If there’s one thing the Irish take seriously, it’s a good pint. But a close second? Golf. And just like the weather here, the game is full of surprises—one minute, you’re smashing a perfect drive, the next, you’re knee-deep in gorse questioning your life choices.
Ireland isn’t just home to some of the world’s most breathtaking courses (hello, Royal County Down & Ballybunion); it’s also where golf is played with equal parts skill and storytelling. Fancy yourself a solid golfer? Wait until you play 18 holes with an Irish four-ball—your score won’t matter as much as the slagging you endure along the way.
It’s this blend of competitive spirit and playful banter that makes golf in Ireland unforgettable.
Ballybunion’s transformation in 1971 shifted its finish to the spectacular dunes along the Atlantic. Praised by Tom Watson, the course underwent updates by Martin Hawtree, including new tees atop dunes.... Read more →
Even the greats aren’t immune to Ireland’s unpredictable fairways. Back in his junior days, a young Rory McIlroy once hit what he thought was a perfect approach shot—only to have the ball bounce off a hidden stone, ricochet sideways, and land straight in a sheep paddock. Talk about an Irish hazard!
From the legendary links along the Wild Atlantic Way to the village pitch-and-putts where weekend warriors thrive, golf in Ireland isn’t just a sport—it’s a social event. Deals have been made, friendships forged, and maybe even a few bets settled on the greens. And after the round? A trip to the clubhouse, where the Guinness flows, and every missed putt gets a little longer in the retelling.
Lahinch Golf Club is famous for its stunning scenery—but also for its mischievous goats. Legend has it that a visiting golfer once watched in horror as a goat strolled onto the fairway, picked up his ball, and casually wandered off into the dunes. The local caddies, unfazed, simply shrugged and said, “Ah sure, if the goat took it, it’s a free drop.”
Often called the “St. Andrews of Ireland,” Lahinch blends tradition with architectural evolution. After Alister MacKenzie’s redesign in the 1920s, Donald Steel and Martin Hawtree made further updates, retaining classic... Read more →
So, whether you’re chasing birdies or just here for the craic, one thing’s for sure: in Ireland, golf is more than a game—it’s a way of life. 🏌️♂️🍻
Have you ever teed off in Ireland? Tell us your best (or worst) golf story!👇
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