Top 100 Best Golf Courses in Ireland

Best golf courses in Ireland

What are the best golf courses in Ireland? Our expert panel ranks the best layouts in the Emerald Isle.

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The Ireland Top 100 is one of the most stable lists I compile.

The key reason for that is that right from the start, we have had a panel that has played every course on the island.

But a mark of Ireland’s refusal to rest on its collective laurels is the fact that there is a fair bit of movement in this year’s list, because clubs are doing significant work to their courses. Allied to a new course that is maturing as nicely as I expected it to, you’ll find plenty of interesting moves within this Top 100.

Chris Bertram, Top 100 Editor

How our panel mark the best golf courses in Ireland

There are a total of 100 marks awarded, and every golf course is marked using the following criteria to find the best:

Design [40 marks]: A key category, split into three sub-sections: Does the course take advantage of its landscape [20]; the green complexes [10]; the routing [10].
Setting [15 marks]: The aesthetic value of the surrounding views and the course itself. And the overall ‘atmosphere’ of the course – not the club.
Memorability [15 marks]: How easy it is to recall holes? Are they distinctive, varied and interesting. Are they strategic and heroic?
Playability [10 marks]: Is it just too tough, possibly even unfair, for the majority? Or is it easily enjoyed by all?
Consistency [10 marks]: Does every hole deliver all of the above, or is it let down by a few poor ones?
Presentation [10 marks]: Two aspects: is maintenance at ease with its surroundings? And the conditioning of tees, fairways, bunkers and greens.

Best Golf Courses in Ireland: Meet the Panel

To comprise this Top 100 ranking, Editor Chris Bertram and Kevin Markham (who has played every course in the country) co-chaired a panel that included experts Derek Wickham, Pat Markey, Pat Smyth, Siobhan Cullen, Mark Ryan, and Peadar Conlon. 

If you have knowledge of lots of resorts and courses, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re male, female, young, old, low handicap, high handicap, if you’re well-traveled then get in touch with us and you could join our panel.

Top 100 Best Golf Courses in Ireland

100. St Margaret’s

St Margaret’s, Dublin

Easy paced and colourful parkland close to Dublin Airport – one of two new entries into this list.

99. Gowran Park 

Kilkenny City, Kilkenny

Delightful parkland with the first three holes inside a race track – the 1st sits level with the finishing post. Expect manicured, tree-lined fairways interspersed with lakes and streams.

98. Clandeboye (Ava)

Newtonards, Down

Short, punchy and unpredictable, but forever joyful and intriguing, this par-70 heathland/parkland breaks into the Top 100 for the first time.

97. Woodenbridge

Arklow, Wicklow

The elegance of Woodenbridge, lost in a valley and with a river running through it, will always be the sweetest of selling points and more than justifies its position here.

96. Castle

Dublin City, Dublin

A calm and elegant suburban parkland of tree-lined corridors, easy, hypnotic rhythm and a display of (refurbished) bunkering that catches the eye and lures the ball. Greens are a highlight and this Harry Colt design competes with Grange for the title of Dublin City’s best parkland.

95. Mulranny

Mulranny, Mayo

This crumpled links on the shore of Clew Bay is as natural as it comes, with sheep freely roaming the fairways and topography dictating design.

94. Portarlington

Portarlington, Laois

A smooth, level parkland, laid out beside a river, which delivers several exceptional holes that glide between giant trees.

93. Moyola Park

Castledawson, Derry

Moyola Park sits in a setting of mature and majestic trees, with a central hill and river adding considerable weight to its many beautiful holes.

92. Grange

Rathfarnham, Dublin

Tucked away on the edge of Dublin City, this parkland has some lovely shapes and towering trees.

91. Naas

Naas, Kildare

Considerable recent upgrades have taken a fine parkland and elevated it with new bunkering and new verve, all played out in a wonderful, peaceful, tree-lined setting.

90. Tramore (Old Course)

Tramore, Waterford

Tramore has an easy flowing, almost hypnotic rhythm. Well known for its gently undulating greens, the course has plenty of water features and ditches to test your ability to reach them.

