Every golfer dreams of playing Ireland’s “big five” – Ballybunion, Lahinch, Portmarnock, Royal County Down, and Royal Portrush. They are magnificent, world-famous, and absolutely worth the pilgrimage. But to truly understand the soul of Irish golf, you sometimes have to look beyond the top of the rankings.
Dotted all over this island are courses that offer an experience just as thrilling, views just as breathtaking, and a welcome that is quintessentially Irish, often for a fraction of the price. These are the hidden gems.
Here is a small tour of some of the finest courses you may not have heard of, but will never forget once you’ve played them.
The Uncompromising Beast: The Island Golf Club, Co. Dublin
Just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, it’s a miracle The Island has remained a “hidden” gem for so long. Surrounded by sea on three sides, this is one of the most rugged and natural links courses you will ever find. Until the 1970s, it was only accessible by a boat across the estuary!
- Why it’s a gem: The Island is a formidable test of golf. It boasts some of the tallest dunes on the east coast, creating a sense of total seclusion. It’s not a course that has been tamed for tourists; it’s a raw, wild, and unforgettable challenge that demands your very best.
- Don’t Miss: The walk from the 13th green to the 14th tee, which takes you to the highest point on the course for a spectacular panoramic view.
The Kerry Classic: Dooks Golf Club, Co. Kerry
While visitors flock to the famous links of Ballybunion and Waterville, the savvy golfer heads to Dooks. Founded in 1889, it’s one of Ireland’s oldest links and radiates charm. Nestled on the edge of Dingle Bay, it offers one of the most beautiful settings in golf.
- Why it’s a gem: Dooks is often described as the “friendly links” for its welcoming atmosphere. But don’t let that fool you. It’s a superb and subtle test of traditional links golf, overlooked by the towering McGillycuddy Reeks. It’s less about brute force and more about clever shot-making.
- Don’t Miss: The view from the second tee. As you walk through a small archway, the entire course and the magnificent mountain range open up in front of you. It’s pure magic.
The Wild West Wonder: Carne Golf Links, Co. Mayo
If you are willing to make the journey to the remote Belmullet peninsula in County Mayo, you will be rewarded with what many call “nature’s gift to golf.” Carne is a raw, untamed masterpiece set amongst some of the largest dunes on the planet. This is not a manicured resort course; it is links golf at its most primal and exhilarating.
- Why it’s a gem: The sheer scale of the place is awe-inspiring. Legendary architect Eddie Hackett designed the original 18, and the newer “Kilmore” nine holes have taken the drama to another level. Playing here feels like a genuine adventure.
- Don’t Miss: The entire “Wild Atlantic Dunes” routing. It’s a rollercoaster ride through valleys and over hills of sand that will leave you breathless.
The Donegal Double-Header: Rosapenna (Sandy Hills), Co. Donegal
Donegal is a treasure trove of links golf. While the new St Patrick’s Links is gaining global fame, its sister course, the Sandy Hills Links, is an absolute monster that deserves equal praise. Designed by the renowned Pat Ruddy, this is a modern links that weaves through enormous dunes.
- Why it’s a gem: Sandy Hills offers a stern but spectacular challenge. Many holes are played in total isolation from the next, in massive amphitheatres of marram grass. It demands strong driving and precise iron play to elevated greens. It’s a modern classic that tests every part of your game.
- Don’t Miss: The incredible views over Sheephaven Bay from the elevated 6th tee.
This is just a small taste of the incredible golf that lies waiting to be discovered across Ireland. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider stepping off the well-trodden path. You might just find your new favourite course.
