Is Ireland the New Home of Golf?

For centuries, Scotland has been revered as the spiritual home of golf, the birthplace of the game and the keeper of its traditions. Yet, in recent years, a quiet revolution has taken place across the Irish Sea. Ireland and Northern Ireland have emerged as the world’s most captivating golf destinations, a place where breathtaking links, five-star hospitality, and warm Irish charm combine to create the ultimate golf experience.

A Golden Era for Irish Golf

Golf in Ireland has never been stronger. According to the Irish Tourist Board, over 200,000 overseas visitors now travel to Ireland each year specifically for golf, contributing more than €300 million annually to the Irish economy. Those numbers are set to soar again as global attention turns to the island’s world-class courses and legendary venues.

The 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush was a defining moment, the first Open held in Northern Ireland in almost 70 years. The course’s rugged beauty on the Antrim coast captivated millions of viewers and proved that Irish golf belongs on the world stage. The return of The Open to Royal Portrush in 2025 has only cemented that reputation further.

And the spotlight won’t stop there. In 2027, the Ryder Cup arrives at Adare Manor, Ireland’s most luxurious golf resort. With its Tom Fazio designed championship course and opulent manor setting, Adare promises to deliver one of the most elegant and unforgettable Ryder Cups in modern memory.

Gorse & Thistle's most requested courses in Ireland & Northern Ireland

From iconic links to stately parklands, Ireland’s golf offering is unmatched in variety and beauty. A few standouts include:

• Royal County Down (Co. Down) – Ranked among the top three courses in the world, framed by the majestic Mourne Mountains.
• Royal Portrush (Co. Antrim) – Host of The Open 2019 and 2025, a masterpiece of coastal golf.
• Ballybunion Golf Club (Co. Kerry) – Wild and untamed, often called the soul of Irish links golf.
• Lahinch Golf Club (Co. Clare) – “The St Andrews of Ireland,” rich in character and coastal charm.
• Portmarnock Golf Club (Co. Dublin) – Pure, traditional links golf just outside Dublin city.
• Old Head Golf Links (Co. Cork) – One of the most dramatic golf settings in the world, perched on sea cliffs.
• Adare Manor (Co. Limerick) – A parkland masterpiece and home to the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Golf Travel Meets Irish Luxury

What makes Ireland so special for golf isn’t just the courses, it’s the complete experience. The warmth of the welcome, the charm of the pubs, the effortless luxury of five-star stays, it’s a journey that goes far beyond the fairways.

At Gorse & Thistle, we curate luxury golf tours of Ireland and Northern Ireland, combining championship golf with Ireland’s finest hotels, from Adare Manor and Ashford Castle to The Merrion and The Fitzwilliam Belfast. Each itinerary is handcrafted for discerning travellers who want more than a trip, they want a story.

Is Ireland the New Home of Golf?

With The Ryder Cup heading to Adare, the answer feels inevitable. Ireland isn’t just hosting golf’s biggest events it’s redefining what the game can be.

Ready to play the world’s most spectacular courses?
Let Gorse & Thistle craft your bespoke luxury golf tour of Ireland, featuring Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Adare Manor, and more.

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