Old Head Golf Links

Old Head is one of Ireland's most spectacular links courses, carved into a headland that juts more than two miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. I'll admit it, this is the sort of place that makes you stop on the tee, take the photo and then remember you still have to hit the shot.

Expect proper coastal golf: sea breezes that change club selection in a heartbeat, firm turf and a routing that hugs the cliff edge often enough to keep you honest. It's also one of the most photographed courses in the world and it regularly features on Top 100 lists across Ireland, Europe and beyond. If you're putting together a South West Ireland trip, it's the definition of a bucket-list round and a brilliant contrast to the inland parkland you might play elsewhere on the tour. For more inspiration in the region, see an unforgettable links golf experience.

Logistics are straightforward. Old Head is around 40 minutes from Cork Airport, with Kinsale only 20 minutes away for post-round pints and some of the best food in the county. In other words, you can play somewhere truly iconic without turning the day into a marathon of transfers.

If you fancy making it a proper stay-and-play, there are 15 on-site suites with balconies overlooking the course and coastline, plus a thermal suite and gym for winding down after the round.

Who is this for?

Golfers building a South West Ireland tour who want one headline round, couples looking for a luxury base near Kinsale and groups who care as much about the setting as the score.

Who is it best for?

Confident golfers who enjoy a windy, exposed links test, players who are happy walking a dramatic coastal layout and anyone comfortable paying a premium for a genuinely iconic venue.

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1 Night, 2 Rounds

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1 round at Old Head Golf Links
1 round at Castlemartyr Resort

Old Head Golf Links

The remarkable golf course is the creation of a team of divergent experts, including Ron Kirby, Liam Higgins, Dr. Joe Carr, and the late Eddie Hackett. Every single hole at Old Head is an absolutely remarkable experience, and has incredible views of the iconic lighthouse and the surrounding Atlantic.

The land itself boasts an amazing history, but for now its main attraction is the golf course, which is quickly establishing itself among the world's elite - playing Old Head as part of a Cork Tour will be an unforgettable experience.

For many the course starts off a little slowly with the par-4 1st hole a relatively simple two shot hole which plays away from the sea but you don’t have to wait long before finding a stunning view with the 2nd hole lined by the Atlantic Ocean just to your left. Many will argue that the 3rd and 7th holes are two of the finest par-3’s you’ll experience anywhere in the world, with the 4th hole offering yet another memorable ocean view experience. All in all you’ll struggle not to enjoy Old Head, the course offers unforgettable holes throughout and if you get it on a calm, sunny day you’ll be in for a treat that can challenge any golf course in the world.

At over 7,100 yards off the championship markers, the course is certainly a challenging one off the tee but there is a good choice of tee options available to golfers looking for a slightly easier experience.

Golfers heading to the 19th Hole will find themselves enjoying panoramic views across the course with a host of fantastic food ranging from fine dining within the de Courcey Dining Room to the popular Lusitania Bar.

Signature Hole – No. 17: Par 5, 623 yards (Black Tees)

The signature hole at Old Head is the 17th. The long par 5 plays at 623 yards from the back tees and demands both length and accuracy given the harsh slope towards the Atlantic Ocean lining the left side of the hole. As you drive towards the iconic Lighthouse, the braver golfers will try to keep left to give themselves the best approach possible but there is no shame in keeping right, especially with the prevalent sea breeze. One of the most picturesque holes on the golf course is both challenging and mesmerising and those who walk away with a par should be very happy.

Course Information
Par	72
Designed by	Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins
Opened for play	1997

Tees
Black	7,150 yards	SSS 75.3
Blue	6,912 yards	SSS 74.3
White	6,588 yards	SSS 72.8
Yellow	6,045 yards	SSS 70.3
Red	5,494 yards	SSS 72.8

Accommodation at Old Head Golf Links

Old Head's on-site accommodation includes 15 luxury suites, ideal if you want to stay right by the course rather than base yourself elsewhere in Kinsale or Cork. The atmosphere is polished but relaxed, with that familiar Irish welcome you'd hope for on a golf break.

The Seaview Suites are the go-to option for most golfers. They're spacious, finished to a high standard and each has a private balcony looking out over the Old Head landscape and Atlantic beyond. It's a great set-up for groups and couples alike, especially if you want an easy pre-round routine and a comfortable place to put your feet up afterwards. The rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation, with plush bedding, marble bathrooms and all the modern amenities you'd expect from a luxury property.

If you're marking a big birthday, anniversary or just going all-in, the Presidential Suite is the standout. You get a separate living area and bedroom, plus a marble bathroom and panoramic views towards the lighthouse. It's the perfect choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or golfers who want to make their visit truly memorable.

For recovery, the Old Head Thermal Suite and Spa is a real bonus, particularly after a windy day when links golf has taken a bit out of you. Whether you've battled the wind around the headland or simply want to relax, the spa provides a range of health and beauty treatments designed for both men and women. There's also a first-class gym if you want to keep moving between rounds, and the thermal suite itself is a tranquil space where the stresses of everyday life gently wash away.

Planning tip: Old Head is a premium experience and tee times can be in high demand in peak season. If you're building a South West Ireland itinerary for a society or a small group, it's worth locking this in early and then shaping the rest of the trip around it. Want to include Old Head on your next Ireland golf break? We can line up tee times and accommodation and help you build the rest of the South West itinerary around Cork and Kinsale.

Old Head Golf Links Reviews

Overall rating: 10 / 10

Hotel reviews

10 10 / 10

Bar / Restaurant: 10 / 10
Facilities: 10 / 10
Location: 10 / 10
Room comfort: 10 / 10
Staff: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10

10 / 10

Amazing

Old Head Golf Links

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Course Information

Tees

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