89. Killarney (Mahony’s Point)

Killarney, Kerry

A more old-school parkland with generous fairways and varied and exciting holes, including a strong finish and one of Ireland’s best par 3s to finish.

88. Lisburn

Lisburn, Antrim

Aesthetically attractive parkland with lots of colour around the edges and a rhythm that carries you along.

87. Ballinrobe

Ballinrobe, Mayo

A strong yet underappreciated parkland which rates as one of Connacht’s finest. The smooth undulations are a strength and the 10th tees off beside old castle walls.

86. Westport

Westport, Mayo

Picturesque parkland course with fantastic views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. Lots of swagger on the back nine and the signature 15th hole is one of Ireland’s finest par 5s.

85. Castlemartyr

Midleton, Cork

An easy-flowing and relaxing inland links-style course, wrapped around a luxurious 5-star hotel.

84. Coollattin

Shillelagh, Wicklow

Arboretum golf set on the grounds of an old Manor House, with a wonderful variety of trees framing holes. The original walled-garden par 3.

83. Powerscourt (East)

Enniskerry, Wicklow

The East has nice wide, open fairways but also a proliferation of less generous bunkers. The par-5 17th, with water protecting the green, can upset many a card.

82. Hermitage

Lucan, Dublin

Classic tree-lined, suburban parkland set in mature grounds. The iconic par-3 10th drops sharply to the River Liffey, followed by a par 5 beside the river itself.

81. The Heritage

Killenard, Laois

Spread over the sprawling countryside, Seve Ballesteros designed a big course that is maturing impressively. Water features abound and the bunkering is big and threatening. It’s a stern challenge where big driving is key. If you can avoid the water hazards you should do well, especially on the perfect pairing of the par-4 9th and 18th holes as they run in parallel around a lake, which leads you to the impressive clubhouse.

80. The K Club (South Course)

Straffan, Kildare

The South course offers a very different experience to its Ryder Cup sibling. It was designed to be a links-heathland hybrid with vast mounding channeling fairways. There is a muscular, man-made feel to it and it lies very open as you sweep through the heart of the course. Water is a frequent visitor especially on the strong back nine and the excellent finish, as well as the famous par-5 7th.

79. Laytown & Bettystown

Drogheda, Meath

One of the lesser-known links, but always well-maintained and presented. Several intriguing holes on the front nine are matched by the compelling and head-scratching 18th.

78. Birr

Birr, Offaly

The flow of the eskers is hypnotic, but Birr can toss you around like you’re being shipwrecked. You never know what’s over the next incline. It adds hugely to the test and the fun. Lovely tight turf and beguiling holes (10-15 especially) make this a big adventure. Country golf in all the best possible ways.

77. Tulfarris

Blessington, Wicklow

A splash of lakeside heaven with three peninsulas thrusting out into the water and holes brushing up to the very edges. Water can be found elsewhere, too, and this contributes to a smart, colorful, and testing course with a powerful finishing stretch. The course wraps around the hotel, offering you a sneak preview of what a charming adventure awaits.

76. Mount Wolseley

Tullow, Carlow

Routed around a modern hotel, this is a big resort course that requires a sensible choice of tee box. At over 7,100 yards from the back tees, it can break hearts. You’ll need strong driving here and the big, slick putting surfaces demand an inspired touch. The opening holes show off some elevation changes, but it quickly levels out. Water, however, is everywhere, most dramatically on the acclaimed par-3 11th.

75. Rathsallagh

Dunlavin, Wicklow

Not a single tree was felled to create this elegant, lazy parkland and it coasts almost regally between an army of mature trees for all 18 holes. The rhythm is effortless, which sits well with its pretty ponds, peaceful surroundings and unpretentious airs. It will test every part of your game but expect one of those relaxing rounds that you never want to end.

74. Mullingar

Mullingar, Westmeath

Renowned for its annual Scratch Cup (won by many Irish greats) and its par-3 2nd, Mullingar is an Irish parkland stalwart of old-school charm. A James Braid design (1937), it has the hallmarks of greatness with perfect routing and a well-balanced weight of holes. Renovations in 2005 have moved the course forward with more modern greens and bunkering, but the Braid character remains.

