When it comes to golf resorts, Ireland is home to some of the very best in the UK. From Ryder Cup venues to stunning locations with beautiful golf courses, Ireland is a golfing paradise for all levels.
In this article, I take a look at my top picks from both Ireland and Northern Ireland, to help you decide where you should be booking your next golf vacation.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at EEE Golf. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, competing in many top amateur events. He’s played courses all over the world and played with some of the best players in the game. His aim is to help educate people about the game of golf and give insights into the sport he loves most.
13 Best Golf Resorts In Ireland
The K Club
Embed from Getty ImagesThe K Club Resort in Ireland is one of the finest golf resorts, not just in Ireland, but in Europe.
It rose to fame when it hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup, shining a spotlight on its exceptional golfing facilities.
The resort has two championship parkland golf courses, the Palmer North and Palmer South, both longer than 7,000 yards and designed by a legend of the game, Arnold Palmer.
The Palmer North Course, in particular, is recognised as one of the most challenging inland layouts in Ireland, offering a proper test for golfers of all standards.
It’s not just golf you can enjoy at The K Club, however.
The resort features 128 luxurious bedrooms and suites, blending five-star opulence with a short drive from Dublin.
The K Club’s combination of challenging golf, luxurious accommodations, and stunning scenery makes it a top destination for golf enthusiasts and a worthy contender as one of the best golf resorts in Ireland.
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesDruids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort in Ireland is another prime example of a top-tier golf destination, meriting its position as one of the best golf resorts in the country.
Located amidst the scenic Wicklow Mountains and near the Irish Sea, it offers a picturesque setting that is just a short drive from Dublin.
The resort’s main attractions are its two championship golf courses, Druids Glen and Druids Heath, known for their beautiful yet challenging layouts.
The Druids Glen course, often referred to as “The Augusta of Europe,” is renowned for its stunning floral displays, while Druids Heath offers a rugged, natural terrain that presents a different yet equally good golfing experience.
The resort itself, set in 360 acres of countryside, matches its golfing excellence with luxurious accommodations.
It features 145 spacious guestrooms and suites, offering amazing views and comfortable stays.
The resort’s commitment to providing a high-quality golfing and leisure experience, coupled with its breathtaking location and top-notch facilities, solidifies Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort’s status as one of Ireland’s premier golf destinations.
Carton House
Embed from Getty ImagesCarton House, a luxurious golf resort located in County Kildare, Ireland, is rightfully acclaimed as one of the finest golf destinations in the country.
This prestigious resort is set on a vast 1,100-acre estate, offering a blend of historic beauty and modern luxury.
It features two championship golf courses, the O’Meara and the Montgomerie. The O’Meara Course is a classic parkland experience that offers a serene yet challenging round of golf, while The Montgomerie Course, an inland links-style course, presents a different challenge with its rolling fairways and cavernous bunkers.
The accommodation at Carton House is equally impressive, boasting a range of rooms and suites that combine contemporary comfort with traditional elegance.
The estate’s history, dating back over three centuries, is clear with its opulent interiors and architectural splendour.
Dining at Carton House is a great experience, with multiple restaurants offering a variety of culinary delights.
The resort’s facilities extend beyond golf, including a luxury spa and wellness centre, various dining options, and a range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination not just for golf enthusiasts but for anyone seeking a luxurious retreat in the Irish countryside.
Slieve Russell Hotel
The Slieve Russell Hotel, set in the serene County Cavan, Ireland, rightfully earns its place as one of the best golf resorts in Ireland.
This stunning resort, nestled within 300 acres of land that includes 50 acres of lakes, is known for its PGA National Ireland championship golf course.
The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers to experience.
Beyond golf, the Slieve Russell Hotel is ideal for relaxation and luxury. It boasts beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options at the resort’s multiple restaurants, each offering a selection of cuisines.
Additionally, the Ciúin Spa provides a calm and quiet retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. With its combination of a top-notch golfing experience, supreme accommodations and a range of leisure facilities, Slieve Russell Hotel stands out as a premier golfing destination in Ireland.
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links in Ireland is a golf resort that earns its place as one of Ireland’s finest.
On the picturesque coastline of Dublin, this resort has breathtaking views of the Irish Sea with an award-winning golf course which is perfect for those who like to play links golf.
The classic links-style layout provides a true links test for golfers looking to experience such.
The course’s design uses the natural landscape, with undulating fairways and well-placed bunkers, demanding a strategic play throughout.
The luxurious accommodations at Portmarnock blend comfort with elegance, offering rooms with stunning views of the sea or the landscaped gardens.
Dining options at the resort include the historic Jameson Bar, which serves a range of fine whiskies and local cuisine, offering guests a taste of authentic Irish hospitality.
Lough Erne Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesLough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland is situated on a 600-acre peninsula and combines luxury, serenity, and exceptional golfing facilities.
The resort is celebrated for its two golf courses: the Faldo Course and Castle Hume Course.
The Faldo Course, designed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo, opened in 2009 and offers a great challenge, measuring over 7,000 yards.
The course is built through mature woodland and expands along lake shores, providing a majestic place for golf.
Castle Hume, on the other hand, is a pristine parkland course that skirts the shores of Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne.
The resort’s five-star accommodation adds to the golfing experience. Guests can choose from deluxe rooms in the 120-bedroom hotel or 25 luxury lodges, all offering stunning views of the Lough and estate surroundings.
Guests are also treated to a range of dining experiences, whilst the resort’s Thai Spa also offers a range of treatments, perfect for relaxation after a day on the course.
Lough Erne Resort is a really excellent choice for a Northern Ireland golf resort, which has everything you need for a great golf trip.
