Over the past number of years we’ve noticed anew trend in the enquiries that land on our desks: golf getaways. Couples looking for a long weekend in the Algarve, birthday groups plotting a “big-0”celebration on Spain’s Costa del Sol, friends keen to mix a few rounds with a bit of sunshine and good food— the appetite is definitely growing. And why not? With Cork Airport on our doorstep, many of Europe’s best-loved golf resorts are only a short flight away.
As a family-run Cork travel agency that’s been matching local travellers with perfect holidays for 30 years, we think it’s time to shine a spotlight on the fairways. In this guide you’ll find:
· the top golf destinations you can reach directly from Cork,
· standout resorts and towns to base yourself
· the best times of year to play, plus practical tips on flights, club transport, rentals and costs.
So, whether you’re planning a special-occasion trip, a lads-or-ladies long weekend, or simply fancy swapping Cork drizzle for Spanish greens, read on.
With Cork Airport as your launch-pad you’re only a couple of hours from some of Europe’s finest fairways. Below is a primer on the regions we book most often forclients—ideal starting points if you’re dipping a toe into golf travel.
Costa del Sol, Spain – fly into Málaga
A 2 hr 40min Ryanair hop lands you on the “Costa del Golf.” Within an hour of the terminal you can be playing the 54-hole La Cala Resort in Mijas, tackling Valderrama or Finca Cortesín down in Sotogrande, or mixing park- and pine-lined tests such as Santana, Chaparral and Los Naranjos around Marbella. Benalmádena—just 15 minutes south of the airport—offers a livelier seafront scene and easy access to courses both east and west. Weather is playable year-round, but October (warm, dry, less crowded)is peak season for golfers.
Algarve, Portugal – fly into Faro
Another sub-three-hour flight drops you at the gateway to Portugal’s marquee golf coast. Just 25 minutes east of Faro lies the famed Vilamoura/Quinta do Lago corridor: five Dom Pedro layouts, plus Quinta’s South, North and Laranjal courses and the cliff-top stunners at Vale do Lobo. Head west for the Lagos/Portimão trio of Palmares, Boavista and Espiche; go east for the quieter Eastern Algarve gems Monte Rei and Quinta daRia/Cima. Shoulder-season months (April–May and September–October) deliver 25°C sunshine and attractive stay-and-play rates.
Catalonia, Spain – fly into Barcelona
Seasonal Cork–Barcelona services unlock Catalonia’s top tracks. Camiral Golf & Wellness (formerly PGA Catalunya) tops Spain’s rankings and lies under an hour north of the city. Nearer still are Real Club El Prat and the45-hole Infinitum Resort on the Costa Daurada—perfect for golfers who also crave Gaudí, tapas and Barça nightlife.
Canary Islands – fly into Tenerife & Lanzarote
Winter-sun specialists. Tenerife offers volcanic seascapes at Golf Costa Adeje, Buenavista and five-star Abama; Lanzarote counters with Costa Teguise (a Ballesteros design) and Lanzarote Golf near Puerto del Carmen. Mild 20°C weather from November to March makes the Canaries a popular off-season fix.
Ireland & Scotland – classics close to home
Short breaks to Ireland’s southwest icons (Old Head, Ballybunion, Tralee) or quick flights to Edinburgh/Glasgow for St Andrews, Troon and Carnoustie remain terrific value for groups who want maximum golf with minimum travel fuss.
Once the flights are sorted, the next big decision is where to lay your head (and park your clubs). Some golfers love the convenience of a self-contained resort—wake up, stroll to the first tee, finish the round and flop straight into the spa or bar. Others prefer to stay in a lively town and sample a different course (and restaurant) each day. Below are two excellent choices in each of our headline regions, plus the nearby towns that work brilliantly if you’d rather mix golf with a bit more nightlife and local flavour.
Costa del Sol
La Cala Golf Resort, Mijas Costa
Tucked into the hills 35 minutes west of Málaga Airport, La Cala is one of the biggest golf complex in Spain: three superb 18-hole layouts (America, Asia, Europa), a six-hole academy course, a smart 4-star hotel and a blissfully quiet spa. Everything is on-site, so it’s perfect for groups who want “golf, eat, sleep, repeat” without needing a hire car. Evenings are low-key—think terrace dinners overlooking the course and a nightcap in the clubhouse bar—but the bustle of Fuengirola beach is only a €20 taxi away if cabin fever sets in.
SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort
Drive an hour down the coast and you’re in Sotogrande, spiritual home of Spanish championship golf. The five-star SO/ resort sits on Almenara’s 27 hole sand—crucially—is ten minutes from Valderrama, La Reserva and Real Club Sotogrande. Expect slick service, bold contemporary design and a seriously good wellness centre. Green fees here are steeper, but the wow-factor is hard to beat for milestone birthdays or “big” golf trips.
Town bases (Costa del Sol):
Marbella (45 mins from the airport)blends old-town charm with swish restaurants and rooftop bars—ideal if non-golfers want shopping and beach time. Local favourites include Marbella Golf & Country Club and Santa Clara, while the legendary Los Naranjos is only ten minutes inland.
