The Best Golf Resorts in Ireland

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Club
Adare
This exceptional 19th century manor house is one of the best resorts in all of Ireland. With 100 rooms, the fine Oak Room restaurant and some of the best recreation options available anywhere in the country, Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Club is a five-star gem. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., is truly championship-caliber, as it played host to the 2008 Irish Open in May.

Capella Castlemartyr
Castlemartyr
A former estate of the Earl of Cork, this five-star property is one of the newest resorts to dot the country’s landscape and immediately raised the bar for country charm and professionalism in Ireland. The course was designed by famed architect Ron Kirby, whose resume includes courses at Scotland’s Gleneagles, the Gary Player Golf Course in Sun City, Paris International and Dromoland Castle.

Dromoland Castle Hotel
Newmarket on Fergus
This 19th century graystone castle is a wonderful resort, complete with a top-notch spa and two fine restaurants – one in the hotel and another at the golf club. The course, named one of the best new courses in Europe when it opened in 2004, has undergone a $7.8 million renovation in recent years (five million Euro) and is the second Ron Kirby design to grace our list.

Sheraton Fota Island Hotel & Spa
Fota Island, Cork
Just down the road from Cork sits this international-style resort, one that has been a top performer in Ireland. Besides the three championship golf courses that have played host to many Championships – including the European Seniors Open, the Irish Open, the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Amateur Open – the resort features one of the most complete spas in the country.

The K Club
Straffan
The Kildare Hotel and Golf Club, as it is officially called, is the premiere golf resort in the country, as well as the most expensive. Since hosting the 2006 Ryder Cup, The K Club has become a must-play for those making the journey to Ireland. Besides the golf, the resort boasts wonderful accommodations, lavish community areas and exceptional service.

Mount Juliet Conrad
Kilkenny, Thomastown
The Mount Juliet Conrad, once the country’s largest private estate, is an elegant hotel comprised of a stately 18th century manor. A recreation lover’s paradise, the resort offers archery, fishing, horseback riding and shooting for the sports enthusiast. But golf is the main draw here thanks to the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, which played host to the 2004 American Express World Golf Championship won by a guy named Tiger.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Club
The Island, Ballinakill, Waterford
Sitting on a privately-owned 310 acre island, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Club is a turreted four-story castle that dates back to the 12th-century Norman conquest. But the accommodations and service are plenty up-to-date, with elaborate and thoughtful décor, an attentive staff and beautiful grounds. And yes, there’s always the golf. The course, designed by former Ryder Cup player Des Smyth, is a sister course to fellow list entry Mount Juliet.