship, as well as the 2005, 2006 and 2013 Irish Opens.
Originally the manor house’s stable block, The Coach House has been re-modelled into a gorgeous clubhouse, and offers a tasteful mix of old and new with bar and restaurant facilities serving up to 110 people.
In the main house, 18 of the original suites offer that little bit of extra luxury for your golf break, individually fitted with four poster beds, bespoke design furniture, glass fittings and lavish fabrics.
The course
Set among rolling fairways, water hazards and contoured greens, this impressive 7,300 yard, par 72 layout has been named Ireland’s best parkland golf course.
The designer
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mount Juliet golf course first opened in 1991 and has since established itself as a premier venue for top professional and leisure golfers from all over the world.
The events
Mount Juliet has played host to golfing legends such as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Pádraig Harrington for the WGC American Express Golfing Championship in 2002 and again in 2004.
Follow your round of golf with some refreshments in the new, state-of-the-art clubhouse. Sink into squashy leather couches, order a drink from the sleek bar and dig into some creamy seafood chowder.
Once home to the estate’s horses and hay, as well as acting as lodgings for grooms, coachmen and stable boys, the Hunter’s Yard part of the hotel is located just off the course and is the perfect base for your golf break.
The course
Swing into action on this modern 18-hole parkland course, measuring 6,700 sq. yards with large undulating greens, lakes and year-round playability.
The designer
With large greens, multiple teeing positions and eleven stunning lakes, the 72-par course was created by golf course architect, Jonathan Gaunt, who has worked on projects in the UK, Denmark, Portugal and Turkey.
The events
Castleknock is yet to host a major golf tournament; instead, renowned golf journalist Dermot Gilleece describes it as “in every sense a member’s course,” so no matter your handicap, even if you’re not the next Tiger Woods, you’re able to enjoy a golf break here.
The Vue restaurant is spread across the first floor of the clubhouse with spectacular views overlooking the golf course and Liffey Valley, while the balcony overlooks the nearby Dublin Mountains.
Before you even tee off, take in the scenic views of the course, lake and gardens from your executive room. Extra touches include complimentary Nespresso coffee, underfloor-heating in the bathrooms and upholstered leather headboards.
The course
Set on the grounds of an old 220-acre manor estate, The Castlemartyr Golf Resort is an 18-hole, 6,728 yd, par 72 championships inland links style course.
The designer
This course is the creation of world-renowned Ron Kirby, whose work also includes Old Head, Mount Juliet, Dromoland Castle and the Gleneagles in Scotland.
The events
Club professional Brady Sherwood organised a golfing ‘Fringe Festival’ in 2014 in the lead-up to the Irish Open, and the club also hosted a Golf Digest Volvo Open the same year.
With panoramic views of the course, The Pod in the Golf Club serves casual, tasty pub grub to pair with your post-golf drink, be it traditional open sandwiches or fiery chicken wings.
Book yourself into a Junior Suite overlooking the formal gardens or the course, and you’ll be spoiled with your own separate sitting and dressing room, plus a marble bathroom, rainforest shower and double vanity unit.
The course
Measuring 7,026 yards, this spectacular 18-hole championship links course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Dough Mor beach.
The designer
Spanning 1.5 miles of rugged cliffs, sand dunes and sea views, this traditional par-72 layout was re-designed by Dr Martin Hawtree, who has worked on Portmarnock, Lahinch, and Royal Dublin.
The events
Trump Doonbeg, along with Lahinch, will be hosting the Great Irish Links Challenge in May 2018, a monumental four-day event where 300 golfers will play three unforgettable rounds of golf.
The bar and restaurant look out over the Atlantic and across the 18th green, with golfers congregating around the fire with a well-deserved pint and fresh seafood like fried calamari, crab claws and oysters.
Rest and rejuvenate at the White Horses Spa, be it in steam area and sauna, deep soaking whirlpools, three dry treatment rooms or the wet treatment room with its splash shower.
The course
Forming part of an incredible 300-acre estate, including 50 acres of lakes, this 18-hole championship course is wrapped around the natural drumlins of the Cavan valley landscape.
The designer
Paddy Merrigan – whose other work includes Tullamore, Faithlegg House and Tulfarris House – was the manpower behind this par-72 parkland course, measuring 7053 yards.
“One of my criteria in judging a golf course is that you get pleasure from it each time you play it. I played the Slieve Russell many times and each time; I can’t wait to get back. I can honestly say that there are no weak holes on it, off the back stakes, there are many that will test the best, while all the greens are a tribute to the green keeper.” ~ Christy O’Connor Snr
The events
The Slieve Russell has hosted the 1996 Irish PGA Championship in 1996, as well as the North West of Ireland Open in both 2001 and 2002.
Pay a visit to the clubhouse’s Summit Restaurant after your round of golf, and enjoy light snacks and drinks alongside the panoramic views over the championship golf course.
Take advantage of some R&R on your golfing break and spend a few hours in the Ciúin Spa – the adults-only hydrotherapy suite includes a Jacuzzi, herb sauna, steam room, salt grotto, lifestyle showers, foot baths and ice fountain.
The course
Voted ‘Golf Resort of the Year‘ and featuring two championship golf courses, Lough Erne offers the ultimate 36-hole golf experience, including the Castle Hume parkland course with its stunning views, manicured fairways and well contoured greens.
The designer
Designed by six-time major winner, Sir Nick Faldo, the 18-hole course is his first design in Ireland, and measures 7,167 yards Par 72, with superb all year round playing conditions.
The events
A combination of over seven thousand trees, thirty bunkers and water hazards, The Castle Hume has been host to an unprecedented 10 Ulster PGA Championships.
The colonial-style clubhouse overlooks the Castle Hume Golf Course, The Golf Academy and driving range, and you can even enjoy food and drinks al fresco on the terrace.
After a day on the green, why not unwind in the Thai spa? Featuring a crystal aroma steam room, light therapy sauna, tropical rain shower, infinity pool and Jacuzzi, it’s the best way to relax those muscles.
The course
No matter your ability, get ready to hone your skills on a luxury golf break at Ashford Castle. This beautiful 9-hole, 2996 yards par 35 parkland course takes about two hours to play a nine-hole round.
The designer
Bordering Lough Corrib and surrounded by woodlands, the course – once the estate’s deer park – was designed by the renowned Irish golf architect Eddie Hackett.
The events
Many famous professional golfers have played the course, including Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Lee Travino and Byron Nelson, and Rory McIlroy even held his wedding here.
Built in the late 1800s, the Prince of Wales bar boasts opulent fabrics, fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and an original fireplace creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere – the perfect place to enjoy your favourite tipple after a round of golf.
Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? The expansive 350-acre estate also offers fishing, falconry, clay shooting, archery, horse-riding, zip-lining, stand up paddle boarding and traditional boat trips.
The course
Why not tee off on this scenic parkland course? Set on the banks of Lough Corrib, the course is surrounded by rolling hills and overlooks the calm waters of the lake.
The designer
Designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jr, the course has been recognised as one of the best nine-hole golf courses in Ireland.
The events
The course played host to the 2017 Spanish Tourist Board Irish Mixed Foursomes Finals, Ireland’s only mixed event at adult level.
The Oak Cellar Bar is the perfect venue for post-golf analysis. A nod to old-time gentlemen’s clubs, the bar boasts herringbone parquet floors, dark mahogany panelling, tartan chairs and aged leather sofas.
Make the most of the dramatic West of Ireland landscape and stay in the Corrib Deluxe bedrooms with their panoramic vistas of the River Corrib, or the Classic Bedrooms looking out over the 18th-century abbey and walled garden.