Few golf destinations in the world can match the combination of spectacular links golf, warm Irish hospitality and breathtaking scenery found in South West Ireland. For golfers looking to tick off some true bucket-list courses, this corner of Ireland should be right at the top of the list.
And after a remarkable couple of weeks that have seen Lahinch host the Walker Cup and Doonbeg take centre stage for the 2026 Amgen Irish Open, the golfing world has been given a fantastic reminder of just how special this part of Ireland really is.
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A Bucket-List Golf Destination
South West Ireland is made for a golf trip.
Rugged Atlantic coastline, towering dunes, traditional links courses and some of the most welcoming towns and villages in Ireland combine to create an experience that goes far beyond the golf itself.
At Tweddell Golf Travel, we can build a completely bespoke itinerary around some of Ireland's greatest courses, including Lahinch, Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee, Old Head and Adare Manor.
Each offers something completely different. Lahinch delivers old-school links golf through spectacular natural dunes; Doonbeg hugs the Atlantic coastline; Ballybunion is one of the great names in world golf; Waterville provides a wonderfully remote links experience; Tralee combines dramatic scenery with an Arnold Palmer design; and Old Head takes golf scenery to another level, perched high above the Atlantic on its extraordinary headland.
Then there is Adare Manor. With the 2027 Ryder Cup heading to Adare, it adds another dimension to a South West Ireland itinerary and gives travelling golfers the opportunity to experience one of Ireland's great modern championship venues.
Killarney – The Perfect Base
The golf might be the headline attraction, but a trip to South West Ireland is about much more than simply collecting great courses.
Killarney is one of our favourite places to incorporate into an Irish golf itinerary. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and some of Ireland's most beautiful countryside, the town offers an excellent selection of luxury hotels, traditional pubs and restaurants, while still retaining the atmosphere and character that makes a golf trip to Ireland so memorable.
A day away from the course can be just as enjoyable. Explore Killarney National Park, visit the lakes, take a drive around the Ring of Kerry, or simply spend an afternoon enjoying the town before heading out for dinner and a few pints of Guinness.
It is this combination that makes the region so good for groups. You can play world-class golf during the day and still have plenty to experience once the clubs have been put away.
Lahinch Takes Centre Stage
The recent Walker Cup at Lahinch showcased the County Clare links beautifully to a worldwide audience.
Played on 5–6 September, the match saw Great Britain & Ireland defeat the United States 13½–12½, completing a remarkable comeback in the Sunday singles.
But beyond the result, the television coverage showed exactly why golfers travel from around the world to experience Lahinch.
The enormous dunes, Atlantic Ocean backdrop, unpredictable coastal weather and wonderfully natural golf holes all came across brilliantly on screen. Lahinch has been part of Irish golf since the 19th century, with Old Tom Morris originally laying out the course before Alister MacKenzie later redesigned it.
If you watched the Walker Cup and found yourself thinking, I'd love to play there, the good news is that you can.
Now It's Doonbeg's Turn
Just days after the Walker Cup, attention moved a short distance down the County Clare coastline as Doonbeg hosted the 2026 Amgen Irish Open from 10–13 September.
Once again, South West Ireland has looked spectacular on television.
Doonbeg is a dramatic links course built amongst huge dunes alongside the Atlantic, and seeing the world's best professionals tackle it provides another reminder of the quality and variety of golf available in this region.
Next Up – The Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027
The spotlight on Irish golf isn't going anywhere. Next up, Adare Manor will host the Ryder Cup in 2027, bringing one of the biggest events in world golf back to Ireland.
Located in County Limerick, Adare Manor provides a completely different experience to the traditional links courses of the South West. The Tom Fazio-designed Golf Course is a spectacular parkland layout, complemented by one of Ireland's finest luxury hotels and resorts.
With Lahinch hosting the Walker Cup in 2026, Doonbeg welcoming the Irish Open and Adare Manor preparing for the Ryder Cup, South West Ireland is firmly at the centre of the golfing world.
Experience It for Yourself with Tweddell Golf Travel
Watching these courses on television is one thing. Standing on the first tee with the Atlantic in front of you is something completely different.
A South West Ireland golf trip can combine the likes of Lahinch, Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee, Old Head and Adare Manor, alongside carefully selected hotels, private transport, restaurants and sightseeing throughout the region.
At Tweddell Golf Travel, every trip is built around you. Whether you want a week of pure links golf, luxury hotels and championship courses, or a more relaxed itinerary combining golf with the best of Killarney and the Irish countryside, we can create a bespoke trip from start to finish.
You've seen Lahinch and Doonbeg on television. Now it's time to come and experience South West Ireland for yourself.
Start planning your bespoke South West Ireland golf trip with Tweddell Golf Travel.