Courses, Travel & Tee Times

The Island Golf Club near Dublin: Under-appreciated gem is pure links fun

All of the finest links courses around Dublin have hosted the European Tour's Irish Open at least twice. It's probably the only reason why the Island Golf Club constantly flies under the radar when it should be considered 'the' links course to play around Dublin. The words "pure links" are tailor-made for The Island -- the Irish Sea and the Malahide Estuary surround the exposed site on three sides. But it's The Island's dunes that make its competitors look like mole hills.

The K Club continues to shine in Ireland's resort golf spotlight

Just a few years removed from the 2006 Ryder Cup Matches, one thing remains constant: the timeless elegance of the Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club. The K Club, as it is known around the world, remains an Irish jewel on 550 acres just 30 minutes outside Dublin. Ireland's "AA Hotel of the Year" for 2011 has lost none of its rock-star appeal, thanks in large part to its two stellar courses.

County Louth Golf Club (Baltray): A playable, world-class links north of Dublin

County Louth Golf Club is among the rare courses that isn't easy for the pros, yet still forgives bad shots of the higher handicaps. Subtle greens and wide playing corridors through the dunes, coupled with a program to cut back the rough in recent years, keep this stunning Irish links course playable, Jason Scott Deegan writes.

You'll say 'amen' at Carton House Golf Club's O'Meara Course in County Meath

The O'Meara Course at Carton House Golf Club in County Meath, Ireland, has its own version of Augusta National's "Amen Corner." Like an engine on a cold morning, O'Meara sputters a bit to start, but the course roars to life on the back nine. Located on the Rye River-enhanced nos. 14-16, the course's Amen Corner is as good a three-hole stretch of parkland golf as Ireland offers.

Portmarnock Golf Club: Dublin's poster child

Dating back to 1894, Portmarnock Golf Club has been a staple of the Dublin golf scene for over a century. It's beloved links is still one of the top plays in Ireland for both tournaments and visiting golfers.

Portmarnock Golf Club: Hallowed links will have you grinning from ear to ear

When playing golf in Europe it's always a treat to drive into the car park at the club and notice what year the course opened. Knowing you'll play on grounds that have withstood the test of time for over a century makes the experience greater. Portmarnock Golf Club in County Dublin, Ireland is a traditional links gem that fits the bill perfectly.

Destination Ireland: Dublin's links

Anybody who claims that links courses around Dublin lack awe-inspiring dunes hasn't been paying attention. Even though Dublin's most famous links may not offer the volcanic dunes of Ballybunion, Lahinch and Doonbeg in southwest Ireland, that's no reason to ignore Dublin as a links golf paradise, Jason Scott Deegan writes.

Q & A with Pat Ruddy: Writer-turned-architect on the Open, Olympics and golf in Ireland

Just south of Dublin, the European Club is one of Ireland's great modern links. It was built by Irish writer-turned-architect Pat Ruddy, who spoke with Larry Olmsted about his links, modern golf design and more..

Ten reasons to head to southwest Ireland

The links are legendary in southwest Ireland: Eire's most popular golf destination. Not only can you play such 19th century courses as Ballybunion and Lahinch, but visit natural wonders like the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher. Here are nine reasons why to point your compass toward Ireland's southwest.

Ten reasons to plan a golf trip to southwest Ireland

Southwest Ireland is the most desired destination for golfers heading to the Emerald Isle. The links courses there are legendary places (Lahinch and Ballybunion) with modern classics such as Doonbeg and Tralee thrown in. The parkland golf courses at Adare Manor, the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and Fota Island have all hosted the Irish Open. Jason Deegan offers 10 reasons you should plan the ultimate golf trip to southwest Ireland.