When it comes to Ireland, golf reigns supreme. It's home to some of the world's best courses, including the Par 73 Royal Portrush Dunluce Course in Northern Ireland, which is considered by many golfers and Ireland travel guides to be one of the most challenging in the world.

Golf Courses in Dublin
Dublin is home to St. Anne's Golf Club, a par 71 course situated on Dublin's most famous ecological attraction—Bull Island Nature Reserve in Dublin Bay. Ireland's second oldest golf club is also on Bull Island in Dublin. The Royal Dublin Golf Club was established in 1885 and attracts enthusiasts the world over to golf in Dublin. If you'd rather stay in a Dublin, Ireland, hotel that also features golf, The Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links is set in splendid surroundings overlooking the beach. The house was originally owned by the Jameson family, famous for their Irish whiskey. Their home has been tastefully converted to an international hotel with the grounds now hosting a magnificent 18 hole Bernhard Langer-designed golf links.

Ballybunion
Located just outside the village of Ballybunion is the world-famous Ballybunion golf course. Ballybunion sits on the spectacular North Kerry coast and its scenic beauty and magnificent surroundings are hard to beat. The "Old" course's sixth hole is undoubtedly the most beautiful, and it's tricky to play. The "New" course, with its succession of par fives and breathtaking beauty amply qualifies as one of the world's masterpieces.

Royal County Down
Royal County Down Golf Club is considered the signature course of Northern Ireland. It's nestled in the huge sand dunes beside the town of Newcastle where the Mourne Mountains rise up from the Irish Sea. This championship course was laid out by legend Tom Morris in 1889. It still offers golfers an exhilarating and is constantly remarked upon for its outstanding beauty.