This section provides information on golfing in Ireland. More general information on visiting Ireland is contained in our Irish Golf Travel page
Be prepared! It is always best to expect that there will be some rain at some stage. Good wet weather gear and a protective hat can minimise the spoiling effect of the rain. In fact, rain is often more preferable to wind - especially on links courses where high winds can wreak havoc with ball flight.
O'Toole's law dictates that the more wet weather gear you pack the drier it will be. (O'Toole's law states that Murphy was an optimist)
Always bring a change of clothes and a towel to the golf course.
See our weather page for the best explanation we can give on Ireland's unpredictable weather!
Many of Ireland's golf courses were established in the late 19th or early 20th century. Consequently, practice facilities may be very basic, if available at all. Most courses have a putting green at a minimum and some provide practice areas that require your own practice balls. Your tour information pack will contain details of practice facilities at the golf courses on your itinerary.
Since this article was first written many courses have opened or upgraded their practice facilities and more courses have proper practice facilities than not.
Many of the newer courses have excellent practice facilities that include a full driving range.
Pro-shop facilities are available at the vast majority of golf clubs in Ireland. These range from very basic to fully equipped and well-stocked golf-shops carrying a wide range of logoed memorabillia.
The individual golf course information pages (see Golf Guide to Ireland) indicate whether a PGA professional is available for tuition.
At the bigger courses pro-shops are responsible for carts and trolleys but NOT caddies that are assigned by a dedicated caddy master.
Clubhouse facilities vary from the old, traditional (and sometimes weird and wonderful!) to modern, luxurious facilities. The vast majoriy offer adequate changing rooms with showers. In most cases towels can be obtained, usually from the clubhouse bar.
Dining facilities are available at most courses although some require advance notice. The best policy is to check before you play.
It is essential that your group be ready to play at the appointed time. No guarantee can be made for groups that miss their allotted tee-time. In case of unavoidable delay contact us immediately and we will endeavour to secure a later tee-time.
It is recommended that visiting golfers be in possession of a current, valid handicap certificate for presentation to the starter at some of the more popular courses.
A fourball game should take between 4 and 4½ hours. As elsewhere in the world, slow play can be a problem in Ireland, especially on busy days. For everyones enjoyment please observe golf etiquette and call faster groups through.
Expect rounds to take 5 or more hours at the more scenic golf courses or more challenging golf courses including Old Head, Tralee, Lahinch and Royal County Down.
General Golf Travel | Tee-Time Information | Information Page Index
Start planning your golf vacation! Our quotes are quick and free with no obligation.