Ireland's golf courses are proud to offer all golfers the friendliest welcome, the best craic and of course a seemingly endless supply of world class golf, all set against the beautiful and dramatic backdrop of the Emerald Isle. From classic links layouts to beautifully sculpted and immaculately prepared parkland, Irish golf courses have something for everybody.
Starting in the far north on the coast of Donegal, Ballyliffin stands hard against the Atlantic surf, and from there a circular tour of Ireland country presents players with a feast of golf courses.
The western counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo offer up dramatic golf at Connemara, the classic County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point and the hidden gem of Enniscrone.
Proceeding Southwards into the counties of Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Clare the golfing challenges abound with familar names that any golfer would want to play. Ballybunion (pictured right), Tralee, Waterville, Killarney and Lahinch are names that trip from the tongue and do not disappoint when you arrive.
Heading north up the eastern coastline to the historic capital of Dublin the counties of Kilkenny, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow continue to serve up spectacular scenery and excellent golf in equal measure. Test your links skills at Portmarnock, The European Club and Royal Dublin or play inland at Mount Juliet, Druids Glen or the famous K Club, host to the 2006 Ryder Cup matches.
Although when talking about golf courses in Ireland, those mentioned above sometimes grab the headlines, the greatest impression left of golf in Ireland is the tremendous quality of courses available for golfers to play coupled with the warmth of the locals and their love of the game.