A superb parkland course on the grounds of an old agricultural college, Ballinrobe provides a good test of golf. The greens here are among the finest in Ireland and the renovated farmhouse that is now the clubhouse provides a unique atmosphere.

On the remote Belmullet peninsula, in the North Western corner of County Mayo, the links at Carne (host to Belmullet Golf Club) is without doubt one of the great links courses in the world. It's remote location is a possible reason why this course is relatively unknown, but for any discerning links golfer it is simply unmissable.

Another remote Atlantic location, this time in the South Western corner of County Galway. Connemara (also known as Ballyconneely) is another world-class links. The sometimes heard criticism of it's opening stretch must be taken in the context of the non-stop exhiliration of the challenge from the eighth to the eighteenth.

Opened in 2007 this 7,000 yard parkland course is set in 200 acres of beautiful Galway countryside. The course designer Dr. Arthur Spring used the natural contours of the land to create a really tough test of golf. Managing to keep many of the local features such as the famous the stone walls of Galway, scrubland and some mature trees, this course plays far more mature than its recent vintage would suggest. For added spice, some water hazards have been created around the closing holes to further test the skill and nerve of homebound golfer.

County Sligo Golf Club is one of Ireland's great Championship Links located on the Rosses Point peninsula, 6km from Sligo. Established in 1894, the present Championship links was designed in 1927 by the famous golfing architect, Harry S. Colt, with a variety of holes to create a test for the very best golfers. Over the years legendary players such as Walter Hagen, Bobby Locke, Henry Cotton, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo and Darren Clarke have made the pilgrimage to this classic course that lies under the imposing shadow of Ben Bulben.

Doonbeg is a Greg Norman design on the site originally proposed in the 1870's for Lahinch Golf Club. This is a new links - a tremendously scenic setting with some beautiful golf holes. Fear the wind here and heat up the putter!.

The legendary J.B. Carr and one of golf's great golf course architects, Ron Kirby, who teamed up to turn Dromoland Castle into an 18-hole golf course, set in one of Europe's finest country estates. Three years of careful nurture and natural maturation has created a wonderful par-72 golfing test for all level of golfer with a climactic finish in front of the luxurious castle.

Set in the pituresque scenery near the East Clare village of Bodyke, East Clare presents a great test of striking ability. The natural stream, lakes and trees are complemented by strategically placed bunkers to provide the main hazards. Large greens offer some respite and there are several good scoring chances.

Enniscrone completes the hat-trick of top-rated 'hidden' links courses in the Western region. Course modifications completed in 2001 have elevated this links to a peer level with Carne and Connemara. From the 1st, where an approach shot is played to an elevated green camped between the high sand dunes, Enniscrone continues to present a fine and varied selection of links holes.

Located in the Salthill area of Galway City, Galway is a fine parkland challenge. The elevated site boasts panoramic views over Galway Bay and the Burren.

The course is set on the edge of the world renowned Burren and offers a unique opportunity to play golf while enjoying the panoramic view of the Clare hills, Sliabh Aughty, Coole Park and the famed Mullaghmore. Designed by Christy O'Connor Junior who regards the four par 3s as among the best on offer at any course in Ireland.

The world famous links at Lahinch need no introduction. Recently updated the Old Course is perhaps the most appealing blend of challenge and setting in Ireland.

Shannon Golf Club, established in 1966 was designed by John D Harris as a major championship course of international standard. The course has, over the forty years, matured into one of the best inland courses in the midwest of Ireland. A parkland course of 6763 yards with fairways of natural meadow grass planted on either side with Spruce, Evergreens and a wide variety of deciduous trees. An ideal track to play on day of arrival or departure from Shannon Airport.

A traditional links course in a wonderful setting on a peninsula jutting into Sligo Bay. With Knocknarea mountain as a backdrop to the east and the Atlantic to the west, this often overlooked links has much to offer the keen golfer. Given that Strandhill is famous location for surfing, you are nearly always guaranteed a stiff sea breeze to challenge you on this tight course. Emphasis is on accuracy rather than length given it is less than 6,500 yards.

This is a beautiful course with wonderful views of Clew Bay, with it's 65 islands, and the holy mountain called Croagh Patrick, famous for the annual pilgrimage to the summit. Golfers indulge in a different kind of penance on this challenging course with many memorable holes.

Woodstock is a perfect opening or closing round for a golf tour in Ireland. Located on the outskirts of Ennis town, just 15 miles from Shannon Airport, the course offers the chance of a decent score - without being anyway easy. Natural waterways and punishing tree plantations provide defence on a variety of excellently designed holes. With its own "Amen Corner" and a memorable finishing stretch, "Woodstock is Wonderful".