73. New Forest

Higgionstown, Westmeath

New Forest is one of the newer gems in the heart of Ireland, with a great variety of challenging holes weaving through slopes and water hazards. The short 9th par 3 within a walled garden is delightful.

72. Arklow

Dunlavin, Wicklow

Ireland’s second tier of links courses is well served by the likes of this punchy, low-lying and quality course. Most holes are on show from the tee, but the well-defended, curvaceous and fascinating greens will taunt you all day. It may not be bucket-list fodder but it sates the heart. Five excellent par 3s in a par 70 that possesses both bark and bite.

71. North West

Lisfannon, Donegal

Beauty comes in many guises. The scale of North West may not catch big-game links hunters, but the devil’s in the detail. Here, subtlety shines as do the sweet green sites and crumpled terrain that will catch you off guard. Low and cunning best describes this links… and that’s what is required of your game. One of our Top 100 Fun Courses in Britain and Ireland.

70. Royal Curragh

The Curragh, Kildare

Ireland’s oldest course (1852), Royal Curragh is set on heathland-like turf where pine and gorse are scattered liberally. There is a natural bumpiness to proceedings and an openness that shows off the holes and their rises and falls. It is a course for big driving, so bring some adrenaline with you. Old school design and a length that will offer birdie opportunities aplenty.

69. Seapoint

Drogheda, Louth

Bordering the mighty Co. Louth, this links runs through low dunes to start, getting larger and more threatening as you head into the back nine. Use the more open holes at the start to feel out the bunkering and strong greens so that you’re prepared for the excellent finish that starts at the 14th. The tee boxes on 16, 17 and 18 sit high above the beach as a straight stretch leads you home.

68. Powerscourt (West Course)

Enniskerry, Wicklow

Of Powerscourt’s two courses, the West uses the greater elevation changes to create tumbling, darting holes and dramatic green sites. This large estate – popular for many things besides golf – promises big trees and woods while still giving fairways lots of breathing room. The greens are superb and are up there with the best when it comes to quality and shape and speed. The Great Sugar Loaf is ever-present across the valley and you hit towards it – and Powerscourt House – on the closing stretch.

67. Esker Hills

Tullamore, Offaly

For a big, cavorting adventure, look no further than Esker Hills. The eskers (ridges) tumble hypnotically around you and create the platform for holes to sweep you through high-octane dog-legs and valleys to superbly placed green sites. There are blind shots and wicked, short par 4s, which all add to the uniqueness of Shane Lowry’s home club.

66. Carton House (O’Meara Course)

Maynooth, Kildare

The O’Meara is a big, modern and more traditional parkland layout. It rambles easily over the Carton House estate (which straddles two counties), with trees staying well back and framing holes almost seductively. The course is renowned for its own Amen Corner (holes 14-16), which plays back and forth over the River Rye. They form one of the prettiest stretches of holes in Ireland.

65. Dun Laoghaire

Enniskerry, Dublin

A modern parkland floating across a gentle hillside at a seductive pace. The three distinct nines ensure variety – the Lower is the most level; the Middle is the most intriguing; the Upper is the most shapely – but high quality runs throughout, especially the impressive greens. It is very playable and a fabulous clubhouse oversees it all.

64. Rosslare

Rosslare, Wexford

A low-crumpled links leads you on an out-and-back type routing, with one long large dune separating you from the sea. The terrain is constantly unpredictable and with only one dog-leg of note (the 1st) you’d think that makes it straightforward. It isn’t. There are blind shots and hidden dangers which give this calm, sweet links extra bite.

63. Galway Bay

Oranmore, Galway

Big and flashy, perfectly conditioned and hypnotically shaped, Galway Bay tumbles from the clubhouse down to the sea. Both nines loop cleverly to bring you to the water’s edge and it is all on show from the clubhouse. It is not a links, but there are elements that suggest as much and the wind is ever-present. The course is exposed and strongly shaped as generous fairways curve between flanks of gorse to big green sites.

