Ireland golf in pictures: A tour of the Emerald Isle's top links courses
Few golf vacations can compare to that of the island of Eire. Ireland and Northern Ireland blend charming hospitality and world-class golf courses for an unbeatable tour.
Most seem to agree that the upper echelon of links in Ireland are as good as, if not better than, Scotland's offerings. The dunesland here seems to be more rugged in many places, setting the stage for more dramatic holes and most memorable scenery. Golf courses like Royal County Down Golf Club, the Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club, Ballybunion Golf Club and Royal Portrush Golf Club are all 19th-century gems worthy of saving room in your golf bag for a camera.
There are several different tours that offer a compact route of world-class golf. Ireland's southwest coast is the most popular tour, while the now Northern Ireland has recently seen a resurgence in tourism. The most rapidly growing, and most affordable, destination of all is the rural northwest. And of course, plenty of golf can be had around Ireland's capital Dublin.
Here is TravelGolf.com's look at some of the best of Ireland and Northern Ireland golf in pictures.