Irish treats

These five beautiful courses to the west and east of Ireland offer something for everyone

Dun Laoghaire

A short drive to the south of its famous namesake port, the 27 holes at Dun Laoghaire are blessed with a quite beautiful parkland setting that is as far from links as it’s possible to be. The club relocated to enjoy a brand new Martin

Looking back from behind the green on the 5th of the Upper course, a sweeping par 5 where a strong drive will raise hopes of reaching in two.

Hawtree design 15 years ago and each nine has its own, different challenges with strong bunkering throughout. The elevated nature of the Upper leads to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Wicklow Hills, while water is a feature on the Middle and Lower.

GF: 18 holes: €75 Mon-thu, €95 Fri-sun

Corballis Links

Rubbing shoulders with the magnificent course at The Island, this sporty links is a Ron Kirby upgrade which reached its half-century last year. Its length is as modest as its very welcoming green fee, and with seven short holes and a solitary par 5, it is playable, and more importantly enjoyable, for all golfers. There’s still the occasional blind shot and one or two crossovers, but this is a true links running over free-draining turf that is kept in fine shape throughout the year.

GF: 18 holes: €30wd, €35we

Shannon

Next to the airport that serves as the gateway to an abundance of premier league golf, Shannon is the perfect start- or end-of-tour venue. The gently undulating, tree-lined course was designed by John Harris, and its greatest challenges come from some tough par 4s, especially the 3rd, 9th and 15th. Its most exciting feature is the monster par-3 17th, where the estuary lines the entire length on the right and also eats into the lay-up area short of the green. GF: 18 holes: €40wd, €50we

Ring of Kerry

The west coast of Ireland is unbelievably scenic, and this idyllically located collaboration between the great Eddie Hackett and Ron Kirby is an engaging blend of heathland and parkland. It opened for play in 1998 and overlooks Kenmare Bay as it heads out towards the Atlantic. The individual holes are remarkably varied and fun, but its arguably the undulating landscape and fabulous views that will live longest in the memory.

GF: 18 holes: €110

Seapoint Golf Links

This full-length and most certainly championshiplevel links dates back to 1995 and was designed by former Ryder Cupper Des Smyth. As at Corballis, it also borders a Top 100 favourite, this time County Louth. Overlooking the wonderfully named Termonfeckin Beach, it naturally shares many of its neighbour’s rugged linksy characteristics and it has hosted both amateur and professional events of the highest order.

GF: 18 holes: €45wd, €50 Sat