62. Galgorm Castle

Ballymena, Antrim

Such a relaxed pace for a parkland and it comes thanks to easy, level terrain that leaps over not one but two rivers. Home to the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, you can be sure of the conditioning and a round of golf that is pretty and perfectly balanced, from one hole to the next. Water influences play on 12 holes.

61. Tullamore

Tullamore, Offaly

A parkland for the ages and one of the few Irish courses to be designed by James Braid. Tullamore is ensconced in towering trees which influence your play on numerous tight dog-legs – your driving needs control. The greens are on the smallish side and are tricky to read, so if you walk off here with your handicap intact you have done very well indeed, especially with a testing final three holes.

60. Palmerstown House Estate

Johnstown, Kildare

This muscular course was built around the owners’ championship ambitions. It feels glamorous, has space and length, bustles with color and no expense was spared. Water appears on 13 holes with ponds, lakes and streams ever present and ever colorful. This is a big course (choose your tee wisely) with generous fairways and big swinging greens. The par 5s will really test your mettle.

59. Luttrellstown Castle

Castleknock, Dublin

This is Dublin city’s biggest, grandest parkland, set over an estate that oozes color and class. There are big trees and lots of water lapping the edges of fairways and greens. It is very accessible and friendly, with easy terrain, the gentlest of dog-legs and strong par 3s. It has an impressive clubhouse, too.

58. Royal Belfast

Holywood, Down

Royal Belfast is the island’s oldest golf club and boasts a wonderful variety of holes that slope lazily down to Belfast Lough.

57. Bunclody

Carrigduff, Wexford

A modern parkland where nine holes feel like they’ve been here for generations, while the other half are set on a more open but steadily maturing landscape. This is the second youngest Irish golf course but you wouldn’t know it, not with the River Slaney influencing play on five holes and trees towering over you. It is renowned for its closing stretch where the Slaney rushes along your left and an elevator waits beside the 17th green.

56. Clandeboye (Dufferin Course)

Newtownards, Down

Clandeboye has two very different courses with the Dufferin the main event.  The heathland-like bumpy terrain has wonderful depth and vibrancy before it slips down into more classic parkland mode. The variety is excellent and big trees threaten and cajole in equal measure as holes curve graciously between them. The par-4 4th is the best and hardest test, curling left tightly through trees to a green surrounded by gorse and more trees.

55. Portumna

Portumna, Galway

Such parkland elegance is captivating. Lost in deep forest, lone oak trees stride (as do deer) through the heart of an old estate creating an almost regal rhythm. With plenty of movement, this is a big game course with loads of variety and some very tricky greens. In a round of 18 strong holes, you finish with a startling par-5, par-3 duo.

54. Belvoir Park

Belfast, Antrim

The trees on this Harry Colt design are big and bountiful, planted at the time of design so that they embellish the course’s setting and rhythm. The layout on quietly undulating terrain works beautifully, showing off the great man’s vision, and it is very solid from start to finish. A post-round visit to the clubhouse balcony reveals a lot of the course.

53. Fota Island

Fota Island, Cork

This enchanting, dew-drenched island is home to 27 holes, a golf academy and a five star resort. The course rises and falls through avenues of tall trees, while the old estate walls give the course a sense of maturity that belies its relatively recent (1993) origins. Host to three Irish Opens, expect all the bells and whistles that come with a ‘big’ course.

52. Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Of Ireland’s big parklands, Dromoland Castle receives insufficient love. The setting is majestic and the course takes off at the par-3 7th and never lets up. It’s beauty and thrills every step of the way as you play past the castle (a five-star hotel of the highest caliber), over a tumbling landscape, around ancient trees and natural ponds to a superb finish… where a lone, dark cedar waits in the middle of the 18th fairway.

Many upgrades in recent times have elevated this parkland considerably – as has hosting the Women’s Open.

Very true greens and always in impressive condition.

51. Concra Wood

Castleblayney, Monaghan

Located in Castleblayney and designed by Christy O’Connor Snr and Jnr, Lake Muckno comes into play frequently on this young parkland. Holes have been routed smartly over a surprisingly hilly terrain to take impressive advantage of a fabulous site. The lake (lough in Gaelic) – which incorporates several small islands – and the course are, as you would expect, predictably spectacular bedfellows, with 11 holes luring the golfer to the water’s edge.

