The stunning Mount Juliet was designed by Jack Nicklaus and has a distinctly American feel with plenty of tricky bunkers and water hazards to overcome. It’s no wonder that this celebrated venue has hosted a long list of major international events including the Irish Open from 1993 to 1995.
Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, The K Club is one of the jewels in Ireland’s golfing crown and it was the scene of Europe’s iconic Ryder Cup win in 2006. This tough course is a challenge for any golfer but it’s always a privilege to play.
Known as the Augusta National of Europe, Druid’s Glen is a beautifully-manicured course that is designed to test every element of your game. There’s an air of mysticism to this wooded course but not even the heavens can help you if you fall foul of one of its many water features.
Dating back to 1181, Killeen Castle is steeped in history but the modern Killeen Castle Golf Club is an example of golfing excellence and cutting edge design by Jack Nicklaus. When the 18-time Major winner calls a course “one of my proudest designs”, you know you’re in for a treat.
The panoramic views over Lough Ree will blow you away and you can see the lake from every hole at Glasson Golf Club. Fast greens, memorable par fives and a testing tournament layout combine to make it a really fun course to play.
This beautiful parkland course at Portumna Golf Course is an underrated gem with some interesting challenges to overcome. The mature trees that line many of the fairways bring a splash of seasonal colour, but tough holes like the par-five 17th ensure that there’s more to this course than just good looks.
Rolling hills, slick greens, water hazards, elevated tees, uphill par threes, valleys that you have to clear to reach a green – Carlow Golf Club is a tremendously enjoyable course that has it all. Avoid the temptation to play fast and loose as it also has some nasty bunkers that can derail your game if you’re not careful.
With golf played here since 1894, Woodenbridge Golf Club is one of Ireland’s oldest clubs but this parkland course that has only improved with age. The meeting of the Aughrim and Avoca Rivers provides a beautiful backdrop for the action and some tricky water hazards to avoid.
With incredible views of Croagh Patrick, Westport Golf Club is an outstanding parkland course that is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The opening holes are relatively straightforward, but the later holes are much more difficult, so brace yourself for a stiff challenge and some exciting golf.
Although there are three courses at Killarney Golf Club, the Killeen Course is the cream of the crop and a former venue for the Irish Open. With the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks in the background and Lough Leane running alongside it, this is an amazing setting for a game of golf. You’ll find that the course itself is every bit as impressive as the view.
Great golf, amazing scenery and a visit to remember – Ireland’s parkland course gems are truly special so the only thing left to do is decide which one to play. Ireland’s incredible golfing doesn’t stop there, check out our Things to Do page and find your dream golf course.
