With some of Europes most acclaimed courses, including many of its finest true links courses, Ireland has become one of the worlds favourite golfing destinations. Famous links courses, challenging championship parkland courses, and some of the most beautiful scenery you will find anywhere, makes this one of the great golfing holidays.

To make it even more enticing there is now a large network of holiday operators to arrange every detail of your holiday on your behalf and special regional passes to make the value of your golfing break even greater.

The Worlds Friendliest 19^th Hole!

Theres one other especially Irish aspect to golfing here. Whether its one of the new breed of world-class luxury golf resorts, a classic golfing institution or an intimate local club, you can be sure youll receive the welcome youd expect at the worlds friendliest destination (Lonely Planet 2008). Or put it this way, the craic at the 19^th hole is guaranteed!

Courses for Everyone

From the great names of golfing history to stunning state-of-the-art new golf resorts, there is a course to suit every taste and ability.

Typical of the mix of challenging golf and spectacular scenery, in this case the amazing view over the County Antrim coast, is the famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, which was founded back in 1888. Rated by Golf World magazine as one of the world's top twenty, it was the first course to host an Open Championship in Ireland (1951) and its two championship courses have been enjoyed by some of the major stars of golf.

Follow the Tiger

Speaking of the great names of golf, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els are just two famous fans of the equally venerable Ballybunion Golf Club in Kerry, which also boasts two world-rated championship courses. Doubtful? Heres what Tom Watson said of it; "I am now of the opinion it is one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere in the world."

Luxury Golf

One of a new breed of golf courses that are part of a luxury package, the Jack Nicklaus designed Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny has hosted three Irish Opens and the 2002 and 2004 American Express World Golf Championships. Beloved of golfers the world around, the estate also includes the award-winning Mount Juliet Conrad Hotel. Activities here include horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery or chilling out in their spa.

Special K

Equally glamorous is the fantastic K Club in County Kildare.  Based around the magnificent 1830s Straffan House, now the 5-star K Club Hotel, the high-end luxury resort has two outstanding courses, one designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, which have hosted the Ryder Cup and European Open. They also boast a superb spa and a host of activities.

Glorious Views

You can also enjoy the high life at the Old Head of Kinsale golf resort, one of the most beautiful settings of any course in the world with glorious views over the Atlantic Ocean. The luxury quota at the Old Head Clubhouse includes a 5-star restaurant, state-of-the-art spa, and special suites for members. Its just a tee shot away from the gourmet capital of Ireland, medieval Kinsale.

Another luxurious golf resort, Doonbeg, is just a short drive from Shannon International Airport. The Greg Norman designed course plays across 1.5 kilometres of beach and dunes along Clares beautiful Doughmore Bay, while the hotel, restaurant and White Horses Spa are winning over non-golfers too.

Historic Courses

Another memorable coastline setting is Royal County Down in Newcastle, where, the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. One of Europes oldest and most revered courses, its outward half has been described by Tom Watson as; "as fine a nine holes as I have ever played. Keep it very straight off the tee", he advises, "stray from the fairways at your peril!"

If that sounds a bit too challenging, don't be put off visiting this delightful seaside town. Royal County Down's second course, the Annesley Links, is nowhere near as formidable a challenge as the Championship Links. Just relax and enjoy yourself in the true spirit of Irish golf.

Go European

When top golf course designer Pat Ruddy surveyed the Irish coastline by helicopter for the ultimate golfing location he decided he had found what he sought at Brittas Bay in Wicklow. The result is the now famous European Club. All but four of the twenty (yes twenty!) holes have superb ocean views, while the par-four seventh is ranked as one of the world's best.

A short hop from Dublin Airport is another stellar course with views to match, this time overlooking the sea between the charming villages of Howth and Malahide, eleven miles from Dublin City Centre. The ancient Portmarnock Golf Club boasts a championship standard golf course designed by Bernhard Langer, which is perfect for all abilities. Combine your visit with a stay at the adjoining Portmarnock Hotel, whose 138 deluxe bedrooms have sea or garden views.

Palatial Splendour

Inland settings can be just as enticing, like the County Armagh Golf Club, formed in 1893, where literally thousands of trees enhance the beauty of the grounds and provide an attractive backdrop for the nearby 18th century Primates Palace. A massive limestone obelisk is sited at the highest point of the acclaimed course from where there are panoramic views over the ancient city founded by Saint Patrick and as far as the Sperrin Mountains in the distance.

European Golf Resort Of The Year 2005

Another fabulous inland course is Wicklows Druids Glen Golf Club, which hosted the Murphys Irish Open from 1996 to 1999 and was the host venue for the Seve Trophy in 2002. A classic parkland course, known as The Augusta of Europe, its named after a pre-Christian altar discovered while it was being constructed. With its forests, streams and wildlife, the Glen provides a delightful setting for the European Golf Resort Of The Year 2005.

Hidden Treasures

If you're looking for something a little less famous, Ireland has many other delightful courses. Overlooking Lough Swilly in Donegal, by one of Europes most beautiful beaches, Portsalon has been described as one of Ireland's hidden golfing treasures.

Historic Kenmare Golf Club has breathtaking views over Kenmare Bay and a first rate course, designed by renowned golf architect, Eddie Hackett. Renowned for its famous food offering, Kenmare itself links the world famous Ring of Kerry with the wild beauty of the Ring of Beara.

Other hidden gems include Killerig in County Carlow, Cavan's magnificent Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club, host to the Irish PGA Championship and the North West of Ireland Open, and the dramatic course overlooking the ocean at Ardglass Golf Club in County Down, with six of the most spectacular holes in Irish golf.

Golfing Holiday Operators

But that's just a taste of what's on offer. You can check out a more comprehensive list, discover a whole range of specialist golf tour operators, find our more about the great value regional passes (see below) and get lots of tips at www.discoverireland.ie/Golf.

Top Tips

Here are a few tips to help you on your way. First of all, each region, including Northern Ireland, has special golf passes available allowing you to access golf at top courses for less. Secondly, if youre planning your own itinerary, book the courses that you want to play well in advance. At the same time, check whether they have any restrictions, whether in the clubhouse or on the course, regarding anything from dress code to the use of trolleys.

Finally, relax and enjoy yourself. It couldnt be easier in Ireland.