Atlantic Way Golf Standout Courses
Ireland is where the land speaks, and every swing is part of a deeper story. From the storm-battered shores of Ballybunion to the storied turf of Royal County Down, these sacred grounds offer challenge, beauty, and a connection to the timeless spirit of the game.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that the country is home to some of the world’s finest courses
1 Old Head
2 Portmarnock
3 Ballybunnion
3 Lahinch
5 Rosapenna
1) Old Head Links-Kinsale Co.Cork
Old Head Golf Links is a par-72 course stretching over 7,100 yards, laid out across a narrow promontory that extends nearly two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Old Head Golf Links offers one of the most breathtaking golfing experiences in the world. Located near Kinsale in County Cork, this iconic course is surrounded by 300-degree ocean views, with several holes running along sheer cliffs that drop into the sea. The challenging layout, combined with the ever-changing coastal winds, provides a true test of skill for any golfer. Beyond the spectacular scenery, the course is known for its world-class service, luxury facilities, and unforgettable atmosphere. Signature holes like the par-4 4th and the breathtaking par-5 12th demand precision and nerve, especially when the coastal winds pick up.
2) Portmarnock- Dublin
Portmarnock Golf Club, located just north of Dublin, is a classic championship links that unfolds across a rugged peninsula bordered by the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay. This par-72 course stretches over 7,400 yards from the championship tees and is renowned for its natural design, strategic bunkering, and subtle challenges. The layout is traditional and beautifully understated, with no tricks—what you see is what you get. Holes 13 through 15, is famously tough and has tested the world’s best in multiple Irish Opens and amateur championships.
3) Ballybunion Golf Club- Co. Kerry
The Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club is a masterpiece of natural links design, carved through towering sand dunes along the wild Atlantic coast in County Kerry. Playing to a par of 71 and measuring over 6,800 yards, the layout is both scenic and unforgiving, offering a true test of links golf. The opening holes start inland and ease players in, but from the 6th onward, the course unveils its full drama, winding through narrow dune valleys, elevated tees, and cliffside fairways with stunning ocean views. The back nine, particularly holes like the par-4 11th and the spectacular 15th along the cliffs, demands precise shot-making and steady nerves.
4) Lahinch Golf Club- Co. Clare
The Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club is a timeless links classic, blending quirky charm with world-class design on the edge of the Atlantic in County Clare. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris and later refined by Alister MacKenzie, this par-72 course stretches over 6,900 yards and is known for its natural terrain, blind shots, and ever-changing wind conditions. The layout follows the contours of the dunes, with minimal earth moved—resulting in a course that feels entirely organic. Signature holes like the par-5 4th (“Klondyke”), with its blind second shot over a towering dune, and the par-3 5th (“Dell”), with its hidden green nestled in a dune bowl, highlight the course’s unique character.
St. Patrick’s Links, located in the stunning landscape of northwest Donegal, is a modern links masterpiece designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2021. Stretching over 7,100 yards and playing to a par of 72, the layout sweeps across dramatic dunes with panoramic views of Sheephaven Bay. Unlike traditional out-and-back links, St. Patrick’s features a routing that zigzags through expansive terrain, offering variety, rhythm, and constant visual drama. The fairways are wide and undulating, inviting bold tee shots, but the real challenge lies in the green complexes—subtle, sloping, and full of character. Holes like the par-3 5th, set against the ocean, and the risk-reward par-5 17th, are instant standouts.