50. Macreddin

Macreddin Village, Wicklow

Located to the south of the Wicklow Mountains, this impressive, modern course is routed along the valley between mature pines and in between a meandering stream. Clever green complexes add to the appeal of this fine Paul McGinley design, one we have always rated highly.

49. PGA National Ireland

Ballyconnell, Cavan

Enchanting water featuers on each nine play a key part in this resort parkland’s attraction, while plenty of elevation changes add to the drama.

48. Carton House (Montgomerie Course)

Maynooth, Kildare

The premier course at this GB&I top 10 resort was laid out by Colin Montgomerie in association with European Golf Design. It is a big-boned, modern parkland course defined by its bunkering, as well as by dramatic and slick green complexes and a constantly shifting landscape with barely a tree on it.

47. Killeen Castle

Dunsany, Meath

This is Ireland’s longest and most spacious golf course and it wraps around a picture-perfect castle on a vast, picturesque estate. It is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, so expect generous fairways and heavily shaped green complexes stuffed with bunkers. On most holes you won’t see another soul, which means every hole stands alone. Choose your tee wisely and expect a late, closing stretch challenge.

46. Killarney (Killeen Course)

Killarney, Kerry

The star of this three-course club is set on beautiful Lough Leane and hosted the Irish Open in 2010 and 2011. The scene is spectacular, with the 1st, 3rd and 4th holes all bringing the lake into play. The drama then comes from the mature trees as holes move easily between them and with the backdrop of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range.

45. Headfort (New Course)

Kells, Meath

Established in 1928, Headfort’s original course was added to in 2000 by the New – designed by Christy O’Connor. We rate the modern track as the better of this north-west Dublin club’s two fine courses, which are routed between mature trees of various species and water features. Tree-lined and water-laced, this old estate even throws in two islands to add some extra oomph to proceedings.

44. Malone

Antrim

Malone was founded in 1895 but moved to an undulating wooded location near Ballydrain in the late 1950s when it was designed by John Harris from the CK Cotton firm. The Hawtree firm redesigned the first nine soon after, which is now known as the Ballydrain nine and is dominated by the 25-acre trout lake. Elegant parkland.

43. Ceann Sibeal

Dingle, Kerry

Originally designed by the prolific Eddie Hackett, this 6,680-yard links sits beautifully in the natural linksland of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. Noted for its fine fescue-covered undulating fairways, a stream meanders into play on 13 of the holes.

42. Strandhill

Strandhill, Sligo

A quirky links, designed by members of yesteryear, then updated by Eddie Hackett, who extended it to 18, and now being improved by Ally McIntosh. Located on rippling linksland on the edge of the Atlantic and founded in 1931, it sits across the Bay from County Sligo. It has edged up our rankings since our first Irish list in 2013, and is perhaps unfortunate not to be in the 2021 top 40.

41. Ballybunion (Cashen Course)

Ballybunion, Kerry

One panelist believes Ballybunion’s No.2 is the most underrated course in Ireland. While it can be viewed as a bit too severe at times, it is a great and heroic course that is worth a trip on its own. Offers ocean views, tonnes of quirkiness and 18 very individual holes – boring the Cashen is not.

A major revamp is underway and everything looks good.

40. Cruit Island

Kincasslagh, Donegal

Scenic, dramatic, thrilling and raw – all that and ‘only’ a nine-hole links. Its rise, therefore, should not be a surprise. Cruit (pronounced Critch) entered the top 50 for the first time in 2017 and now it moves into the top 40 in front of some stellar names. The beauty of this remote Donegal links must be seen to be believed. The eccentricity of it must be experienced to be believed. And the sheer joy of a round here must be savored to be believed.

39. Royal County Down (Annesley Course)

Newcastle, Down

The Annesley – which weaves its way through the Championship course – has been enhanced by three new Martin Ebert holes. These take the layout as close to the sea as any of the club’s 36 holes; magnificent views from all three. A terrific foil for the No.1 track.

