WELCOME TO DESTINATION GOLF IRELAND 2026
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The year 2026 is the 10th anniversary of the Destination Golf Ireland guide, so, welcome to this special edition! Over those 10 years much has changed in the world of golf, including Royal Portrush hosting two Open Championships. There was no fairytale ending in 2025, but the course made clear why it is regarded as one of the very best in the world.
That is something that can be said of many of our courses, and 2025 saw continued developments at some of the most recognisable names – including Donegal, Portstewart and Ballybunion (Cashen). These – and many others – will continue their developments into 2026. The European Club is now under new ownership, with Pat Ruddy selling up and sitting back to enjoy his enduring legacy.
There is exciting news as Curracloe Links, in Co. Wexford, comes closer to completion. A soft opening is planned for 2026. Destination Golf has seen the course and it will be a unique addition to Ireland’s golf offering. It is not, however, the only new course on the horizon, as a new links is set is to be designed in Bellarena, Co. Derry. This will be the first links built in Northern Ireland, for over 100 years.
Word is, that up to four new courses could be in the pipeline. Watch this space.
And on that note, one of the courses in our 2025 list has been removed as there will be considerable upheaval during its overhaul by European Golf Design. Roe Valley will, no doubt, return when the course is fully open again.
This year sees three new courses in our Top 150: Ballyneety and Limerick golf clubs – both in Co. Limerick – as well as Ballycastle, on the Antrim coastline. Roe Valley drops out as the course will be undergoing significant upgrades during 2026.
Kevin Markham
Editor
Destination Golf Media Ltd.