The Old Head Golf Links

Old Head Golf Links is one of the most spectacular golf experiences in the world. Set on a dramatic headland near Kinsale in County Cork, the course reaches more than two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding golfers with cliffs, sea air, coastal light, and unforgettable views from nearly every hole.

Opened in 1997, Old Head is a modern Irish icon. The course was designed by Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins, Eddie Hackett, and Joe Carr, with a routing that uses the natural drama of the headland to create a round unlike anything else in Ireland. Cliff-top tees, exposed greens, ocean carries, and shifting winds all combine to make the experience both thrilling and deeply memorable.

While Ireland is famous for ancient links and historic clubs, Old Head offers something different. It is cinematic, bold, and unmistakably unique. The setting is the star, but the golf demands full attention, asking players to manage the wind, trust their lines, and stay present in one of the most visually powerful landscapes in the game.

For North American golfers planning a Southwest Ireland itinerary, Old Head is often one of the most anticipated rounds of the trip. It pairs beautifully with Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee, Waterville, Dooks, and Dingle Golf Links, adding a dramatic finale or unforgettable opening chapter to a journey through Ireland’s most celebrated golf region.

Playing Old Head is about more than the scorecard. It is about standing on the edge of Ireland, surrounded by the Atlantic, and experiencing a course that feels equal parts golf, landscape, history, and theater.