An Insider’s Guide To The Best Irish Stay And Play Golf Courses

Irish golf specialist Sharon Smurfit, owner of Talk Golf, shares her tips and expertise on where to stay and play around Ireland this season …

Every hole at the Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale is spectacularly dramatic and never disappoints. I usually stay onsite in their stunning rooms or in nearby Kinsale town which offers plenty of choices for dining. If you are in the area, don’t miss Cork Golf Club for an Alistair McKenzie designed course experience.

In the Sligo region, The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa is my preferred base when playing Rosses Point course. The 17th hole offers panoramic views of Benbulben Mountain that are truly breathtaking. Carne, Enniscrone and Strandhill are on my 2025 must-play list.

I love staying at Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork. The accommodation and food are amazing, while their golf course is a two-minute walk from the hotel which is ideal for golfers looking for “stay and play” packages.

Portmarnock Links course is always on my shortlist because it beautifully blends modern and traditional links golf. The historic charm of The Island, Royal Dublin and Portmarnock Old in that area are other links options with spectacular views along Dublin Bay.

The K Club in Co Kildare is home to this year’s Irish Open in September and has two championship courses. My favourite hole is the iconic 16th on the Palmer North Course.

I really like Glasson Golf Club in Co Westmeath as it’s a very long and challenging golf course. The 17th Par 3 is a very tricky hole which could ruin a good card. Staying onsite at Glasson Lakehouse is great for groups or families.

Lahinch in Co Clare is famous for its “Dell” hole (the blind par-3 5th). A true test of links golf is ahead of you when you play Lahinch Golf Club. I stay locally in the family-owned Vaughan Lodge just minutes away where a warm and hospitable welcome is guaranteed.

Playing golf in the Ring of Kerry Golf Club is a wonderful experience. Each hole is a scenic masterpiece. Sheen Falls Lodge complements this perfectly, providing luxury and tranquillity after a day on the links. 

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club has two superb golf courses; Killeen and Mahony’s Point which are must-plays. I recommend a stay in the nearby Cahernane House Hotel when I visit; a lovely old world style country house hotel that serves up delicious food every time.

One of my favourite hotels in Northern Ireland is Galgorm Resort with its incredible spa, dining and leisure facilities (not to mention their world renowned Gin Bar). Galgorm Golf Club is a real gem of a course and hosts the ISPS Handa World Invitational every year. The course’s river holes are particularly memorable. Galgorm Resort is also an ideal location to base yourself as Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock are all within an hour’s trip, with Ardglass and Royal County Down just over an hour away.

For the 153rd Open this year, I’m staying in Belfast and taking in two days of the golf. Royal Portrush is one of the most challenging links golf courses, so it’s going to be an incredible event. Favourite places in Belfast include Café Maud’s for the best coffee and ice-cream, The Dirty Onion for lively entertainment, and Ox Belfast for exceptional seasonal menus. I recommend playing Greenore on your way there, Holywood Golf Club (home of Rory McIlroy), Malone Golf Club, Shandon Park and, of course, Royal County Down.

Book two nights and enjoy a third night free at The Lansdowne Kenmare in Co Kerry, plus preferential green fees and tee times at Kenmare Golf Club a short stroll from the hotel; from €150.

The course at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate in Co Galway has been recognised as one of Ireland’s best 9-hole golf courses. The 21 Bay Driving Range is the perfect place to warm up before a round of golf, and is also great for group and individual golf tuition. The course offers a challenging experience to golfers of all levels, including a signature 4th hole on an island green. The hotel currently has a one night Pullman Experience offer which includes accommodation for two people, breakfast in The River Room and a seven-course tasting menu aboard the iconic Pullman Restaurant; from €489.

At Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa in Co Wexford there’s a three-night stay in June, costing €600 per person sharing (half board). This includes full access to its numerous indoor and outdoor facilities, complementary afternoon tea and cakes daily, evening entertainment, and more. For golf enthusiasts, the hotel offers exclusive green fee rates at its local clubs: Rosslare, St. Helen’s and Wexford. Guests can also take part in weekly golf scramble competitions; a fantastic way to enjoy friendly competition while making the most of their stay.