38. Cork

Little Island, Cork

Founded in 1888 and redesigned in 1927 by Alister MacKenzie. He skilfully plotted its holes through and over the mature parkland landscape that runs beside Cork Harbour and the result is worth every bit of this placing in our ranking. One of the country’s top non-links tracks.

37. Carlow

Carlow Town, Carlow

Notable position for this traditional course in Carlow, designed by Cecil Barcroft and Tom Simpson, with mature trees bordering the fairways on a rolling, well-drained parkland. Each hole represents a different challenge, including approaches to elevated greens, dog-legs and water features.

36. Royal Dublin

Bull Island, Dublin

This Harry Colt design among the dunes of Bull Island follows a classic out-and-back routing. It has been revised by Martin Hawtree and now Clayton, DeVries and Pont have completely enhanced the bunkering to reflect its Colt origins. Steeped in history and a fine traditional links.

35. Ardglass

Ardglass, Down

This clifftop course might be dwarfed for profile by Ireland’s many superstar names, but it lacks for little. It is steeped in history, with seven of its holes laid out in 1896, but it didn’t become 18 until David Jones extended it in 1998. Starts with one of Ireland’s great first shots and has plenty of highlights.

34. Royal Portrush (Valley Course)

Portrush, Antrim

Not as explosive as Portrush’s No.1, but a seriously good links too – and despite losing two of its holes on the most dramatic landscape to the Dunluce in order to host The Open, the Valley has actually improved thanks to the input of Martin Ebert. Harry Colt original with some typically good par 3s.

33. Donegal

Murvagh, Donegal

Designed by Eddie Hackett, ‘Murvagh’ is a big, long and tranquil links that sits on its own peninsula surrounded by the beauty of Donegal. The landscape tumbles dramatically on the holes closest to the sea, creating a hypnotic and deceptive rhythm. Some seriously large duns to be negotiated.

32. Mount Juliet

Thomastown, Kilkenny

The laid-back parkland setting is shrouded in beauty and Mount Juliet remains a parkland experience like no other.

31. Jameson Links

Malahide, Dublin

A major upgrade by Jeff Lynch sees six new holes and a new routing add considerable bite to the course previously known as Portrmarnock.

30. The K Club (North Course)

Straffan, Kildare

Expect large, undulating greens, big (often very deep) bunkers and a terrific variety to the holes at this former Ryder Cup venue. Now known as the North, rather than the Palmer, there are several risk-reward challenges, not least on the excellent closing stretch that is a fine conclusion to a round.

29. Dooks

Glenbeigh, Kerry

One of the great unsung links of Ireland, Dooks is located between the triumvirate of Waterville, Tralee and Ballybunion. One of the great settings and its holes were improved by Martin Hawtree’s revision. Dooks is another fun Irish links that offers challenge, interest and scenery.

28. Connemara

Ballyconneely, Galway

It might surprise some that this Galway links cracks the top 30, but it’s never been out of it in the Ireland list and it makes it into our Top 100 GB&I ranking too.

27. Rosapenna (Old Tom Course)

Downings, Donegal

Some would have this as their No.1 at Rosapenna… that’s how good it is! And don’t think it’s a cuddly ‘old’ course; it has proper teeth. Could easily be five spots higher. A course true to the origins of the game – a subtle links in a beautiful, isolated setting. Old Tom Morris, James Braid, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt and Pat Ruddy have all worked on the Old Tom, and we love it as a perfect complement to the Sandy Hills. It is playable, but has just enough challenge and is full of characterful holes. Contrasting nines, but consistent in terms of quality.

26. Druids Glen

Newtown Mount Kennedy, Wicklow

The course dubbed the ‘Augusta of Europe’ has been reimagined and every element of excitement has ben increased to fever pitch. This is a significant rise given it is in the top 30 – courses usually nudge up one, two, or three places in this section. A rise of five shows what a good job they’ve done here.

