Ireland is well known for its golf courses and the spectacular scenery really lends a unique Irish touch to any game. A number of hotel's boast their own courses or access to a neighbouring course, making them alluring destinations for any golf enthusiast. Better still, due to the space required for the game, these can often be found in grand converted estates. Our hotel experts have assessed them all and have brought together a collection of the best golf hotels in Ireland. From properties renowned for their restaurant or spa to family-friendly stays there are plenty to choose from.

For a championship course

Dromoland Castle

  • Dromoland Castle in County Clare is impressive by every measure. With grand interiors fitting of its imposing exterior, 450 acres of parkland, and a highly acclaimed restaurant. The 18-hole championship course is, however, the real lure.
  • The K Club is a luxury hotel set amongst 550 acres of parkland in County Kildare. Interiors are traditional and filled with antiques. Expect a number of outdoor pursuits available from falconry to clay-pigeon shooting; this is a smart country escape. But unmissabe are the Ryder Cup and Smurfit Golf Courses, designed by Arnold Palmer and widely regarded as two of the finest in Europe!

For the spa

Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort

  • Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel is a four star resort located just an hour from Dublin, in County Wexford. The real appeal to this property is the beach location, the golf club (of course), and the award-winning Oceo Spa which boasts 14 treatment rooms, a sunken spa garden, and a hydrotherapy pool.
  • Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort is a luxurious country house complete with an acclaimed golf course in County Cavan. With a luxury spa on site designed by Heinz Schletterer, choose this hotel for a pampering holiday.
  • Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is one of Northern Ireland's best known hotels set between the mountains of Morne and the sea. A place to come to spend mornings on the golf course and afternoons spent unwinding in the state-of-the-art spa.

For the country pursuits

Dunmore House

  • Dunmore House is a luxurious hotel offering a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the ocean in County Cork. Beyond the property's own golf course, spectacular horse rides, fishing, bird watching, and cycling are all offered. The perfect choice for an outdoors escape.

For families

Castlemartyr Resort

  • Castlemartyr Resort is a large family friendly country house set in 220 acres of beautiful County Cork countryside. With a number of activities on offer, a selection of restaurants, and a spa for adults to unwind in, this is a great choice for a family break. Its inland links style 18 hole course is suitable for players of all levels.
  • Waterford Castle is an historic building set on its own private island in Waterford. Offering a number of rural activities and featuring modern self-catering lodges; a smart choice for holidays with the family. Plus its 18 hole course is ranked in the top 30 parkland courses in Ireland.

For luxury

Glenio Abbey Hotel

  • Glenlo Abbey Hotel is an 18th century country estate, just outside Galway, with grand period furnishings. Offering a superb Pullman restaurant and whiskey bar. Pick this hotel for an elegant rural escape. The hotel's golf course may only have nine holes, but it is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the country. Plus they offer a driving range, and onsite golf academy.

For foodies

Adare Manor

  • Adare Manor is a neo-Gothic manor in the County Limerick village of Adare. Boasting a championship golf course and spa facilities, the manor affords guests the opportunity to luxuriate in beautiful and historic environs. Better yet, the restaurant has won numerous awards, including a Michelin star.

For a contemporary stay

The Lodge at Ashford Castle

  • The Lodge at Ashford Castle boasts a spectacular location overlooking Lough Corrib in County Mayo. Interiors are elegant and contemporary with fun bold features. Set just a ten minutes walk from Ashford Castle Golf Club, this is a smart choice.

Still not sure?

The 11 Best Golf Hotels in Ireland

Slieve Donard Resort & Spa

County Down (Co. Down)

One of Northern Ireland's best known hotels set between the mountains of Morne and the sea. State of the art spa and pool complex, stylish contemporary rooms, and extensive conference facilities on the doorstep of the Royal County Down Golf Course. A great spot for avid golfers.

  • Spa breaks - State-of-the-art leisure and wellness facilities including 20m indoor pool, thermal suite, rock sauna and ESPA-led spa
  • Total relaxation - Whether a few rounds on the golf course or treatments in the spa - there is something for everyone here
  • Romantic Break - Spoil yourself and a loved one
  • Weddings - A popular wedding location
from £110 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel

County Wexford

A quiet luxury retreat with spa and golf course just an hour from Dublin. Fantastic for groups, families and weddings. Beautiful sea views from crisp bedrooms - some with balconies. Perfectly unspoilt sandy beaches are great for long walks. A charming and quiet spot, ideal for a weekend getaway.

  • Families - The Gate Lodge is perfect for groups or families.
  • Spa breaks - Winner of the Tatler Hotel Spa of the Year 2012.
  • Great walks - Gardens at Marlfield House
  • Sights nearby - Wells House and Gardens
from £82 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The K Club

County Kildare (Kildare)

A 550 acre estate situated in the heart of Ireland’s equestrian county, The K Club is a winning combination of modern day comforts with period charm. The Ryder Cup has been hosted here but even if golf doesn’t appeal, The K Club's bucolic atmosphere, yet convenient location is sure to.