Fota Island Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesFota Island Resort in County Cork, Ireland is one of the premier golf resorts in Ireland and a great choice for a golf holiday.
The resort is renowned for its three courses of championship level, each offering a unique golfing experience in the picturesque scenery of the Irish countryside.
The Deerpark Course was redesigned by Christy O’Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy in 1993. This course is celebrated for hosting the Irish Open in 2001, 2002, and 2014, and is known for its challenging yet fair layout.
Then there’s the Belvelly Course, designed by Jeff Howes, a formidable par-72 layout that features a memorable 16th hole where golfers must navigate an approach shot over an old quarry.
The Barryscourt Course is the most recent addition to the resort and offers a mix of parkland and woodland layouts.
The resort’s 131 elegant bedrooms and suites provide deluxe accommodation, many offering amazing views of the surrounding woodland and golf course.
Fota Island Resort also offers a range of leisure activities, a spa for relaxation, and multiple dining options, all of which place Fota Island Resort among the best golf resorts in Ireland.
Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort
Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, located in the beautiful Wicklow countryside near Dublin, Ireland, is a prime example of a top golfing destination, making it one of the best golf resorts in Ireland.
The resort is particularly known for its championship golf course, but also the great accommodation and hotel onsite at the resort.
The resort provides a variety of accommodation options, ranging from classic rooms to luxurious suites, all designed to offer comfort and elegance.
The 18th-century Manor House, which stands at the heart of the 200-acre resort, adds a historical charm and elegance to the experience.
Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort also offers a range of dining options, from casual to fine dining, ensuring guests enjoy a comprehensive culinary experience.
Additionally, the location of the resort, perched on the banks of the Blessington Lakes and set against the backdrop of the Wicklow mountains, provides breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination not only for golf enthusiasts but also for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesRosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort in County Donegal, Ireland, distinguishes itself as one of the best golf resorts in Ireland, thanks to its blend of historic charm and modern golfing excellence.
The resort boasts three outstanding golf courses: the Old Tom Morris Links, Sandy Hills Links, and St Patrick’s Links.
The Old Tom Morris Links, established in 1893, is a classic links course that has evolved over the years, offering a traditional links experience with stunning views of Sheephaven Bay.
The Sandy Hills Links, a modern masterpiece, is known for its challenging layout amidst the dramatic dune landscape.
The St Patrick’s Links, designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, opened in 2021 to great acclaim, adding a third distinct golfing experience to the resort.
In addition to its world-class golf, Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort provides luxurious accommodation, with a range of rooms and suites offering comfort and elegance.
Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort
Embed from Getty ImagesAdare Manor in Ireland stands out as a premier golf resort, earning its place among the best in Ireland for several reasons.
Nestled in the picturesque village of Adare, this neo-Gothic architectural marvel isn’t just a feast for the eyes but a haven for golf enthusiasts.
The resort’s 840-acre estate, which plays host to the 2027 Ryder Cup, boasts a meticulously designed golf course offering challenging play for seasoned golfers.
Just one golf course, but what an incredible golf course it is. A course which is as pure as Augusta National, with not a single blade of grass out of place.
Off the golf course, Adare Manor distinguishes itself with its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities. Each of the 103 guest rooms exudes elegance, with Georgian-style furnishings, original art, and marble bathrooms.
Adare Manor’s fusion of a top-notch golfing experience, luxurious accommodations, diverse activities, and impeccable service makes it a deserving candidate for one of the best golf resorts in Ireland.
The Heritage Resort
The Heritage Golf Resort in Killenard, Ireland, truly deserves its place among the best golf resorts in the country.
This elegant resort, located in the heart of Ireland, boasts a spectacular golf course designed by Ryder Cup legend and all-round golfing icon Seve Ballesteros, in collaboration with Jeff Howes
The meticulously maintained greens and fairways, set against the backdrop of the stunning Irish countryside, provide an unforgettable golfing experience.
The resort features a variety of high-end accommodations that cater to every need, making sure guests enjoy a comfortable stay.
Dining at the resort is a culinary journey, with restaurants serving exquisite local and international cuisine, catering to all palates.
The Heritage Golf Resort’s is a treat for any golfer and that’s why it makes our list of Ireland’s best golf resorts.
Castleknock Hotel & Country Club
Castleknock Hotel & Golf Resort, located just outside Dublin earns its spot among the best golf resorts in Ireland for several reasons.
First and foremost is its stunning 18-hole golf course. Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, this parkland course offers a balanced challenge for both beginners and seasoned golfers, with its well-manicured greens and strategic water features enhancing the playing experience.
But Castleknock is more than just a golfer’s paradise. From standard rooms to deluxe suites, the resort is thoughtfully designed to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation.
Additionally, Castleknock boasts a range of dining options, from casual bites at the clubhouse to fine dining experiences.
The resort’s spa and leisure centre offers a super place to relax after golf, with treatments and facilities designed to rejuvenate the body and mind after a day on the course.
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg
Embed from Getty ImagesTrump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, just like the Trump resorts in Scotland, is a standout destination for golf enthusiasts and a worthy addition to the list of Ireland’s best golf resorts.
This exceptional resort is renowned for its award-winning golf course, which has been acknowledged as one of the best courses in the world.
The par-72 course offers a unique layout with a mix of five par 3s and five par 5s, providing a varied golfing experience.
The resort’s setting along the Atlantic Ocean adds to its charm, offering breathtaking views and an environment that enhances the golfing experience.
Beyond golf, the resort’s luxurious accommodations and fine dining options provide guests with a comfortable and indulgent stay.