25. Lough Erne

Enniskillen, Fermanagh – DOWN 4

This Nick Faldo-designed course flows over the lakelands of Fermanagh. Spacious, elegant and enchanting, Lough Erne has a lazy rhythm that starts in the forest before breaking out into the open where the holes stretch into the distance over tumbling, water-laced terrain. The second-highest-ranked inland course in Ireland.

24. Portsalon

Fanad, Donegal

A fun and scenic links with one of the finest tee shots in Ireland. After a workmanlike 1st, the 2nd takes the breath away in every respect… for the sea view from its elevated tee, for the breeze that is likely blowing across your left cheek, and for the challenge that awaits. Part of a superb front half.

23. Castlerock (Mussenden Course)

Castlerock, Derry

The Mussenden (there is also a nine-hole Bann) offers the chance to attack in the shape of five par 5s, but some of that kindness is retracted by some long, tough short holes. Not least the 4th – ‘Leg O’Mutton’ – a 200-yard hole with a railway line, a burn, OB and a raised green. Sits close to Portrush and Portstewart and, honestly, you might even prefer it to them.

22. Narin & Portnoo

Portnoo, Donegal

More good news for this Donegal Llinks, which has been overhauled by Gil Hanse. It roared into the top 25 last time and now is threatening the top 20. Unquestionably a links of GB&I Top 100 class, with an epic midle section over funky terrain along the coast.

21. Ballyliffin (Old Course)

Ballyliffin, Donegal

The first course at Ballyliffin and while not quite the beast of the Glashedy, it is easy to get the Old wrong. It is definitely not the cute, short, older course to the brawny new one, because the Old is challenging in its own right. They share the same peaceful setting and wonderful conditioning, too.

20. Enniscrone

Enniscrone, Sligo

Ranks in the GB&I Top 100 and anyone who has been to Enniscrone will think No.20 in this ranking is the least it deserves. Drink in the memorable holes served from a big-dune landscape.

19. Rosapenna (Sandy Hills Course)

Downings, Donegal

Rosapenna has two of the top-20 thanks to some really good work in terms of presentation and playability in recent years. An exhilirating, big dune experience without quite the elan of St Patrick’s. But what a No.2 – and I know good judges who actually prefer it to St Patrick’s. It’s that good.

18. Ballyliffin (Glashedy Course)

Ballyliffin, Donegal

A big-boned, modern championship links by Ruddy and Tom Craddock that doesnt enchant like some of the older courses, but as an examination of your game it is absolutely world class.

17. Portstewart (Strand Course)

Portstewart, Derry

European Golf Design’s work here has been lauded by every panellist who has played the Strand and this notable rise – three places is a lot in the top 20 – is recognition of that. The nines are more even now, even if the front is still the star.

16. Old Head of Kinsale

Kinsale, Cork

I find this harder to rank than St Andrews Old. I accept that many golfers will go there and have it as their No.1, because it has no peers in terms of scenery, and few in terms of thrilling holes.

15. County Sligo

Rosses Point, Sligo

Benbulben – Ireland’s answer to Table Mountain – Drumcliffe Bay, the Ox Mountains, the Atlantic and Drumcliffe Church of Yeats fame are the Insta-worthy backdrops for this Harry Colt links. No big dunes but elevation changes and a stream help create holes with plenty of variety.

14. Doonbeg

Doonbeg, Clare

I must declare that I preferred the original Greg Norman design, complete with its bonkers/brilliant 14th. But it is still plenty good enough for the top 15.

13. The European Club

Brittas Bay, Wicklow

Pat Ruddy has just sold his creation and we await to see what the new owners do with what is an unrepetantly, unremittingly brawny links south of Dublin.

12. Carne (Wild Atlantc Dunes)

Belmullet, Mayo

The epitome of a raw links, as the name suggests! An incredible adventure over, around, and between towering dunes. Absolute bucket list stuff.

11. Tralee

Tralee, Kerry

Enjoyed a prominent rise in the last list and nudges up again. The balancing of the nines has improved markedly and this move to the cusp of the top 10 is reward for that work. THe back nine remains the highlight, however, and there are few better in GB&I.

