Ireland’s golf season runs from April to October, making it the best time to play on the country’s world-class courses. While golf is possible year-round, May, June, and July offer the longest days and most favourable conditions.
Many of the premier links courses no longer accept visitor bookings during the winter months and in general times are only available from mid-April to mid-October. Ballybunion's last visitor times are the first Monday in October while Old Head shuts down completely during the winter.
For a detailed look at weather conditions in Ireland, visit our dedicated guide.
| Month | Daylight Hours | Weather | Course Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | ⏳ Up to 14 hours | 🌦️ Cool, occasional rain | 🌱 Greens improving |
| May | ⏳ Up to 16 hours | 🌤️ Mild, drier | ✅ Great conditions, less busy |
| June - July | 🌞 Up to 18 hours, mid-summer! | ☀️ Warmest, least rain🤞 | 🏆 Peak conditions, busy |
| August | 🌞 Up to 16 hours | 🌤️ Warm, occasional rain | 🏌️♂️ Still excellent |
| September | ⏳ Up to 13 hours | ⛅ Mild | ✅ Very good, peak month traditionally |
| October | ⏳ Up to 11 hours | 🌧️ Cool, more rain | ⚠️ Varies by course |
Spring brings mild temperatures and less crowded courses. Greens start to recover from winter, and rates are often lower than peak summer months.
These are the best months for golf in Ireland, offering long daylight hours (play until 10.00 p.m.), warm weather, and optimal course conditions.
Still a great time for golf with good weather and fewer tourists compared to July. September, however, has traditionally been the busiest month for visiting golfers, especially from North America, as kids return to college.
Some links courses remain in top shape, but weather becomes more unpredictable. Check seasonal weather details.
As explained in the weather page it is impossible to predict the weather in Ireland with any great certainty. The summer months of June, July and August are theoretically the best months to play and also provide long hours of daylight. However, May & September are the peak golfing months.
April and October are less busy months but also have less daylight and are more susceptible to inclement weather. Very few golf clubs offer reduced rates in these 'shoulder' months although accommodation & car hire costs are generally less than the peak season months.
Now that you know the best time to golf in Ireland, start planning your itinerary with expert advice from Tailor-Made Golf Tours. Or continue to browse the library with the Irish weather page.