Golf Near Lough Derg – Waterside Cottages
Waterside Cottages puts you within 90 minutes of some of the best golf in Ireland. Tee off at a forest parkland on the shores of Lough Derg in the morning, and be back on the harbour in Dromineer for a pint by evening.
Our 11 self-catering cottages make an ideal base for a golf group. Everyone gets their own space, and you can cook together or head to the village pub after your round.
The courses below are grouped by how far they are from the cottages, so you can plan a relaxed week or squeeze in a round a day.
On the doorstep (under an hour)
Nenagh Golf Club (about 15 minutes)
Our nearest course is a mature 18-hole parkland, founded in 1929, just north of Nenagh town. Several tees give panoramic views from the Silvermines and Arra mountains across to Lough Derg. Sloping, two-tiered greens reward accurate approach play, and the free-draining ground means golf all year round. https://nenaghgolfclub.ie/
Portumna Golf Club (about 40 minutes)
One of the finest inland courses in Ireland, laid out through Portumna Forest Park where the Shannon flows into Lough Derg. It is regularly ranked among the country’s top parkland courses, and fallow deer often wander the fairways. Visitors are welcome all week, with buggies, a pro shop and a bistro in the clubhouse. portumnagolfclub.ie
Birr Golf Club (about 45 minutes)
Founded in 1893, Birr is one of Ireland’s oldest inland clubs. The par-70 course is carved out of natural woodland and eskers, giving a real test on mature fairways. Pair it with a visit to Birr Castle and its gardens. birrgolfclub.ie
East Clare Golf Club, Bodyke (about 50 minutes)
A quiet championship parkland designed by Dr Arthur Spring, set on 150 acres of rolling countryside close to the Clare side of Lough Derg. Expect peaceful rounds and big views, with a friendly pay-and-play welcome for visitors. https://www.eastclaregolfclub.com/
Castletroy Golf Club, Limerick (about 45 minutes)
Founded in 1937, Castletroy is a tree-lined parkland known for superb conditioning and excellent greens. It sits just off the M7, an easy run down the motorway from Nenagh. castletroygolfclub.ie
Limerick Golf Club (about 55 minutes)
Founded in 1891, Limerick is among Ireland’s oldest and most respected clubs. Its course carries the touch of Alister MacKenzie, the architect behind Augusta National, making it a must for golf history fans. Visitors are welcome throughout the year. limerickgolfclub.ie
Championship day trips (1 to 1.5 hours)
Dromoland Castle Golf Club, Co. Clare (about 1 hour 5 minutes)
Play through the 450-acre estate of one of Ireland’s great castle hotels, with the castle as a backdrop on many holes. The par-72 championship course was redesigned by Ron Kirby and J.B. Carr, and mixes gentle hills, ancient trees and water hazards. Visitors can book subject to availability, and there’s an excellent golf academy on site.https://www.dromoland.ie/golf/
Esker Hills Golf Club, Tullamore (about 1 hour 10 minutes)
Christy O’Connor Jnr routed this course through natural sand hills and valleys left by the Ice Age, giving it a rare inland-links feel. It’s the home club of 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry, and its sand-based greens play well all year. The highly rated Tullamore Golf Club is just down the road if you want two rounds in a day. https://www.eskerhillsgolf.com/
The Heritage, Killenard, Co. Laois (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Home to Ireland’s only course designed by Seve Ballesteros, together with Jeff Howes. The parkland stretches to over 7,300 yards from the back tees, guarded by thousands of trees, five lakes and nearly 100 bunkers. It sits just off the M7, so it’s a straightforward drive. theheritage.com
Adare Manor, Co. Limerick (about 1 hour 10 minutes)
Adare Manor hosts the Ryder Cup from 17 to 19 September 2027. Its Tom Fazio-designed course is currently reserved for guests staying at the hotel, so it’s a special-occasion stay-and-play rather than a casual round.
(Restricted Availability before the Ryder Cup)
The Golf Course closed on October 19th, 2026. It will reopen from Wednesday, 5th May to Sunday, 8th August 2027, before closing for the 2027 Ryder Cup. Following the event, it will reopen on Monday, 27th September 2027 and remain open until Monday, 29th November 2027. During both periods, the course will be closed every Tuesday for maintenance.
Adare village itself is well worth a visit, and Limerick Golf Club is the nearest course open to visitors. adaremanor.com
Worth the extra drive: Lahinch (about 1 hour 45 minutes)
Often called the St Andrews of Ireland, Lahinch’s Old Course is one of the world’s great links, shaped by Old Tom Morris and later Alister MacKenzie. It’s ranked among the top courses in Ireland and the world. Visitors play the Old Course from May to October and must take at least one caddie per group, so book well ahead. The gentler Castle Course across the road is a good second round. lahinchgolf.com
At a glance
| Course | Drive from Dromineer | Type | Green fee guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nenagh | 15 min | Parkland | € |
| Portumna | 40 min | Forest parkland | € |
| Birr | 45 min | Parkland | € |
| Castletroy | 45 min | Parkland | €€ |
| East Clare | 50 min | Parkland | € |
| Limerick | 55 min | Parkland | €€ |
| Dromoland Castle | 1 hr 5 min | Castle parkland | €€€ |
| Esker Hills | 1 hr 10 min | Inland links-style | €€ |
| Adare Manor | 1 hr 10 min | Championship parkland | Hotel guests only |
| The Heritage | 1 hr 15 min | Championship parkland | Check with club |
| Lahinch (Old) | 1 hr 45 min | Links | €€€€ |
€ under €50 · €€ €50–100 · €€€ €100–200 · €€€€ over €200. Drive times are approximate. Always check green fees and tee times directly with each club.
Planning your golf break
- Book tee times ahead, especially for weekends and summer, and for Lahinch and Dromoland
- Golf all year: most of the inland parkland courses here play well through the winter.
- Ryder Cup 2027: the area will be busy around 17 to 19 September 2027, so book early if you’re coming that month.
- Pack waterproofs. It’s Ireland.
Book your golf break
Gather the group, pick your courses and make Waterside Cottages your base on Lough Derg. Book direct with us online.