10. County Louth

Baltray, Louth

Few dazzling sea views on offer here, but some impressive dunes nonetheless. A good player’s links course. Traditional, no-frills layout that does not try to overwhelm you and just lets effortless holes sitting in the natural terrain do all its talking. ‘Baltray’ is the choice of those in the know in Ireland.

9. The Island

Malahide, Dublin

The Island is entrenched in the top 10 now. A quality links that is no longer the secret superstar of Ireland. Martin Ebert’s work has enhanced what we always rated as one of Ireland’s elite. New bunkering, tees and greens, plus a couple of new holes, saw it rise in 2021 to rub shoulders with the big names.

8. Adare Manor

Adare, Limerick

This future Ryder Cup host used to hang around in the 20s, alongside Ireland’s other elite parklands but rose into the top 10 in our 2021 ranking. The only layout in the top 20 that doesn’t sit by the sea, making it Ireland’s finest inland course. It was transformed by a costly Tom Fazio redesign that turned it into one of GB&I’s most intriguing and immaculate courses. Uberforgiving off the tee, Adare comes into its own in green complexes that are some of the most interesting, devilish and entertainingly dumbfounding in Europe. There isn’t a blade of grass out of place here, and plenty of memorable holes. A Herculean effort to split Ireland’s iconic links and crack the top 10, but bucket list Adare is worthy of this place and will be a sensational Ryder Cup host come 2027.

7. Waterville

Waterville, Kerry

Waterville is all about atmosphere: the journey to this corner of mystical Kerry; the arrival at a club of Payne Stewart and Bill Clinton; the view over the linksland from the clubhouse’s first floor; the epic holes and the tales behind them. Go and savour them for yourself – we’re confident you’ll ‘get it’.

6. Lahinch (Old Course)

Liscannor Bay, Clare

This is a stellar top six, when you factor in just how good this Alister MacKenzie design is. It has quirky holes and it has exacting holes; and the setting for several of them is underrated. It could easily be three places higher.

5. Portmarnock

Malahide, Dublin

This is a stellar links of class and pedigree. Some would have it No.1 in this list and I understand why. Demands solid ball-striking to conquer it.

4. Rosapenna (St Patrick’s) 

Downings, Donegal

A two-place rise has never seemed so significant! Not because St Patrick’s enters the top five, but because it moves above two World Top 100 courses of legendary status. It’s not a move we make lightly, and not everyone on the panel agrees with it. But the case for this modern links to leapfrog the iconic, ancient entriest was just too powerful. This Tom Doak design – with his associated Clyde Johnson and Angela Moser on site throughout the build – lacks for nothing. Awesome setting? Unquestionably. A sense of adventure and charm? In spades. A balance between challenge and fun? Absolutely. The feeling of playing somewhere special? Undeniable.

Some may find the greens testing, but more will find them compelling. They are part of an intoxicating experience and St Patrick’s’ world-class status is putting Donegal on the agenda for more overseas visitors than ever before.

3. Ballybunion (Old Course)

Ballybunion, Kerry

A supposedly low-key start to the Old – and it’s true that the opening phase is less thrilling than what follows – but on the vast majority of courses these holes would be the best section. I love how it builds tempo, and in its bluff-edge holes and those betwen the dunes, it boasts some of the most exhilirating moments in British and Irish golf.

2. Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links)

Portrush, Antrim

An incredibly strong No.2 and these two are clear at the top in Ireland – as befits two of the top six in GB&I. Portrush is at its magnificent best these days and there are memorable holes throughout for a links that really has no weakness.

1. Royal County Down (Championship Course)

Newcastle, Down

RCD has been nudged into second in our GB&I and World rankings by St Andrews (Old) but it remains at the helm of the best golf courses in Ireland (and is No.1 in our links ranking).

In four of our six criteria it is peerless globally – Design, Setting, Memorable Holes and Presentation. It scores highly in Consistency despite a relatively quieter finish and loses marks against the field only for its Playability; RCD is indubitably exacting – in every aspect of the game.

In inclement weather it is a real test but, just to be clear, there is arguably not a more exhilarating golf experience on the planet.

• Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain & Ireland

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