Golf Holidays in South East Ireland
Golf in South East Ireland offers a wonderfully relaxed and scenic holiday experience, combining beautifully maintained parkland layouts with charming coastal towns, sunny weather and warm Irish hospitality. This region — stretching across Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow — is known for its milder climate, peaceful countryside landscapes and some of Ireland’s most enjoyable and accessible courses.
The South East is often called Ireland’s “Sunny Corner” thanks to receiving more sunshine hours than much of the country. This makes it a fantastic choice for golfers seeking reliable conditions, gentle breezes and year-round playability. With excellent transport links via Dublin Airport and Rosslare Europort, the region is easy to reach whether you’re travelling by air or ferry.
Headline venues such as Mount Juliet Estate, Waterford Castle, Rosslare Golf Club, Faithlegg, and Carlow Golf Club showcase the variety of the region’s golf. Mount Juliet, a former Irish Open host, offers a championship-level parkland experience with 5-star facilities, while Rosslare brings coastal charm and traditional links-style challenges. Waterford Castle delivers a uniquely memorable setting — located on its own private island and accessible only by ferry.
What makes South East Ireland so appealing is its balance between golf, culture and relaxation. Towns such as Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford and New Ross offer vibrant pubs, historical attractions, excellent restaurants and easy transport between courses. The region is perfect for golfers who want enjoyable, high-quality courses without the rugged intensity of the Atlantic links found elsewhere in Ireland.
Accommodation options are equally strong, ranging from luxury estates and boutique hotels to friendly inns, coastal resorts and countryside retreats. Many golfers choose to base themselves at Mount Juliet or Faithlegg for seamless stay-and-play experiences, while those seeking variety often split their stay between Kilkenny and Wexford to access multiple courses with minimal travel time.
South East Ireland provides everything you need for a relaxed yet memorable golf holiday — great weather, top-class parkland and coastal courses, charming towns, and the flexibility to tailor your trip exactly how you want it. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a mixed golf itinerary or a premium resort stay, The Golf Travel People can craft the perfect experience.
Most Popular Golf Hotels In South East Ireland
Top Golf Courses In South East Ireland
South East Ireland Travel Guide
South East Ireland offers a warm climate, golden beaches, beautiful countryside and a strong mix of links and parkland golf. This region is perfect for relaxed golf breaks with great hospitality, easy travel and exceptional value compared to Ireland’s west coast.
Covering Wexford • Waterford • Kilkenny • Carlow, the region combines elite venues like Mount Juliet with charming coastal links.
WHY GOLFERS LOVE THE SOUTH EAST
• Mildest weather in Ireland
• Attractive pricing for green fees & hotels
• Great balance of parkland + links
• Easy access from Dublin or Rosslare ferry
• Scenic towns like Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford
THE MUST-PLAY COURSES
1. Mount Juliet – Kilkenny
A world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature course and former Irish Open host.
Why play it? Pristine conditioning and luxury estate surroundings.
2. Rosslare Golf Links – Wexford Coast
Ireland’s sunniest links — firm, fast, fun and beautifully routed.
Why play it? A pure holiday-style links.
3. Waterford Castle Golf Club – Private Island
A unique island golf experience reached by ferry.
Why play it? Total tranquillity + exceptional scenery.
4. Carlow Golf Club
Rolling parkland with elite greens and great movement through mature trees.
Why play it? One of Ireland’s best inland parklands.
5. Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club
Famous for its tree-lined finishing stretch and the glass-elevator from 17 to 18.
Why play it? Playable, scenic and very enjoyable.
Golf travel tips for South East Ireland
For the best golf holiday experience in South East Ireland please do consider the following:
The South East enjoys more sunshine than most of Ireland, but daylight hours still shorten quickly in spring and autumn. To make the most of the milder climate, early or mid-morning tee times are usually the most enjoyable, especially on coastal courses such as Rosslare.
Dublin Airport is the easiest gateway for most visitors, with smooth motorway links heading directly towards Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. Rosslare Europort is ideal for golfers travelling from the UK by ferry. Transfer times in this region are shorter than in the west or north — often 45–90 minutes depending on your chosen base.
Stay-and-play packages at Mount Juliet and Faithlegg offer excellent value, especially for golfers looking for a premium resort experience. Coastal towns like Wexford and Waterford also provide high-quality hotel options that pair well with nearby courses, so you can tailor your accommodation style to your preferences.
Driving is the easiest way to access the full range of courses, as the South East is well-connected by modern roads with gentle travel times. Private transfers can also be arranged and are often cost-effective due to the compact nature of the region.
Signature venues such as Mount Juliet, Rosslare and Waterford Castle can fill quickly in peak season, particularly on weekends and during summer tournaments. Before booking flights or ferries, do allow us to check live availability for both tee times and accommodation to ensure you secure your preferred dates.
FAQ'S About South East Ireland
Top courses include Mount Juliet Estate, Rosslare Golf Club, Waterford Castle, Faithlegg and Carlow Golf Club. These offer a mix of championship parkland layouts and scenic coastal golf suitable for all levels.
Dublin Airport provides the quickest access to Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. Golfers travelling from the UK can also arrive via Rosslare Europort. Most key courses are 45–90 minutes from these transport hubs.
Thanks to its milder climate, the South East is excellent for golf from April to October. Summer offers the best conditions, but spring and early autumn are also ideal with comfortable temperatures and well-kept fairways.