When it comes to golf travel across the pond, the comparisons between Ireland and Scotland are both inevitable and frequent. To be sure, there are many similarities between the two. Scotland may be “The Home of Golf,” but the heritage of the game across the Irish Sea is a rich one. Both countries also feature some of the world’s finest links courses, plus a few of its most storied clubs. And the warm hospitality experienced in Scotland and Ireland is, for many, the most rewarding aspect of any overseas golf trip.
While there are many similarities between the two, perhaps the key point which separates Ireland from Scotland is Ireland itself. The island is home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and the courses are often found in settings which border on the sublime. When combined with an array of spectacular hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities, it’s easy to conclude that the Good Life in Ireland is simply without equal.
As for an Ireland golf trip, again the advice is to divide and conquer. The best courses in Ireland are concentrated in four different regions, spread across every corner of the island. Although each region features enough Golf and the Good Life to occupy the traveler for a week or better, one can visit two of these areas in the typical weeklong itinerary, but certainly no more.
If you’re in the early stages of planning a golf trip to Ireland, visit the H&B Yardage Book. There you’ll find in-depth guides covering all aspects of the planning process.
Here are the four regions to consider for Ireland golf trips.
