Although not the "home" of golf, many would agree that its soul lies here on the Emerald Isle, perhaps in the cemetery next to the first tee at Ballybunion! The other classic links of the southwest, including Lahinch, Waterville, Tralee, Old Head, and Doonbeg, also need no introduction, but many Ireland golf aficionados will actually head north from Shannon, seemingly to the end of the earth, to a course anointed by Sports Illustrated as the "best in the world!," mysterious Carne Golf Links!

In fact, a series of formidable and thrilling links lines the Ireland northwest coast from Carne in Belmullet to remote Ballyliffin in northern Donegal. Included in these is a 9-holer that rivals Pebble Beach for scenery, Cruit Island Golf Club, which can be incorporated into your tour for about the cost of a few pints in some of the Dublin pubs. Speaking of which, Dublin sports a cluster of some of the finest golf courses in Ireland, and it is possible to play Royal County Down, County Louth Golf Club (2004 Irish Open host), Portmarnock Golf Club, and The European Club among others from a single base.

And don't hesitate to include an extended stay in Northern Ireland, as in the kingdom of golf, Ireland has long been indivisible, and you will not even notice the change from the Republic to the UK. Whatever Ireland golf tour you choose, you may physically return home, but may find that you have also left your soul on the Emerald Isle!

Sample Golf Tours of Ireland

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