Benalmádena is even closer to Málaga Airport and offers a livelier, budget-friendly seafront. Here your headline round is Golf Torrequebrada—a spectacular, roller-coaster layout just five minutes from most hotels. Add Santana or Parador de Málaga (by the sea and next to the runway) for variety.
Algarve
Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf Collection
Land in Faro, nip 25 minutes along the EN-125, and you’re at Portugal’s most famous golfing playground. Dom Pedro guests can bundle accommodation with five classic layouts—the Old, Victoria, Millennium, Laguna and Pinhal—plus enjoy Vilamoura’s marina nightlife on the doorstep. It’s great for sociable groups: morning tee times, lazy lunches on the waterfront, then tapas, cocktails and a short walk back to the hotel.
Quinta do Lago Resort
Ten minutes further west sits the Ria Formosa nature reserve and the rarified enclave of Quinta do Lago. Three championship courses (South, North, Laranjal) wind through umbrella pines and salt-marsh lakes, and the practice facilities are off the charts. Villas and five-star hotels are scattered around chic restaurants and beach clubs—ideal for couples or small groups who want luxury, tranquillity and a dash of Algarve glamour.
Town bases (Algarve):
Vilamoura itself is the social hub—marina bars, Irish pubs, late-night DJ sets—and you’re spoilt for choice with the Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago resorts nearby.
If you prefer a more traditional Portuguese vibe, Albufeira(30 mins west) offers cobbled streets and seafood tavernas; nearby courses include Salgados (links-style, water on every hole) and cliff-top Pine Cliffs for nine dramatic seaside holes.
Further west, Lagos puts you within ten minutes of Palmares (27 holes marrying dunes and sea views) and Espiche—eco-friendly, rolling, and quieter than the Vilamoura blockbusters.
Resort or town? Ultimately it comes down to the mix you want: round-the-clock golf and spa convenience, or a taste of local life between tee times. Either way, we can package flights from Cork, transfers, tee slots and accommodation so all you have to worry about is keeping it on the fairway.
Organising a golf holiday involves more than just picking the perfect course. From transport to tee times, here are a few key logistics to consider when planning a smooth and enjoyable trip from Cork Airport.
Flights & Club Transport
Cork Airport offers direct connections to top golfing destinations including Malaga, Faro, and the Canary Islands, with seasonal options to other European hubs. If you’re planning to bring your own clubs, be sure to pre-book them as sports equipment with your airline—most carriers allow golf bags, but weight limits and fees vary.
Alternatively, club rental is available at nearly all major courses and resorts. It’s a convenient option, especially for shorter breaks or if you want to travel light. Quality can vary, so it’s always worth pre-booking to guarantee availability and preferred brands.
Getting Around
We can assist in organising any of these depending on your group’s needs and preferences.
Booking Tee Times in Advance
Tee times, particularly at the more popular or championship courses, can book up quickly—especially during peak golf months like spring and autumn. It’s best to confirm your rounds well in advance to avoid disappointment and secure the times that suit your schedule.
Booking with Expert Support
Navigating course options, tee time availability, transport, and value-for-money packages can be tricky—especially if it’s your first time booking a golf holiday. That’s where we come in. With our access to trade-only rates and local knowledge, we can help take the hassle out of the planning process and ensure your trip delivers the right balance of play, relaxation, and value.
A golf holiday can be tailored to suit a range of budgets, but it’s helpful to know what to expect cost-wise before you start planning.
Flights & Seasonality
Airfares from Cork to leading golf destinations such as Malaga, Faro, and the Canary Islands can vary significantly depending on the time of year. While mainland routes tend to stay competitively priced, flights to the Canary Islands often increase in cost during peak golfing months like April, May, September, and October.
To get the best value, it’s wise to avoid school holiday periods, which tend to drive prices up. Flying midweek and booking well in advance can also help reduce costs, particularly if you're travelling as a group.
Accommodation & Resort Packages
If you're staying at a dedicated golf resort, many properties offer tailored golf packages that can include accommodation, green fees, buggies, meals, and more. These bundles often provide better value than booking each element separately and are ideal for those planning to play multiple rounds.
Alternatively, basing yourself in a local town or city offers flexibility and access toa range of courses, restaurants, and nightlife—but you’ll need to budget for separate tee time bookings and daily transfers to courses.
Green Fees & Extras
For a good-quality golf course in Spain or Portugal, you can typically expect to pay around €100per round, with electric buggy hire and club rental incurring additional costs. Buggies are often optional but highly recommended—especially during hotter months or on hilly courses.
Some resorts and providers offer multi-round or group discounts, and we can advise on value-for-money package options by enquiry, depending on your preferred destination and travel dates.
Navigating course options, tee time availability, transport, and value-for-money packages can be tricky—especially if it’s your first time booking a golf holiday. That’s where we come in. With our access to trade-only rates and local knowledge, we can help take the hassle out of the planning process and ensure your trip delivers the right balance of play, relaxation, and value.
Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday, planning a laid-back getaway with friends, or simply keen to explore new fairways, a golf trip from Cork is a brilliant way to combine travel and tee times.
With direct flights to some of Europe’s best golf regions, a growing range of courses and resorts to suit every style, and expert support available right here in Cork, now is the perfect time to start planning.
If you’d like help choosing the right destination, resort, or golf package, just get in touch—we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