  • Golf - Both designed by Arnold Palmer, The Ryder Cup Course and The Smurfit Course are considered among Europe's finest!
  • Fishing - If you fancy a relaxing afternoon then there are plenty of spots to go off fishing
  • Birdwatching - Falconry with falcons, hawks, owls and a golden eagle
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor pool
from £166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Adare Manor

Adare (Adare)

A simply stunning 19th century manor in the quintessential Irish village of Adare, Co. Limerick with Michelin star dining, a luxurious spa and stunning grounds. Adare Manor is without a doubt one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels.

  • Restaurant - The Oakhouse Restaurant for award winning fine dining and the Carriage Restaurant for more relaxed dinners.
  • Spa - Luxury spa offering offer the full spectrum of body treatments, massages and wraps.
  • Swimming Pool - Large 15 metre indoor pool overlooking the River Maigue
  • Great walks - Wonderful surrounding countryside
from £650 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Waterford Castle

Waterford (Ballinakill)

Set on a private island, the historic Waterford Castle is an atmospheric spot for a weekend away. Awash with heritage and charm, it offers luxurious rooms, an excellent restaurant and an onsite golf-course. The modern, self-catered lodges are perfect for families or groups.

  • Country Escape - On its own private island and with a golf course onsite, it's the perfect country escape.
  • Great walks - There are a large assortment of nature trails and walking paths to explore.
  • Full of character
  • Restaurant
from £197 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Lodge at Ashford Castle

County Mayo

A picturesque country hotel, overlooking Lough Corrib in Co. Mayo. The splendid rooms are lavishly decorated with beautiful beds and woven carpets. Try your hand at fishing on the lake or enjoy a round of golf before returning for a delicious meal at Wilde's. A great location for weddings.

  • Weddings - Offering a bespoke wedding service, stunning interiors and epic views- it's a picturesque spot to get married.
  • Country Escape - The perfect countryside escape- set amidst the rolling rugged landscape and lakes of Mayo.
  • Fishing - Excellent trout fishing on the nearby Lough Corrib.
  • Sights nearby - Seven miles from the historic Raunaskerra Ringfort.
from £224 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort

County Cavan (Cavan)

Set on a beautiful country estate on the outskirts of Cavan Town, this spa and golf resort offers guests total relaxation. Cut off from the outside world in spacious and contemporary guestrooms with countryside views. Explore the luxurious hotel spa after a day on the green; a superb country escape.

  • Country Escape - Set on a verdant country estate with an acclaimed golf course, book this hotel for your next escape from the city
  • Spa breaks - With a luxury spa onsite designed by Heinz Schletterer, book this hotel for your next pampering holiday
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the relaxed atmosphere at this resort; book a luxury suite for added indulgence
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Marble Arch Caves; visitors can explore this natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers
from £96 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Glenlo Abbey Hotel

Galway (County Galway)

This luxury hotel is located on a peaceful country estate in Galway, on the banks of Lough Corrib. Guestrooms have period furnishings in keeping with the 18th-century property; book the Presidential Suite for opulent living space. Spend a day on the hotel's acclaimed golf course; a stylish retreat.

  • Country Escape - Set on a charming country estate with an acclaimed golf course, book this hotel for your next escape from the city
  • Local exploring - With easy access to Galway, and plenty of natural beauty around the hotel, there is lots to explore here
  • Foodies - Foodies will love the stylish Pullman Restaurant, housed within a former train carriage
  • Views
from £186 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Dunmore House

County Cork (Clonakilty)

A luxurious hotel offering a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Bright contemporary rooms are decorated with soft hues and simple light wood furniture; the best have private terraces. Boasting its own golf course and a wide range of outdoor pursuits. A superb country escape.

  • Riding - Ride along the beach on one of the hotel's horses. There's also stable space for those who want to bring their own horse
  • Active Holiday - Situated on the coast and boasting its own golf course this is a perfect escape for those who like to keep active
  • Golf - Play a round on the hotel's own 9-hole course
  • Restaurant - Adrift Restaurant serves dishes from locally sourced produce with a focus on the delicious seafood!
from £115 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Dromoland Castle

County Clare

An imposing castle set in 450 acres of parkland and boasting its own 18-hole championship golf course. Rooms are suitably grand with a heady blend of traditional style with contemporary luxuries. The restaurant is highly acclaimed and there's a wide range of rural activities on offer.

  • Active Holiday - Boasting its own golf course and numerous other rural pursuits this is perfect destination for those who like to get outdoors
  • Golf - Play a round on the impressive 18-hole championship course on the property grounds
  • Country Escape - An imposing castle set in acres of manicured grounds; a luxurious rural escape
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor pool
from £257 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Castlemartyr Resort

County Cork

A luxury family-friendly offering set within 220 acres of spectacular countryside in County Cork. Spacious rooms are traditionally styled and feature indulgent marble bathrooms complete with White Company products. A spoiling spa, golf course and choice of restaurants complete the picture.

  • Country Escape - A sprawling estate offering luxury accommodation and outdoor pursuits abound. An indulgent rural escape
  • Golf - Play a round on the property's own Ron Kirby designed 18-hole links style course
  • Great walks - Take a walk along one of the three marked trails (the hotel's resident dogs will happily accompany guests)
  • Spa - There are 10 treatment rooms and a couples's suite, plus vitality lounge, pool, sauna....
from £130 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

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