The Emerald Isle is home to stunning courses across its four provinces. But which ones are the most expensive? Read our article on the most expensive golf courses in Ireland to find out.
Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the world to play a round of golf. The climate lends itself well to maintaining emerald green grass while the landscape provides a stunning backdrop.
There are more than 300 golf clubs in the country, many of which are links courses, connected to the coast with natural courses often built on or within sand dunes.
The majority welcome visitors but usually give priority to members, so it’s best to check availability in advance.
The more exclusive clubs are not so easy to enjoy, unless you decide to become a member or are a close comrade of the captain.
Either way, your wallet will definitely feel the pinch, whether it’s fees or celebratory drinks at the clubhouse.
Here are 10 of the most expensive golf courses in Ireland, but don’t let this list put you off. All are well worth the fee and provide a superb golfing experience. (Just bring your wet gear!)
10. Royal Portrush Golf Club, Antrim
Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to the superb Dunluce Links and Valley Links courses.
Originally one of Ireland’s oldest country clubs, this Antrim This hotspot has been around since 1888 and is one of the top attractions on North Antrim’s beautiful Causeway Coast.
Green fees cost £220 per player during peak season and allocated visiting times are limited. As with all Golf clubs in Ireland, there is a strict dress code for the course and clubhouse.
Address: Dunluce Rd, Portrush BT56 8JQ
9. Portstewart Golf Club, Derry
Host of the Irish Open in 2017, the Portstewart Golf Club in Derry offers three great courses to choose from.
The Championship Strand Course epitomizes quality links golf while the Old Course offers a glimpse into where history began and is a great starting point for groups and beginning golfers.
The Riverside course, along the River Bann, has its own unique qualities and is perfect for those who enjoy a challenge but aren’t up to the Strand.
Green fees for The Strand Course cost £175 for 18 holes, while The Old Course and Riverside cost a very reasonable £29 and £15 respectively.
Address: 117 Strand Road, Portstewart BT55 7PG
8. Portmarnock Golf Club, Dublin
Portmarnock Golf Links has been rated one of the best courses in the world. Situated on shallow dunes next to a long beach, this is a very enjoyable and challenging course.
It is considered one of the fairest golf courses in the world by some of the world’s greatest golfers. It is conveniently located around 15 minutes drive from Dublin Airport and close to the picturesque fishing villages of Malahide and Howth.
Green fees start at €225 for a midweek match with 27 or 36 hole booking options going up to €395 per person.
Address: Golf Links Rd, Stapolin, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, D13 KD96, Ireland
7. Druids Glen, Wicklow
Host of the Irish Open four years in a row, Druids Glen is a very special golf club. It welcomes visitors all year round and offers very affordable green fees, on average €80 per person.
The moorland course is surrounded by mature trees and offers views of the Irish Sea and the Wicklow mountains.
THE Golf The resort is perfect for a festive occasion or weekend getaway with stylish decor and an ideal location… a special place for anyone visiting Wicklow.
Address: Leabeg Upper, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
SEE MORE : Choose from Druid’s Glen and more in our ranking of the 5 best golf courses in Wicklow
6. Ballybunion Golf Club, Kerry
Nestled among golden sand dunes, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and in the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry are two world-class golf courses presented by Ballybunion Golf Club.
Choose either the Old Course at €230 per person or the Cashen Course at €80 for a challenging golf experience in beautiful surroundings.
Shopping carts are recommended and cost €60 for a senior and €40 for a junior. Visitors are welcome during the week, but classes are for members only on weekends.
Address: Sandhill Rd, Ballybunion, Co. KerryIreland
5. Royal County Down Golf Club
Voted the best golf course in the world by Golf Digest, Royal County Down must be included on the list of prestigious golf clubs in Ireland.
Green fees average £250 per person in high season, with only caddies (no carts) allowed on the course.
Located in the foothills of Bleak Mountains and connected to the shores of Dundrum Bay, the setting of the course is breathtaking and lends itself well to a very special golfing experience.
