Part of our Golf guide.
2 places and guides from our Ireland Packing List coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Ireland, Florida Keys Golf Courses: The 6 Best Ones, Travel Tips In Ireland, and Hidden Gems In Ireland.
What To Pack For An Ireland Golf Trip
Pack a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, a mid-layer fleece, golf gloves, and a beanie for Ireland's changeable climate, where sunshine and rain can alternate in a single day. Bring a compact umbrella, a towel for drying clubs between showers, and a windproof golf sweater for coastal links courses.
For footwear, waterproof golf shoes with soft spikes are essential, plus a pair of casual waterproof boots for walking between holes or exploring towns like Lahinch or Ballybunion. Include a golf rain hood that fits your bag, spare dry socks, and a small flask for a warm drink on chilly mornings. A sun hat and sunscreen are also wise, as the sun can break through strongly even on cool days.
Your club selection should include a 3-wood or hybrid for windy links conditions, a 56-degree sand wedge for deep bunkers, and a putter you trust on fast, undulating greens. Pack a rangefinder or GPS device, as many Irish courses have blind shots over dunes. Finally, bring a travel cover for your golf bag and a hard-sided case for clubs if flying into Dublin or Shannon.
Golf Essentials for the Links
Ireland's best courses—like Royal County Down, Ballybunion, and Lahinch—are true links, built on sandy soil along the coast. The wind is a constant factor, so pack a low-compression ball (e.g., Titleist DT TruSoft or Srixon Soft Feel) that flies lower and resists ballooning. Many Irish courses require a handicap certificate (max 24 for men, 36 for women at top venues), so bring a printed or digital copy from your home club.
For tee times, book well in advance for peak season (May–September). Green fees at top links courses range from €100 to €300 per round as of 2024. Caddies are available at most premier courses for about €50–€70 plus tip; they are invaluable for reading the wind and the subtle breaks on the greens.
Local Knowledge and Hidden Gems
Beyond the famous names, Ireland offers hidden gems: Illinois' most stunning golf courses you won't find in the typical guidebooks—though the phrase itself refers to a different region, the spirit of seeking lesser-known links applies equally to courses like Enniscrone, Strandhill, and Donegal's Narin & Portnoo. These provide world-class links experiences at half the price of the big names.
If you're also planning a broader golf trip, note that Myrtle beach golfing - South Carolina's links paradise offers a very different style of coastal golf, but for Ireland, focus on the true links: firm, fast fairways, deep pot bunkers, and the constant Atlantic breeze. Pack accordingly, and you'll be ready for whatever the Irish weather delivers.
