Best Golf Courses in Leinster: Wicklow, Dublin, Kildare & Wexford

Southern Leinster has some seriously good golf courses spread across Wicklow, Dublin, Kildare, and Wexford. Whether you're a low handicapper or just enjoy getting out for a round at the weekend, there's something here for everyone. Here are nine courses worth putting on your list.

Wicklow

Tulfarris Golf Club

Blessington Lakes

Tulfarris sits right on the edge of Blessington Lakes and the views alone make it worth the trip. The course is challenging without being punishing, and it's kept in great condition year-round. There's accommodation nearby if you want to make a weekend of it. We might be slightly biased on this one, but once you've played it, you'll see why it keeps people coming back. One of the standout courses in Wicklow by any measure.

Druid's Glen Golf Club

Newtownmountkennedy

Often called the Augusta of Europe, and it's not hard to see why. The course winds through dense woodland and the presentation is always immaculate. It's hosted several Irish Opens and remains one of the most respected championship courses in the country. A proper test of golf that rewards good shot-making. If you only play one course in Wicklow, this should be on the shortlist.

Wicklow Golf Club

Wicklow Town

Established in 1904, Wicklow Golf Club has over a century of history behind it. The course runs along the Irish Sea and offers a good mix of holes that suit all levels. The clubhouse is welcoming and the coastal views from several holes are excellent. It's the kind of club where you feel at home from the first tee. A great option if you're staying in or around Wicklow town.

Dublin

Stackstown Golf Club

Dublin Mountains

Tucked into the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, Stackstown gives you panoramic views of the city below. The fairways are well kept and the greens are consistently good. It's a course that makes you work for your score, with some clever elevation changes that keep things interesting. Popular with Dublin golfers for good reason, and easy to get to from the city centre.

Powerscourt Golf Club

Powerscourt Estate

Set on the famous Powerscourt Estate, this championship course has the Wicklow Mountains as its backdrop. The layout is well thought out and the scenery is hard to beat. After your round, you can explore the estate's gardens, which are worth the visit on their own. It's a course that combines serious golf with a genuinely beautiful setting. One of the more memorable rounds you'll play in the region.

Kildare

The K Club

Straffan

Home to two championship courses, The K Club is about as prestigious as it gets in Irish golf. The Palmer Ryder Cup Course hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup and remains a bucket-list course for many. The O'Meara course is no slouch either. The facilities and accommodation are top class across the board. If you're looking for a proper golf getaway with everything on site, this is hard to beat.

Carton House Golf Club

Maynooth

Another estate course with two championship layouts. The Montgomerie and the O'Meara courses each have their own character, and both are kept in excellent condition. The grounds are stunning and the clubhouse is a great place to wind down after a round. Carton House has hosted several Irish Opens and the quality of the experience reflects that. Well worth the drive from Dublin or Wicklow.

Wexford

St. Helen's Bay Golf Resort

Wexford Coast

Links golf right on the Wexford coastline with panoramic views of the Irish Sea. The layout is unique and the coastal winds add a real challenge to every round. It's the kind of course where conditions change throughout the day, so you need to be adaptable. A great change of pace if you're used to parkland courses. The views from the back nine are particularly impressive.

Rosslare Golf Club

Rosslare Strand

Founded in 1905, Rosslare is one of Ireland's oldest golf clubs. This proper links course overlooks the sandy beaches of Rosslare Strand and provides a genuine test of skill at every level. The sea breeze is constant and the views are excellent. It has that old-school feel that a lot of newer courses just can't replicate. A must-play if you're heading to the south-east corner of the country.