Discovering Two of Ireland’s Best Kept Bargains

Enniscrone Golf Club- (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

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When you picture a golf trip to Ireland, vivid images unfold: wild, ever-changing weather; centuries-old traditions steeped in history; firm turf that tests every shot; wicked bunkers that challenge the bold; intricate green complexes that demand precision; towering sand dunes; breathtaking coastlines; and landscapes that seem painted by nature itself. This is the essence that attracts golf travelers from around the globe.

Ireland is home to some of the world’s most revered courses—Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Ballybunion Old, Lahinch, Waterville, Tralee, and Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg, to name a few. These courses offer nearly everything the passionate golfer dreams of in a complete experience. But there’s a question every traveler must ask: at what cost?

The game’s popularity in Ireland has surged over the past five years, fueling demand—and with it, green fees that have quickly increased. In fact, many premier courses have raised their rates by over €100 in just the last year.

Let’s take a closer look at what it will cost to tee it up at some of Ireland’s top golf destinations in 2025 during peak season (April through October), excluding caddie fees:

Royal County Down: £425 per round (about $500)

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg: €425 per round (about $500)

Royal Portrush: £420 per round (about $490)

Ballybunion Old Course: £400 per round (about $468)

Lahinch (Old Course): €375 per round (about $439)

Waterville: €375 per round (about $439)

Tralee: €375 per round (about $439)

As you can see, you will need to pay for these top experiences and it doesn’t even include caddie fees which typically run around a total of €100 per round (about $117). So that brings up the next question, is there a way to experience all of what Ireland has to offer, without paying top dollar to experience it?

Let me suggest two courses that not only have all the characteristics in Irish golf you’re looking for, but also can fit your budget.

Carne Golf Links (Wild Atlantic Dunes) €195 per round (about $228)

Just outside Belmullet and near Ireland’s most western point, lies one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes — a place where towering dunes and rugged terrain feel almost otherworldly. Woven effortlessly into this wild beauty is Carne Golf Links, a 27-hole masterpiece that plays as raw and authentic as the land itself.

The original layout, the final design of legendary Irish architect Eddie Hackett, is often hailed as his most formidable challenge. Years later, Carne expanded with the Kilmore Nine — part of the Wild Atlantic Dunes — crafted by America’s Jim Engh and Scotland’s Ally McIntosh. These holes twist and climb through a dunescape so vast and immersive, it feels as though the outside world no longer exists.

Carne plays the game the way nature intended — no irrigation to soften fairways or greens, just pure, firm links golf at its finest. Add in what might be the largest dunes you’ll encounter anywhere in golf, and you’re in for an exhilarating ride.

Another highlight of the Carne experience is its inviting clubhouse, where a clean, modern design meets a warm, cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to relive the day’s round over a hearty meal and a perfectly poured Guinness. With the aesthetics and challenge of Ireland’s most celebrated courses, plus a staff deeply committed to every visitor’s enjoyment, Carne delivers world-class golf at a price that feels like a steal.

Enniscrone Golf Club (Dunes) – €235 (about $275)

About an hour east of Carne Golf Links lies another gem — Enniscrone Golf Club. This seaside beauty also bears the touch of Eddie Hackett, who helped transform it from a modest nine-hole layout into a full 18, and with the help of Donald Steel eventually the 27-hole spectacle it is today. The front 9 layout of the Dunes course is overall more flat with an open layout meanwhile the back 9 takes you through some of the more impressive dunes that I have seen like on the par 5 14th hole.

What sets Enniscrone apart is its creativity. No two holes play alike, and you’ll likely reach for every club in your bag before the round is done. The course demands your full attention, and when the stiff Atlantic breeze rolls in, it quickly bares its teeth. Adding to the charm is a quirk straight out of golf’s past: on the back nine, sweeping elevation changes and dunes often block your view, and a bell lets the group behind know the fairway is clear.

The warmth of Enniscrone extends far beyond the fairways. From the moment you arrive, the staff greet you with that unmistakable Irish hospitality, making you feel like an old friend rather than a first-time visitor. Whether it’s ensuring you have everything you need or pouring a well-earned pint of Guinness after the round, their welcome is every bit as memorable as the golf itself.

When planning your next trip to Ireland, Carne Golf Links and Enniscrone Golf Club are two must-play destinations that deliver unforgettable golf — and unbeatable value.

Jeff Goudy is a golf writer and co-founder of Break80 Golf LLC. He can be found on social media platforms @Break80_Golf