Flanked by purple heather and golden gorse, the fairway is pleasing to both the sight and smell. Just try not to let the ball get too far off course.
Address: 36 Golf Links Road, Newcastle BT33 0AN
4. Lahinch Golf Club, Clare
Lahinch is a wonderful links course on the Wild Atlantic Way. The old course will cost you €230 for 18 holes in high season, but the experience will last much longer.
There is a more affordable option of playing the Castle Course for €40. Both are walking courses with no golf carts available for rental and caddies must be reserved in advance.
Address: Dough, LahinchCounty Clare, Ireland
3. Old Head Golf Links, Cork
Spanning 220 acres of stunning land stretching for three breathtaking kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest of Ireland, this golf course speaks for itself.
The ‘Old Head’ experience is something every keen golfer should enjoy at least once and Kinsale is a very lovely place to stay.
They even have a helipad to accommodate those who want to see Ireland from the air or be transported between golf courses without going near the roads.
Unsurprisingly, prices are on the high end of the scale, at €350 in high season, with a golf cart costing €60 and €50 for a senior caddy.
Address: Downmacpatrick, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland
LEARN MORE: Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Cork, Ranked
2. Royal Belfast Golf Club, bottom
Royal Belfast is Ireland’s oldest golf club. After enjoying a few rounds of golf at St Andrews in Scotland, Thomas Sinclair returned to Northern Ireland with good ideas and even more ambitious plans.
He obtained permission from the then Lord of Holywood, Captain John Harrison, and embarked Harry Colt and the course was completed by the end of the year.
The course is beautifully situated on a 140-acre site on the south shore of Belfast Lough at Craigavad, with the former mansion now the luxury clubhouse.
Green fees are very reasonable and cost on average £100 per person with deals often offered via the website.
Address: Station Rd, Holywood BT18 0BP
1. Adare Manor, Limerick
The luxurious Adare Manor resort in County Limerick is considered the most expensive place in Ireland for a round of golf.
An impressive overhaul in 2017 saw a massive increase in green fees, with the current cost to play 18 holes being €375 in high season.
Carts must be used on the course, costing an additional €75, while cart rental adds an additional €60 to the bill. Classes cost €90 each and I don’t even want to think about the cost of a drink at the clubhouse (which I imagine you’ll need after all that!)
The former Manchester United sponsor and golf club owner hopes to host the 2026 Ryder Cup after the Pro AM Invitational in 2020. Another bonus is the meticulously maintained course and design by Tom Fazio.
This is by far the best park trail in Ireland.
Address: Adare, Co. Limerick, V94 W8WR, Ireland
Your questions answered about the most expensive golf courses in Ireland
If you still have questions about the most expensive golf courses in Ireland, we’ve got you covered! Below we describe the most frequently asked questions from our readers and online on this topic.
What is the most expensive golf course to play?
Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada is reportedly the most expensive, costing between $600 and $1,000 per round.
How much does it cost to join former Kinsale boss?
As early as 2016, it was reported that it would cost €30,000 to join the former Kinsale boss.
How much does a Muirfield Scotland membership cost?
For one tour it costs £325 and for two tours per day it costs £495.
How much does it cost to play Royal Birkdale?
Summer rate for visitors is £340, £370 on Sundays. The autumn price is £240.
MORE IB4UD ARTICLES ON GOLF COURSES IN IRELAND
6 of the best golf destinations in Ireland
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Ireland, Ranked
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Northern Ireland, Ranked
Top 5 Best Killarney Golf Courses, Ranked
The 10 Best Golf Courses in Galway, Ranked
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Donegal, Ranked
The 10 Best Golf Courses in Belfast, Ranked
Be Featured on Ireland Before You Die
Do you want to give your Irish business greater visibility online? Especially for those who want to visit the best places in Ireland? So why not create an article dedicated to Ireland Before You Die. Learn more here.
