Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Beyond the Old: Ballybunion one of Ireland's most complete facilities

Attracting more Americans than any other Irish golf club, Ballybunion has mastered the art of making overseas visitors feel welcome and providing them with first-class facilities. And the club has accomplished this without sacrificing any of the charm, warmth and friendliness that makes golfing in Ireland such a treat. But what puts Ballybunion right on the top of most discerning golfer's wish list are the two spectacular courses, the Old and the Cashen.

Southwest Ireland: Storied links allure presidents, celebrities and droves of golf fanatics

Ireland has far more fabulous golf courses than it really needs. Three of the very best are in the southwestern counties of Kerry and Clare, but they are only part of the appeal of golf in Ireland. What makes it irresistibly attractive are the wonderful characters and barely believable stories that enrich the overall experience, Clive Agran writes.

Ten reasons to plan your dream golf vacation to the links of northwest Ireland

Northwest Ireland has risen to prominence in golf and accommodations and is comparable to the great links courses in southwest Ireland and Northern Ireland. Jason Scott Deegan offers up 10 reasons why a golf trip to northwest Ireland should be your next overseas escape.

Emerald escapes: Five great golf courses for a quick round near Dublin, Ireland

Just because you're not in Ireland for a golf trip doesn't mean you can't sneak in a round or two. Now that most of the top golf courses on the Emerald Isle rent clubs and offer online tee times, booking a round of golf is just a click away.

World Invitational Father & Son Tournament: A family affair at Waterville Golf Links in Co. Kerry

There's nothing that can replicate the bond of a father and son playing golf together. That bond rises to new heights at the World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament held every year at the Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland. The event, run by the Carr Golf Group for more than two decades, has become a family tradition for many fathers and sons.

Dungannon Golf Club in Northern Ireland: A champion's home course

Darren Clarke learned to play the game at Dungannon Golf Club, a pretty parkland course right in the middle of Northern Ireland. While the course is pretty enough and the green fee is almost embarrassingly reasonable, the appeal of Dungannon is the opportunity to pay homage to the 2011 British Open champion, Clive Agran writes from County Tyrone.

Castlerock Golf Club in County Londonderry Part of the secret of Northern Ireland s success

Castlerock Golf Club, situated on the banks of the River Bann about five miles west of Coleraine in Northern Ireland, is a majestic links right up there with Royal County Down Golf Club and Royal Portrush. It may be a cliche, but Castlerock truly is a "hidden gem," Clive Agran writes.

Druids Glen Resort in County Wicklow offers a great Irish golf getaway and much more

Druids Glen Resort, best known for its Druids Glen and Druids Heath golf courses, is more than just a haven for golfers seeking an Irish getaway. Guests can explore the striking countryside where "Braveheart" was filmed by hiking, horseback or taking a scenic drive. Golfers will be busy exploring the former Irish Open-host Druids Glen Course, or the equally strong Druids Heath.

Portmarnock Links: An affordable, playable seaside golf course near Dublin

Portmarnock Links does not have history on its side. But the course, which opened in 1995, has everything else going its way -- a playable Bernhard Langer layout, an affordable rate, a historic golfer-friendly hotel and a seaside setting filled with dunes just minutes from the Dublin airport, Jason Scott Deegan writes.

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.