Mike Ryan’s Favourites | Private Golf Tour Ireland

 We begin with the Royal County Down.  It is located in the seaside resort of Newcastle in Co. Down and was founded in 1889.  At 127 years old, it is one of the oldest Golf Clubs in Ireland and has two 18-hole link courses, the Championship course and the Annesley links.  It stretches out over 7,200 yards along the shores of Dundrum Bay, making it one of the most naturally stunning courses in the world.

Portrush | Ireland Golf Vacations

The Royal Portrush Golf Club is found in the fishing village of Portrush, in County Antrim in Ireland.  It was formed in 1888 it was only a 9-hole course, until 1889 when it was extended to the 18-course (Valley Course).  Then in 1929 another 18-hole course (Dunluce Course) was added by the renowned architect, Harry Colt. Everything you can expect to see in an Irish golf trip.

Extending over 2km out onto the Atlantic, the Old Head Golf Course rests on 7220 acres of land.  It’s located in Kinsale, Co. Cork,  famously known as the as the nearest point to where the Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo during World War 1, in 1915. The course was originally designed as a walking course and though challenging this is still encouraged today.  The dramatic surroundings of clifftops, makes this a very memorable golf tour in Ireland.

Founded in 1893, Ballybunion Golf Club is home to two testing course, the Old Course and The Cashen Course.  Ballybunion is in County Kerry, on the southwest coast of Ireland.  It was founded in 1893, starting off as a 9-hole course before later expanding to 18 holes, in 1927. Although its’ remote location has lead to few championships being held here, Ballybunion Golf Club has been a consistently popular amongst those wishing to be challenged.  It’s location is no concern to as you can book a private chauffeur to get you there and back.

Staying in County Kerry brings us to Tralee Golf Club.  Founded in 1896, it was later redesigned (by Arnold Palmer) and opened as it’s present day course in 1984.  There are spectacular views of the beach, made famous for the film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ beach scene which was shot here, and subsequently the 17th is named after the popular film.

Another favourite golf vacation spot in County Kerry is Waterville Golf Links.  Designed by John A Mulcahy (architect Eddie Hackett) and opened in 1973, his vision was to built the most challenging golf links in the world.    The course stretches over 7,300 yards, intimidating to even the most confident player. Also popular with the late Payne Stewart, a bronze statue was unveiled there to honour him, following the tragic plane crash that claimed his life in 1999.

Found County Clare, Lahinch is a popular surfing resort with its’ world-famous Golf Links Course.  Founded in 1892 it was redesigned and the new 18-hole course was opened in 1927.  It has two 18-hole courses, the Old Course and the Castle Course. Lahinch hosts the annual South of Ireland Championship, an amateur golf tournament, since 1895.  It’s signature hole ‘The Dell’ is famously known all around for it’s difficultly, it is a tough 150 yards par 3. The Golf Club is set on the edge of the beach with surrounding sea views, it’s no great surprise that Golfing Magazine named it Irish golf links winner 2015.

Doonbeg Golf Links is perhaps more famously known internationally nowadays because of it’s owner and (president of the United States), Donald Trump.  It was designed by two-time British Open Champion Greg Norman and stretches to 1.5 miles of beach and sand dunes.  Another highly popular course in County Clare. It is a 72 par course that plays 9 in and 9 out.  The speed and variation of wind in this open play can be the challenge that awaits here.  This is definitely a course in which all clubs will be used!  Now know as the Trump International Resort, there’s everything on offer here from luxury suites to fine-dining and a spa health and wellness centre.

Found in County Kerry, in 1889 the original 9 holes were laid out in Dooks Golf Club.  It was unique as at the time it was one of only ten Golf Clubs in Ireland.  In 1899 the additional 9 holes were added, making Dooks the first 18-hole Golf Course in Kerry. As a 127 year-old Course has long contoured fairways and the Mc Gillycuddy’s Reeks mountains to the east.  It is an enclosed links so wind speeds of other courses shouldn’t effect play here.  However, this doesn’t mean it’s an easy course and still requires a skilled player to take it on.  It is traditional golf to a tee!

Portmarnock Golf Club | Customized Golf Trip Ireland

Portmarnock Golf Club opened in 1894 with just 9 holes, it was later extended to an 18- hole course in 1896 and then a further 9 holes joined the course in 1971. This distinguished course, designed by Bernhard Langer, is 117 years old. Portmarnock has a flat green which makes for relatively easy-going fast play, each hole however is unique. It is a world-wide known, challenging course.

There you have the some of Mike Ryan’s Favourite Link Courses that Ireland has to offer! If you are interested in a customized golf package in Ireland and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below:

Alternatively, if you would like to call us directly Toll Free from the US or Canada the number is 1 888 793 0416

All the best,

Mike Ryan

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