Ireland is a proud golfing country, with many great places to play in Ireland. Here are some of the best golf courses in Cork that are amongst the best in the country.
The county of Cork, located in southwest Ireland, is a beautiful place to visit. It is rich in culture and blessed with stunning views that showcase the best the fantastic Irish countryside has to offer.
Thankfully for avid golfers, Cork is blessed with wonderful scenery and some of the best golf courses in Ireland.
In this article, we will reveal the top ten best golf courses in Cork that everyone should play a game in at least once.
10. Charleville Golf Club – provides a challenging but enjoyable test
This championship course will provide a challenging but enjoyable test to golfers of all levels. The course is also renowned for its stunning fairways and beautiful greens.
Address: Ardmore House, Smiths Rd, Ardmore, Charleville, Co. Cork
9. Muskerry Golf Course – one of the best 18-hole parkland courses in Ireland
The Muskerry Golf Course is widely considered one of the best 18-hole parkland courses in Munster and Ireland.
Overall, the course has 20 holes, and a variety of different course layouts. The last few holes (15-18) are easily among some of the finest finishing holes to be found anywhere in the country.
Address: R579, Dromasmole, Carrigrohane, Co. Cork
8. Lee Valley Golf & Country Club – designed by a world-famous Ryder Cup star
The Lee Valley Golf & Country Club golf course was designed by the world-famous Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr and was consistently voted in the top 100 Irish Golf Course for four years running.
Renowned for its dramatic scenery, the course is regarded as one of the finest courses in Cork.
Address: Mullaghroe, Clashanure, Ovens, Co. Cork
7. Monkstown Golf Club – some of the most challenging finishing holes in Ireland
First developed in 1908, the course at Monkstown Golf Club has become one of the best mature parkland courses in Munster over the last few decades. This is thanks to the work of Scottish Head Greenkeeper Martin Travers since 1990.
The first nine holes give golfers spectacular views of Cork Harbour, while the last nine holes are some of the most challenging finishing holes to be found anywhere in County Cork.
The last nine holes contain some exciting water features that have improved the challenge and the natural aesthetic of the course.
Address: Parkgarriff, Co. Cork, T12 W803
6. Fermoy Golf Club – offers a challenging test for both expert and novice alike
Established in 1892, this wooded golf course poses a challenging test for experts and novices alike.
Situated on the slopes of Corrin Hill and set amongst an amalgamation of natural heather and gorse, the course provides panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley.
Address: Corrin Hill, Cullenagh, Fermoy, Co. Cork
5. Bantry Bay Golf Club – enjoy panoramic views while playing golf
This 18-hole championship course offers acres of parkland impressive panoramic views of the rugged West Cork coastline.
Landmarks such as the Beara Mountains and the Sheep’s and Mizen Head peninsulas can be seen and admired while putting home your winning shot.  Â
Address: Caher, Donemark, Co. Cork, P75 DT68
4. The Castlemartyr Golf Resort – one of the best golf courses in Ireland
The Castlemartyr Golf Resort is an 18-hole Inland Links Style Course created by the famous golf course designer Ron Kirby. Kirby has created other masterpieces such as the Old Head, Mount Juliet, and Gleneagles in Scotland.
The course is designed to be both challenging and enjoyable, and with the excellent team at Castlemarty Golf Club, you will be treated like a pro.
Address: Castlemartyr Resort, Grange, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, P25 X300
3. Fota Island Hotel & Golf Resort – a paradise for golf enthusiasts
What can we say about the Fota Island Golf Club courses in County Cork other than they’re an absolute paradise for golf enthusiasts?
Surrounded by tall oak trees, the Fota Island Resort course offers a peaceful and quiet experience. The three courses are all maintained to the highest quality and have hosted the Irish Open on three different occasions, providing a fantastic atmosphere.
Address: Fota Island Hotel & Golf Resort, Fota Island Resort, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 HW72
2. Cork Golf Club – a championship golf course routed through exceptional terrain
The championship golf course at Cork Golf Club is routed through exceptional terrain and is scenically situated in Cork Harbour. The course has hosted many amateur and professional championships, including the Irish Open. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The course contains many unusual features, such as holes 6-10 set in a disused limestone quarry and should be the next golf destination on your list.
Address: Castleview, Little Island, Co. Cork
1. Old Head Golf Links – the best golf course in Cork
In first place in our list of the top ten best golf courses in Cork is the Old Head Golf Links course, which will undoubtedly give you a great time. It is one of the finest links courses in Ireland.Â
300 ft (91.44 m) up and set against the edge of a cliff with the waves of the Atlantic crashing below you, you will feel like you’re playing on the edge of the world, and the views will take your breath away.
The Old Head Golf Links competes amongst Ireland’s best golf courses, such as Ballybunion Golf Club, Tralee Golf Club, Castlerock Golf Club, Portsalon Golf Club, Enniscrone Golf Club, and Galway Bay Golf Resort.Â
Address: Downmacpatrick, Kinsale, Co. Cork
That concludes our article on what we believe are the top ten best golf courses in Cork. Have you played a game of golf in any of them yet?
Other notable mentions
Cobh Golf Club: The course at Cobh Golf Club is an 18-hole championship standard golf course with USGA specification greens.
Bandon Golf Club: The Bandon Golf Club is set over 130 acres and is a course that boasts a bountiful variety of wildlife. It is one of the best in County Cork.
Kinsale Golf Club: This course is in a rural setting which offers golfers the chance to enjoy a game against a marvellous scenic backdrop.
Douglas Golf Club: Douglas Golf Course has one of the best golf courses in Cork.
FAQS about the best golf courses in Cork
Where to stay in Cork and Kinsale?
We believe the luxury hotel of Castlemartyr Resort and Perryville House in Kinsale are the best places to stay for golfers visiting these areas in County Cork.
Why book a golf break in County Cork?
If you happen to be a golf fan, Cork is most certainly worth a visit, thanks to its abundance of excellent golf courses.
What are the best golf courses in Ireland?
These are Royal Belfast Golf Club, Powerscourt Golf Club, Waterville Golf Club, Malone Golf Club, Lahinch Golf Club, and Louth Golf Club. Other options include Donegal Golf Club, Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, Belvoir Park Golf Club, Portstewart Golf Club, and Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort.Â
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