How much it costs to play at each of Ireland's top ranked golf clubs
While not quite the home of golf, Ireland is certainly home to some of the finest golf courses anywhere in the world. And it doesn't always cost a fortune
Ireland can't claim to be the home of golf as that right goes to our Celtic neighbours Scotland. But we may be able to boast that we are home to the finest collection of golf courses in the world.
Three golf courses on the island of Ireland were recently named in the top 10 of the 'World's Greatest', with the venue of the recent Irish Open being selected as the No.1 in the world
The popular Golf Digest recently announced its Too-100 which ranks courses outside of the United States of America. Royal County Down near Newcastle in Northern Ireland came out on top.
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Now, Golf Digest have released their take on the top 25 courses in the Republic of Ireland and each one is a gem.
"In general, the links of Scotland are subdued, embedded with small intricacies, sly strategies and dunes that only occasionally rise to the level of Herculean. Ireland’s links are wild and wooly, bouncy and rugged," stats Golf Digest.
"Some of golf’s biggest dunes are found in the country’s north at places like Carne and Enniscrone. You can get lost in there, or at the very least spun around and made dizzy.
"Does it add up to what Scotland offers? Some say yes, some say no, but there’s no debate that links golf in Ireland is anything less than rip-roaring fun."
Kerry's Ballybunnion is the finest in the country, according to Golf Digest. "Ballybunion has always been great, but it wasn't until they relocated the clubhouse in 1971 to the southern end that it became thrilling," they claim. "Tom Watson’s effusive praise for the course after his first visit in 1981 also helped put the relatively unknown Ballybunion on everyone’s mind."
Golf legend Watson famously stated: "After playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here.
"There is a wild look to the place, the long grass covering the dunes that pitch and roll throughout the course making it very intimidating... in short, it is a course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses. I consider it a true test of golf," he added.
With all that in mind, it does not come cheap. A round on the Old Course costs €350.00 per person. They also do a two-round offer (one round on Old Course plus one round on Cashen Course) for €450.00 per person.
The Lahinch club in nearby Co Clare is ranked second by Golf Digest, "Considered by some to be the St. Andrews of Ireland". Green fees on the Old Course at Lahinch are €325, with a round on the Castle Course costing just €60.
Portmarnock in Dublin is Golf Digest's third ranked course in Ireland. "The links is also known for its fairness, as nearly every feature is plainly in view from tee to green, which makes its maze of bunkers and subtle greens all the more testing," they state. For 18 Holes on their Championship Course, visitors must pay €325. Portmarnock also offer a 36 Hole Rate at €520.
St Patrick's Links near the Downings in Co Donegal are ranked fourth. They charge €495 for international visitors and just €210 for Irish based golfers.
Waterville Golf Club near the Ballinskelligs Bay is up next on the list. For the main season (April 1–October 31) it costs €300 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and €325 on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays.
The Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale, Co Cork is in sixth place and costs €250 for 18 holes during the low season and €450 during the high season.
The breathtaking Enniscrone GC is in seventh place and it is well priced by comparison, costing €195 for a single round from March 17 to October 30. Winter rates are available for €145.
The neighbouring Rosses Point in Sligo is next on the list for Golf Digest and a round is available from €265.
The ninth-ranked club is Tralee in Co Kerry. Green fees for visitors there in the high season at €300.
Rounding off the top 10 is the European Club in Co Wicklow. From April to October you can play any day for €180 and play a second round there within the week for an additonal €70.
Golf Digest rank a further 15 courses with Killarney Golf Club coming in at 25th and you can play there as a visitor for a very reasonable €75 midweek and €90 at weekends.
Trump International Doonbeg is also in the top 25, coming in at 18th on the list. Depending on the time of year, rounds are available there for €200-300.
The full list of Ireland's top 25 golf courses can be found here.
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