Ireland · Course Ranking

Best Golf Courses in Ireland

By Scott Mabin, Founder

Irish links golf is played through the sandhills rather than along the shore. You hit into a gap in the dunes and walk up to find out what happened. More than one course here has a blind shot somebody has to tell you about the first time, and no yardage book fixes that. Kerry alone carries three of these. The rest work north up the western seaboard through Clare, Mayo and Sligo, with two more on the coast north of Dublin. Northern Ireland's courses sit on the United Kingdom list, not this one. We chose what is here. The order moves with the ratings members leave once they have played them.

  1. Ballybunion Golf Club Ireland
  2. Portmarnock Golf Club Portmarnock, Ireland
  3. Lahinch Golf Club Lahinch, Ireland 18 holes
  4. Waterville Golf Links Ireland
  5. Tralee Golf Club Ireland
  6. County Sligo Golf Club Ireland
  7. The Island Golf Club Donabate, Ireland
  8. Carne Golf Links Belmullet, Ireland

How this list is ranked

Every course here is chosen by Birdied's founder, then ordered by a blend of that editorial judgement and live ratings from the rounds our members log. The list reflects real play, not a single opinion. As more golfers review a course, its rating counts for more, and the order updates on its own. Only courses that meet Birdied's quality bar for a public page can appear, and the shortlist is capped so it stays a shortlist.

Track your golf on Birdied →