Ireland’s Historic Golf and Castles

Ireland’s Historic Golf and Castles is a short golf blog post that looks at combining two activities into an excellent experience. I can highly recommend visiting one of Ireland’s iconic castles when on a golf trip. There are more castles than golf courses, but here are a few great combinations depending on where you are playing golf. Ireland’s Historic Golf and Castles Malahide, Ireland The Island Golf Club Established in 1890, for the first 80 years or so, access to the Island Course was only possible by rowing boat from Malahide. Now, The Island has become a must for all golfers visiting the Dublin area. Highly recommended Royal Dublin Golf Club Previously known as the Dublin Golf Club until 1891, when it received its Royal status from Windsor Castle. Located on Bull Island near Dublin, all golfers are faced with a great golf course and friendly hospitality. Malahide Castle & Gardens The history goes back to 1185 to the time of Richard Talbot, who was gifted the lands and harbour by King Henry II. Today, the castle & gardens are a wonderful place to visit and don’t forget the Butterfly House. Swords Castle A medieval-style castle built in the 13th century by the Norman Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn. The Grounds are open all year, and tours of the castle can be arranged in advance. Cork, Ireland Fota Island Golf Club A wonderful set up of 27 holes which make up the 2 championship courses, Deerpark & Barryscourt. 3-time host of the Irish Open, this is a great place to relax and unwind. Old Head Golf Links This golf resort can only be described as ‘phenomenal’, from the welcome to the clubhouse to the golf course. Everything here is designed to make the golfers’ experience the centre of attention. Blarney Castle & Gardens 600 years of history lie behind these castle walls. Learn about the ‘King of Munster’ and the connection to ‘Robert the Bruce’ A fantastic experience, and don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone. Elizabeth Fort Built in 1601 as Barracks, a Prison and a Police Station. It has now been turned into a tourist attraction. Entry is free, and this should be on your list of places to visit while in Cork. Killarney, Ireland Waterville Golf Links The journey to Waterville is well worth it, the moment you enter the clubhouse. You are then blown away by the hospitality. When you set foot on the golf course, you are stunned by its beauty and wonderful course architecture. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club – Killeen Course A very underestimated golf course that has hosted the Irish Open 6 times, and the mountain & lake views are stunning. Its sister course, ‘Mahony’s Point is no slouch either. Ross Castle Located on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle was built in the 15th century with a Tower House & Keep. Empty since 1835, the castle is now visited by tourists, and guided tours can be arranged. Muckross House A Victorian house built in the Tudor style. It helped form the Killarney National Park and was visited by Queen Victoria in 1861. It is open through the summer and shoulder months and is a must when in Killarney. Limerick, Ireland Adare Manor Golf Course The host of the 2027 Ryder Cup, which promises to be an amazing experience at this 6-star property. They have been playing golf here since the late 1890s. The new course opened in 1992 and is stunning. Dromoland Castle Golf Course This is another parkland course, which is also stunning. New bunker work has raised the level of play, yet again.. A great addition to any tour and very handy for Shannon airport. Well worth a visit to the course and castle. Knappogue Castle & Gardens Built in 1467, the castle has a rich history that is not to be missed. The formal gardens are a real treat to visit. You can also dine at a real medieval banquet in the castle. King John’s Castle With an 800-year-old history, visiting King John’s Castle is a must when staying in Limerick. Open throughout the summer with interactive visitor attractions with CGI and ghostly projections. Galway, Ireland Connemara Golf Links It may be some distance from Galway, but worth every minute of the journey. One of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. At nearly 7000 yards from the tips, Connemara is a great test of golf for anyone. Galway Bay Resort A typical resort course, because of its playability, with great views and fast greens. It was designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr and opened in 1993. The 2 Iron restaurant has fantastic views of the course and is one of my favourites. Claregalway Castle The castle was built in the early 1440s. It’s the original home of the Brian Boru Harp, which is the national symbol of Ireland. It is also possible to stay here and sleep in some original four-poster or sleigh beds. Menlo Castle Although the castle is now just ruins, after a great fire, it is still a wonderful sight on the banks of the River Corrib. Take the river walk, which will also take you past the old tea house. Sligo, Ireland County Sligo Golf Club Rosses Point was designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1927 as a championship, 7259-yard, PAR 71 course. Don’t leave without trying 9 holes on the charming Bowmore course, because you will regret not playing it. Strandhill Golf Club Often overlooked by some, this is one of the greats on the West Coast because of the dunes. The existing course opened in 1973 and is awesome. This is a true hidden gem for many visitors, due to being under 200 euros a game, it is good value for money too. Parke’s Castle Restoration began in the 1970s, but because of the extent, the Castle reopened to the public in 1990. At sunset, because of its position, the castle creates an amazing silhouette on the water. I recommend a visit. Sligo Abbey Founded in 1253 as a Dominican Convent, Sligo Abbey has had a long and fascinating history due to the number of changes. Open to visitors in the Summer, the highlights include the ‘Cloisters’ and try to find the ‘Love Knot’, if you can. Donegal, Ireland Donegal Golf Club The course opened in 1960 on the Murvagh Peninsula. It is a PAR 73 for all golfers, and due to its design, it is one of Darren Clarke’s favourites. It was designed by Pat Ruddy, who also designed the European Club, Druids Glen, Portsalon and Rosapenna. Narin & Portnoo Links I will say this out loud… This is Ireland’s best-kept secret because of how the course looks and plays. There you go, I have said it. Built in 1905 amongst some amazing dunes, this course has it all, including superb clubhouse food too. Donegal Castle Built in the 15th century in a Jacobean style, the castle is named Donegal, which means ‘Fort of the Foreigner’ due to the Vikings who dwelt there. In the 1990s, it was restored to what we see today. Check out the interior wooden rafters because I have never seen anything like it. Lough Eske Castle Hotel This castle is now a beautiful 5-star Hotel & Spa. Don’t let that distract you, take the castle tour and discover the history. The castle has a great reputation for its good food. They also have a great Whiskey collection because they have an amazing Whiskey cellar. Letterkenny, Ireland Rosapenna Resort It opened in 1893 as the world’s first golf resort because of what it had to offer. Home of 3 links courses, St Patrick’s is the crowd magnet due to its character. Old Tom Morris Links was once voted number 3 in the UK, due to its designer, behind the Old Course & Royal County Down. Ballyliffin Golf Club Another amazing Links. Glashedy and the Old Links are two fantastic courses due to their playability and design, with stunning views. A warm welcome awaits you, no matter what the weather. I prefer the Old Links because of the rolling fairways. Doe Castle Built in 1420, the castle was restored in 1932 and has been the scene of many proposals, including Brian McFadden. Admission to the grounds is free, and a guided tour can be arranged, but only in advance, due to a lack of staff. Glenveagh Castle The castle was built in 1870 in what is now the Glenveagh National Park. After visiting the National Park, don’t forget to sit down and relax in the castle tearoom for some refreshment. Check out more Castles to visit in Ireland by clicking this link. What are your thoughts on Ireland’s Historic Golf and Castles? Please leave a comment by filling out a Contact Form. To read more of my golf blog posts, click here.