With Ireland set to host the
2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, it's a great time to explore some of the best golf holes the island has to offer. After all, what better way to get into the Ryder Cup spirit than by dreaming about the most scenic, challenging, and unforgettable holes in the country?
Now, selecting just 18 holes across Ireland's
many renowned golf courses is, of course, a piece of cake—everyone will agree with this list without hesitation, right? Well, maybe not! We know golf fans can be passionate about their favorites.
As you go through this list, think about the holes you've played and the ones you want to try. Have you teed off at any of these iconic spots? Are there other holes that you believe deserve a spot on this list? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your experiences and let us know which holes you think are the best in Ireland.
1st Hole: Doonbeg, Par-5
This par-5 is one of the best opening holes in Ireland. The high tee gives you a view of the distant green cocooned in tall dunes, with Doughmore Strand on your left.
2nd Hole: Waterford Castle, Par-3
A sweet par-3 beside the River Suir, with a small lake separating the tee from the green. A stone bridge takes you across the water, adding to the charm of this hole.
3rd Hole: Mount Juliet, Par-3
A beautiful yet challenging par-3. The tee shot must clear a pond, and the green slopes towards the water, requiring precise placement.
4th Hole: Royal County Down, Par-3
An iconic par-3 with elevated tee boxes offering stunning views. The green is set amidst the gorse, with the Mourne Mountains in the background.
5th Hole: Royal Portrush, Par-4
A short par-4 that doglegs to the right. It offers sea views and a beach behind the green, with twists, bumps, and turns making it a fun but challenging hole.
6th Hole: Lahinch, Par-4
A dogleg left with a blind drive. The approach requires precision due to a rough-filled chasm, but the views over Liscannor Bay are worth the risk.
7th Hole: The European Club, Par-4
A challenging 470-yard hole named after Arnold Palmer. The optical illusions and high risk of failure make it a test for even the most daring golfers.
8th Hole: Tralee, Par-4
A par-4 that doglegs around Barrow Harbour. The upgraded 2021 green adds complexity to this unique hole, offering multiple strategies.
9th Hole: Lahinch, Par-4
The closing hole for Lahinch's front nine. The fairway has a diagonal ridge that slopes from right to left, leading to a long, narrow green that demands precision.
10th Hole: Headfort (New), Par-4
A wide lake requires a big carry from the tee to reach the fairway. The fairway curves to the right through the woods, with a long bridge leading to the green.
11th Hole: Ballybunion (Old Course), Par-4
A challenging par-4 with 473 yards set along the Atlantic shore. The prevailing wind can be tough for those with a slice, requiring a brave line to find the ideal spot on the bunkerless fairway.
12th Hole: County Sligo, Par-4
This 470-yard par-4, also known as "The Gallery," is a highlight of Rosses Point. It plays uphill against the prevailing breeze, and with Ben Bulben in the background, it's a memorable experience. The weather can be a significant factor, adding to the difficulty of this par-4.
13th Hole: Slieve Russell, Par-5
This hole wraps around Lough Rud, with water along the left side from tee to green. The hole curves around the lake, with a well-guarded green at the end.
14th Hole: Co Louth, Par-4
An elevated tee offers a rare view of the ocean. The green has complex contours, and the approach requires careful navigation on this short par-4.
15th Hole: The Island, Par-5
The high tee provides a grand view, and the natural green site allows for various strategies. Towering dunes on two sides add to the links-style challenge.
16th Hole: Enniscrone, Par-5
This par-5 is often photographed for its beauty, with tall dunes to the left and the sea to the right. The setting sun creates a magical atmosphere, making this hole a unique experience.
17th Hole: Carne (Hackett), Par-4
A straight par-4 that goes uphill, with dunes cascading from the right and a chasm to the left. It's fairway or bust, with a challenging approach shot to the well-guarded green.
18th Hole: Adare Manor, Par-5
This par-5 closing hole is set to become iconic due to the upcoming Ryder Cup. The River Maigue divides the hole, challenging every shot, while the vast green requires precision and accuracy to avoid mistakes.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the holes included (and not included) on this list. See you on the next tee box in Ireland!