Hotels
Golf breaks in Ireland: the best golf hotels
Parkland courses near Dublin, castles in Clare and classic links in the north. Our pick of golf hotels for a golf break in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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In short: golf breaks in Ireland
Ireland's best golf hotels are around Dublin, in the south and in Northern Ireland. The K Club, which hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup, and Druids Glen are within an hour of Dublin. Fota Island and Dromoland suit the south and west, while Slieve Donard and the Bushmills Inn put you beside Royal County Down and Royal Portrush.
Our first choice: The K Club, the Ryder Cup course 40 minutes from Dublin. Check availability and prices
The rain has just stopped, the grass is a deep green and a thin mist hangs over the fairway. Ireland has some of the greenest courses in the world, and that is no accident.
Between them, Ireland and Northern Ireland have some of the most celebrated links in golf, and resorts that have hosted the Ryder Cup and the Irish Open. We have picked the hotels beside them, grouped by region.
How to choose a golf hotel in Ireland
Around Dublin: a short hop from the airport and several resorts with championship courses.
The south and west: Cork and Clare, with castles, coastline and Cork and Shannon airports.
Northern Ireland: Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, two of the most famous links in the world.
Dublin and the east: a Ryder Cup course and Wicklow
Around Dublin lie several of Ireland's best-known resorts, all within an hour of the airport.
The K Club: the Ryder Cup course on the Liffey
The K Club is at Straffan in County Kildare, around 40 minutes from Dublin, with the River Liffey running through the estate. It hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup and has two courses, the Palmer and the Smurfit.
The manor house is grand, with wide lawns and a spa. A good choice for golfers who want a Ryder Cup course with Dublin close at hand.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The K Club
Druids Glen
Lakes and woodland along the fairways at Druids Glen.
Druids Glen: Wicklow's green giant
Druids Glen is in County Wicklow, around 40 minutes south of Dublin, and hosted the Irish Open four years in a row. Its sister course, Druids Heath, looks out towards the Irish Sea.
The hotel sits in the middle of the estate, with a spa and a short walk to both courses. A good choice for a golf weekend without a long drive from the airport.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Druids Glen
Mount Juliet Estate
The manor house at Mount Juliet at dusk.
Mount Juliet: Nicklaus in Kilkenny
Mount Juliet stands near Thomastown in County Kilkenny, on an estate with a Georgian manor and a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It has hosted the Irish Open more than once.
The estate is large, with the River Nore, fishing and riding for anyone not playing. For anyone who wants a country house and a championship course in one place.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Mount Juliet Estate
The south and west: Cork and Clare
The south and west coasts have long-established resorts and quick access to Cork and Shannon airports.
Fota Island Hotel & Spa
Fota Island Hotel at dusk, in the middle of the resort in Cork Harbour.
Fota Island: three courses in Cork Harbour
Fota Island sits on an island in Cork Harbour, a quarter of an hour from Cork, with three courses on one resort. The Irish Open has been played here several times.
There is a large spa, and the harbour town of Cobh is close by. For golfers combining the courses with a trip along the south coast.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Fota Island Hotel & Spa
Dromoland Castle
The lounges at Dromoland Castle have open fires and heavy old furniture.
Dromoland Castle: a castle and course near Shannon
For centuries Dromoland was the seat of the O’Brien family, and it has a golf course on the estate, about ten minutes from Shannon Airport. It is a natural base for golf in the west.
Lahinch and the other Clare courses are within easy reach. For anyone who wants to sleep in an Irish castle between rounds.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Dromoland Castle
Northern Ireland: Royal County Down and Royal Portrush
Northern Ireland is part of the UK, with sterling as its currency, yet only a couple of hours north of Dublin.
Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard, the Victorian hotel at the foot of the Mournes.
Slieve Donard: beside Royal County Down
Slieve Donard is a Victorian railway hotel in Newcastle, County Down, with the Mourne Mountains behind and Royal County Down right next door. Many rank the course among the best in the world.
There is a spa and a beach just outside. For golfers who want to play one of Northern Ireland's classics.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Slieve Donard
Lough Erne Resort
The Faldo course at Lough Erne runs right down to the water.
Lough Erne: Faldo between the lakes
Lough Erne Resort sits on a peninsula between two lakes near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, with a course designed by Nick Faldo. Water comes into play on almost every hole.
It is quiet, with a spa and plenty of space. A good choice for golfers who want scenery and calm in Northern Ireland.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Lough Erne Resort
The Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn, in the village that shares its name with the distillery.
The Bushmills Inn: whiskey and Royal Portrush
The Bushmills Inn is in the village of Bushmills on the north coast, close to the distillery of the same name. Royal Portrush, host of The Open in 2019 and 2025, is a few minutes away.
The inn has open fires, small sitting rooms and a library, and the Giant’s Causeway is close by. For anyone combining golf with whiskey and coastal scenery.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Bushmills Inn
When to go
April to October is golf season, with long days in summer.
Book tee times early at Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, which have limited visitor times.
Choose a flexible rate, because the weather turns quickly on the west coast.
Good to know
Ireland and Northern Ireland both drive on the left. Ireland uses the euro, Northern Ireland sterling. Adare Manor, venue of the 2027 Ryder Cup, cannot be booked through us.
Going to the Ryder Cup in September 2027? We have a dedicated guide. See hotels near Adare Manor.
Our first choice in Ireland
The K Club
The K Club is the golf hotel we would pick first in Ireland. It hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup, and you can play both courses, the Palmer and the Smurfit, without moving. Dublin Airport is around 40 minutes away, so you can land in the morning and be on the first tee after lunch. The manor house, the spa and the River Liffey running through the estate make it just as good on the days without golf.
Golf in Ireland: your questions answered
Where should I stay for a golf break in Ireland?
Stay around Dublin for a short transfer from the airport, at The K Club or Druids Glen for example. For links golf, Northern Ireland with Slieve Donard and the Bushmills Inn is a strong choice. In the south and west, Fota Island and Dromoland combine a resort stay with easy access to Cork and Shannon.
When is the best time to play golf in Ireland?
April to October is best, with long light days and green courses. June and July have the longest days, while May and September often bring good weather and fewer visitors. Rain can arrive at any time, so pack waterproofs whatever month you travel.
Which are the most famous golf courses in Ireland?
Royal County Down and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland rank among the best in the world, and Royal Portrush hosted The Open in 2019 and 2025. The K Club staged the 2006 Ryder Cup, and Adare Manor hosts it in 2027. In the west, Lahinch and Ballybunion are celebrated links.
Do I need a car for a golf break in Ireland?
Yes, a hire car gives you the most freedom, especially if you plan to play several courses. Distances around Dublin are short, but country roads are narrow and slow. Remember to drive on the left and check that your clubs will fit. Dublin to Northern Ireland takes about two hours.
Do I need a passport between Ireland and Northern Ireland?
There are no border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the UK and uses sterling, while Ireland uses the euro. You will still need a passport or ID for your flights, so check the entry rules for both countries before you travel.