Ireland’s Most Iconic Links

Written By Neha Aggarwal

Royal County Down

Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Few courses in the world inspire reverence like Royal County Down.

Set beneath the granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains, this is links golf at its most dramatic — towering dunes, blind tee shots, rumpled fairways, and greens that appear to rise naturally from the landscape.

What Makes It Unique

  • Frequently ranked #1 in the world

  • Majestic mountain backdrop — unlike any other links

  • Elevated tee shots into valleys of dune grass

  • A routing that feels both epic and intimate

Key Features

  • Championship layout stretching over 7,000 yards

  • Infamously narrow fairways framed by heather and gorse

  • Strategic rather than purely long

  • A traditional clubhouse steeped in history

Royal Portrush

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

The only Irish course to host The Open Championship in modern times, Royal Portrush combines championship pedigree with raw coastal beauty.

What Makes It Unique

  • Host of The Open (2019 & 2025)

  • “Calamity Corner” — one of the most iconic par 3s in championship golf

  • Elevated tees with panoramic Atlantic views

Key Features

  • Firm, fast-running links turf

  • Demanding second shots into subtly contoured greens

  • Spectacular closing stretch along the coast

  • Modern clubhouse with sweeping sea views

Ballybunion (Old Course)

County Kerry

Wild. Natural. Exhilarating.

The Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club is a masterclass in natural links routing.

What Makes It Unique

  • Massive dunes that feel sculpted by the Atlantic

  • Elevated greens perched between sandy valleys

  • A routing that builds in drama throughout the round

Key Features

  • Strategic tee placements

  • Blind approaches that reward courage

  • A thrilling inward nine

  • Authentic, welcoming clubhouse atmosphere

The Island Golf Club

Near Dublin

Often described as Ireland’s “hidden championship links,” The Island Golf Club feels remote — despite being minutes from Dublin Airport.

What Makes It Unique

  • Remote dune setting surrounded by estuary

  • Championship-level difficulty without tourist crowds

  • Classic links purity

Key Features

  • Tall dunes creating natural amphitheatres

  • Strong wind influence

  • Strategic bunkering

  • A quieter, more intimate feel than other Dublin links

For seasoned golfers, this is a connoisseur’s choice.

Lahinch (Old Course)

County Clare

Quirky. Historic. Hugely entertaining.

The Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club is known for two of the most unusual holes in championship golf: the “Klondyke” and the “Dell.”

What Makes It Unique

  • Blind shots that demand trust

  • Playful unpredictability

  • Classic Alister MacKenzie influences

Key Features

  • Rolling dunes and exposed Atlantic winds

  • Strategic use of natural contours

  • Vibrant village atmosphere

  • Recently hosted the Irish Open


Neha Aggarwal
Next

7 Mistakes to Avoid