Irish Open 2026: Preview
The Amgen Irish Open heads to the wild Atlantic coast for the first time in 2026, played at the links of Doonbeg in County Clare from September 9 to 13. Here is the preview, the venue and how to build a west of Ireland golf trip around it.
Photo: Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland via Google.
The headline: the Irish Open goes west
For 2026 the Amgen Irish Open moves to the west coast of County Clare, played at the Doonbeg links from September 9 to 13, with a Pro-Am on the Wednesday and the four competitive rounds running Thursday to Sunday. It is the first time in the tournament's history that the Irish Open has been staged on this stretch of the wild Atlantic seaboard.
The DP World Tour event follows a year of late drama at the K Club, and the move west promises a very different test: exposed, dramatic links golf on a coastline famous for its scenery. For spectators it is a chance to see a strong field in one of the most beautiful golfing corners of Ireland.
The venue and the region
Doonbeg is a dramatic dunes links on the Clare coast, the kind of exposed, scenic course that defines west of Ireland golf. It sits within reach of Shannon and amid one of the densest concentrations of great links in the world, which is the real draw for a traveling golfer.
County Clare and neighbouring counties hold a string of celebrated links, so a trip built around watching the Irish Open can easily fold in rounds of your own on the wider south west coast, turning a tournament visit into a full Irish links week.
How to plan a 2026 visit
The September dates are kinder than midsummer for both weather and crowds, but accommodation along the Clare coast is limited, so book early if you plan to attend. Tickets are sold through the DP World Tour, and Shannon airport makes the region accessible.
Base on the Clare coast, mix tournament days with rounds on the area's links, and confirm dates, tickets and access through official channels before you travel. The west of Ireland rewards golfers who plan ahead.
Our take
Our take is that the 2026 Irish Open is a rare chance to watch a strong DP World Tour field on the wild west coast, in the heart of one of the world's great links regions. For the traveling golfer it is a tournament and a links pilgrimage in one.
Plan a September trip that pairs a couple of tournament days with your own rounds along the Clare and south west coast, book early, and let the Atlantic links do the rest.
Plan your the west of Ireland golf trip
From a few days at the Irish Open to your own rounds on the west coast links, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
Where and when is the 2026 Irish Open?
The 2026 Amgen Irish Open is at the Trump International Golf Links at Doonbeg in County Clare, from September 9 to 13, with a Pro-Am on the Wednesday. It is the first time the tournament has been held on Ireland's west coast.
Can I play golf in the area during the tournament?
Yes. Doonbeg sits amid one of the densest concentrations of great links in the world, so a 2026 Irish Open trip can easily include your own rounds along the Clare and south west coast. Book accommodation and tee times early.
When is the best time to visit the west of Ireland for golf?
The Irish Open's September slot is a good time, with kinder weather and crowds than midsummer. Accommodation is limited along the Clare coast, so book early and confirm tickets and access through official channels.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Venue and dates verified June 2026 from tour and event sources; schedules can change, so confirm dates, tickets and access through official channels before you travel. Last reviewed June 2026.