Ireland’s world-famous golf courses may top the bucket list, but some of the most memorable experiences happen well beyond the marquee names – especially when you pair great golf with Irish whiskey and local connection.

This article is based on podcast episode 336 featuring David Hayes, owner of Dunes & Drams, a bespoke tour company with a focus on two of Ireland's most famous pasttimes: golf and whiskey.
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Ireland Golf Trips Beyond the Big Names

Ireland is packed with iconic courses—Ballybunion, Lahinch, Royal County Down—but building an entire trip around only those names can mean higher costs, tighter schedules, and less connection to the place you are.

Why lesser-known Irish golf courses deserve a spot on your itinerary

Blending a couple of marquee courses with smaller, lesser-known clubs creates a more balanced trip. These courses often sit in equally stunning locations, but with more flexibility, easier tee times, and a welcoming, local feel. Travelers might find themselves chatting with members in the clubhouse, sharing stories over a pint, or even playing alongside locals.

That’s where the experience shifts – from simply playing great golf to actually feeling part of the place.

The local experience: golf as part of Irish community life

At smaller clubs, golf isn’t just a visitor activity, it’s woven into daily life. You’ll see regulars out for their weekly rounds, families involved in running the club, and a slower, more relaxed pace that invites you to linger.

Instead of rushing from one course to the next, these experiences encourage travelers to:

Spend time in the clubhouse
Talk with locals about the area
Enjoy the rhythm of the community

For many visitors, this is the Ireland they came to find.

Where to slow down: the northwest of Ireland

For travelers looking to escape the busiest routes, the northwest—Donegal, Sligo, and Mayo—offers incredible golf with fewer crowds.

This region delivers:

Rugged coastal landscapes
Classic links courses along the sea
Quiet towns and villages perfect for unwinding

Courses to explore include:

Carne Golf Links (Mayo)
Enniscrone Golf Club (Sligo)
Narin & Portnoo (Donegal)
Ballyliffin Golf Club (Donegal)
Rosapenna Golf Resort (Donegal)

Pair a round with a visit to nearby distilleries like Ardara Distillery, and you’ve got a day that blends scenery, sport, and Irish flavor.

Southwest favorites (and a must-play splurge)

The southwest is busier, but still worth visiting – especially with the right mix.

A few standout options:

Bantry Bay Golf Club: Scenic, relaxed, and often overlooked
Clonakilty Golf Club: A quirky, local favorite with character
Old Head Golf Links: A dramatic, bucket-list experience perched on cliffs above the Atlantic

If choosing one splurge round, Old Head delivers unforgettable views from every hole.

Old Head Kinsale — photo credit: Old Head Golf Links

Why golf and Irish whiskey make the perfect pairing

Ireland’s whiskey industry has seen a major revival, with more than 50 distilleries now operating across the country.

Like golf, whiskey is deeply tied to place and community:

Distilleries often source barley from nearby farms
Many are family-run or locally rooted
Visitors can experience everything from tastings to hands-on blending

Combining golf with whiskey experiences creates a more rounded trip—one that reflects Ireland’s traditions and culture, not just its landscapes.

Tailoring the trip for golfers and non-golfers

Not everyone in a group needs to golf to enjoy the journey.

While some hit the fairways, others can:

Take a whiskey or gin cocktail class
Visit local farms or food producers
Explore nearby towns, shops, and coastal walks

This flexibility makes Ireland an ideal destination for mixed-interest groups.

Meet the Expert: David Hayes, Dunes & Drams

David Hayes is the owner of Dunes & Drams, a tour company specializing in custom Irish itineraries that blend golf with whiskey and cultural experiences.

David Hayes Dunes & Drams at Old Head — David Hayes & the Dunes & Drams team

His approach focuses on:

Slowing down travel pace
Mixing marquee and lesser-known golf courses
Connecting travelers with local people and businesses

Dunes & Drams offers curated itineraries as well as fully customized trips...