There are courses where golf feels familiar. And then there are the kind that make you pause, smile and maybe rearrange your preconceptions about what golf really can be. From ancient forts to coastal dunes, racetrack fairways to seaside links carved from wild terrain… here are some of the quirkiest, most characterful courses across the two of golf’s most popular destinations.
Cruit Island Golf Club (Co. Donegal, Ireland)
Remote. Raw. Rewarding. Perched at the edge of the Atlantic in wild Donegal, Cruit Island is described by some as ‘a diamond in the rough.’ The nine hole layout delivers plenty of drama; sea views are ever-present and there’s a coastal wind that rarely lets up, so golfers are tested hole after hole. Its rugged charm and sense of adventure, where every tee feels like a journey, make it a perfect ‘off grid’ round for those craving real Irish links solitude.
Lahinch Old Course (Co. Clare, Ireland)
Lahinch’s Old Course isn’t shy about personality. Its famed short par ‘Dell’ hole, a 5th hole par 3, tucked behind dunes and often hidden from view from the tee, epitomises the kind of blind, unpredictable challenge that defines quirky golf. The 4th hole par 5 at 475 yards, known as the Klondyke, plays over a hill where there’s a flag man to show you the way too, adding to its number of remarkable blind shots. Throw in those famous Atlantic winds, shifting dunes and a layout that treats the land like a willing but wild partner and you get an 18-hole course that rewards creativity as much as sheer power.
Royal Troon Old Couse (West Coast, Scotland)
Royal Troon isn’t just a historic Open venue. It’s a masterclass in strategy, quirks and coastal character. Located on Scotland’s rugged Ayrshire coast, its Old Course is famous for its unpredictable wind, hidden hazards and the iconic “Postage Stamp” 8th hole, one of the shortest yet trickiest par 3s to come up against in championship golf.
What makes Troon truly quirky though isn’t just its history: it’s how the land itself challenges every shot. Fairways sweep across undulating dunes; bunkers are deep and cunningly placed and holes often require thinking two steps ahead. Playing here is a mix of spectacle and strategy: one moment you’re staring down the Atlantic on a dramatic cliffside, the next calculating your approach over a hidden bunker!
Carne Golf Links (Co. Mayo, Ireland)
Carne is not about manicured perfection, it’s about nature in its rawest form, shaped by the land rather than landscaping machinery. Dunes rise steeply and greens nestle into the contours, fairways snake in unexpected ways. The veteran architect behind Carne didn’t try to dominate the land - instead, he invited golfers to embrace its ruggedness and wildness. For those who love a round that feels elemental and alive with unpredictability, Carne is a masterclass in true links golf.
Old Course (St Andrews, Scotland)
No discussion of quirky, characterful courses is complete without mentioning the Old Course aka the legendary birthplace of the game. This course isn’t just played - it’s experienced. Every hole tells a story, from the infamous ‘Hell Bunker’ on the 14th to the sprawling double greens that encourage strategy, camaraderie and a little good-natured chaos.
The quirks here are subtle but profound: shared fairways with multiple holes running in parallel and enormous double greens where putting can feel like navigating a miniature landscape. The history and tradition of this course only add to the quirks too, as it’ll reward knowledge, creativity and respect for the game’s heritage.
Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)
Set against the backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, Royal County Down is a course where the land itself dictates the challenge. Unlike modern courses engineered for distance and precision, Royal County Down was crafted long before powerful machinery reshaped fairways and greens. As a result, many holes feature blind shots and subtle undulations that demand creativity, imagination and courage.
With its natural dunes, sweeping views, and dramatic bunkering, it’s a course that rewards thoughtful strategy over sheer power. Playing here is like stepping into a time capsule of golf, where nature, history and challenge converge in every round.
Play These Courses on an Experience Golf Tour
For a brand like ours, who are catering to golfers who appreciate authenticity, exclusivity and experience, courses like these are golden in our portfolio: they offer not just a round of golf, but a core memory, which is something we aim to succeed in, in every one of our tours!
Fancy planning a trip that includes one or two (or more!) of these courses? Our Bespoke Experience Builder makes planning a golf adventure to the UK and Ireland effortless. Simply select your dates, group size, and preferred courses; our team will then create a tailored itinerary with guaranteed tee times, luxury accommodation, transport and off course experiences.
