Golfing in Ireland - suggestions?

Just outside of Glenbeigh, where my husband’s stayed twice (bicycle touring), and I was with him on our trip in 2024, there’s the Dooks golf club. We didn’t play the course, but at breakfast at the B&B where we were staying, four gents at the next table were raving about it. They were Irish, and driving around Ireland, playing at several golf courses on a “Guy’s Dream Golf Trip,” and said they’d been especially looking forward to Dooks.

The B&B where we stayed was the Liosderrig House in Glenbeigh, a small town a mile in from the coast in County Kerry. I believe the golf course is right on the coast. We had a great dinner at the Olde Glenbeigh Hotel up the road, which might be another lodging option.

Hello,
There are so many courses and options. I went to Ireland in 2024 by myself just to play golf. My wife didn't want to go. I traveled all the way around the Island playing 14 different courses.
If your planning on visiting the southwest there are a few must plays. Ballybunion, Tralee and Lahinch. Tee times are a must and you may want to look now. Old Head in Kinsale is one of the best in the world.
There are some resorts that have golf courses. One is Adare Manor where they are having the Ryder Cup in 2027. That would be a 10 grand weekend.
I think some of the best courses are in the Northwest. Carne, Enniscrone and Sligo. I know there is a resort up there and one of the courses is called St Patrick's. That is supposed to be a nice one.
I don't know if your going to the Giants Causeway up north but Portrush and Portstewart are up there and they are great courses. If you are I know a.lady that has a 2 bedroom B&B that overlooks the Irish sea and the local golf course that costs under $50. The best deal i ever got in Ireland. Plus the Inn keeper will take you for a morning dip in the ocean before she serves a full breakfast. And don't shake your head on taking her up on her offer. It was one of the best things I did.
But I would suggest the two golfers do a search on U Tube for Ireland Golf. They will find about 100 different ones showing different courses, different locations, different age groups and so on.
Almost all courses in Ireland are great in one way or another. If they weren't good they wouldn't stay in business long.
Have a great trip.

Hello! We went to Ireland a few years ago for the RS Heart of Ireland tour and bookended it with golf. Played both Ballybunion courses and Lahinch before the tour that started in Ennis. Afterwards we played Royal Dublin and then up to Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. All were exceptional courses. We rented clubs and they were terrific. Just took a glove and balls, wore our tennis/hiking shoes.
Pittsburgh just got a nonstop flight to Dublin, so hubby and I are headed there for a few more bucket list courses this fall; we will be taking our clubs this trip. Around Dublin we will be staying at Portmarnock Resort, and they have a course called Jamison Links that can be included in a stay and play package. We will also play Portmarnock Golf Club and then The K Club (they have a stay and play package too). Then we drive to Cork area, stay in Kinsale (known for its food!) and play Old Head and Cork Golf Club. Next we head back up to the Dublin area, staying outside the city a bit (at Clontarf Castle) as we don’t want to drive in the city. We will play Royal Dublin again this trip and then County Lough/Baltray. The Island Golf Course is another great option near Dublin.
Portmarnock and Old Head were the anchors to my planning, so I based everything else off of their availability. I did all the tee times and reservations myself. Be prepared to spend some serious $ for these 2 courses.
Good luck in your planning!

Thank you everyone for the information you have provided - it is very much appreciated. The recommendations provided by fellow RS travellers are all great options.

After just going through the planning/booking stage, based on our experience, when booking your golf trip through Ireland, it's best to be flexible with dates, courses and itinerary...and book as far in advance as possible. Even though its early Feb, we founds some courses were already booked for the end of Aug/early Sept, especially if they offer stay&play packages. And as mentioned in the replies received to my original post, be prepared to spend some $$ on rounds of golf. At some of the premium/well known courses, a round of golf can be as much as 600Euro, plus about 100Euro for a mandatory caddy.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to reply to my post, it's very much appreciated! Happy travels ;)