Scotland vs Ireland – Which is Better for Your Overseas Golf Trip?

Comparing the Marquee Destinations for Golf Trips Across the Pond

Let’s state the obvious: Asking us to choose between Scotland and Ireland for a golf trip is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. It’s an impossible question, and one that most golf travel companies would rather sidestep.

Whether you’re comparing golf trips to Ireland vs Scotland for the first time, or revisiting your favorite destination across the pond, our Expedition Planning Managers hear this question so often, we’d be remiss not to weigh in.

Thanks to The Open's return to Royal Portrush, interest in Ireland’s marquee links has steadily grown for years. And with the added attention, many travelers find themselves weighing the broader experience of a golf trip to Ireland versus Scotland.

What follows is a comparison of golf trips to Scotland vs Ireland, scored match-play style across six essential categories.

1. Golf History & Heritage: Scotland vs Ireland

Scotland is The Home of Golf for a reason. The first written mention of the game predates Columbus, and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers crafted the first rules while Thomas Jefferson was still learning to crawl. In Dornoch, golf was played before the Mayflower reached Plymouth Rock.

Only in Scotland can you play The Old Course at St Andrews, walk in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris, and experience golf where it was born.

Ireland has its own rich history, of course. But in this category, it’s tough to top the original.

Match: Scotland Wins - 7&5

2. Golf Travel Value: Ireland vs Scotland

Once upon a time, Ireland was the clear winner when it came to value. These days, the gap has narrowed. Green fees in the most popular parts of Ireland—particularly the Southwest—have risen steadily in recent years, closing the distance with Scotland.

That said, Ireland still offers a slight edge on price, depending on the region and itinerary. And if you're looking for the best value play still on the board, Northwest Ireland remains unmatched. World-class links, stunning landscapes, and a more relaxed pace of play, all at a lower price point.

Of course, value is rarely about cost alone. It’s about how a place makes you feel. And in that sense, both countries deliver.

Match: Ireland Wins - 1 Up

3. Scenery & Landscapes

Ireland gives you windswept cliffs, lush landscapes, and epic coastal views from Ballybunion to the Causeway Coast.

Scotland answers with the Highlands, the coast at North Berwick, and sunsets over Turnberry and Machrihanish that stay with you for years.

If you're picking purely on beauty, we’d say grab a pint, shake hands, and call it even.

Match: All Square

Comparing Scotland and Ireland Golf Trips

4. Travel Logistics

The best courses in both countries are concentrated in distinct regions. But in Scotland, those regions tend to offer more efficient travel.

From St Andrews to East Lothian to Ayrshire, many top courses sit within 30 minutes of each other. It’s not uncommon to play a world-class course every day for a week without unpacking more than once.

While incredibly rewarding, some regions on the Emerald Isle require more hotel changes and longer drives, especially in Southwest Ireland.

While an H&B Driver-Host makes every journey smoother, with shorter commutes and less repacking, Scotland earns the edge.

Match: Scotland Wins - 3&2

5. The Famous Hospitality

From the moment you arrive in Scotland and Ireland alike, you will feel welcome and, at times, like a member of the family. The warm hospitality and general friendliness of both countries is known the world over.

Extending the question to food and drink, a wealth of outstanding dining, from Michelin-star chefs to casual pub grub, is available on a golf trip to either country. In addition, Scotland may have the whisky, but the Irish famously keep all of the best Guinness for themselves.

Although it’s the golf which has brought you across the pond, the hospitality of the local people is likely to be as memorable as any shot on the course.

Match: All Square

Comparison guide for Scotland and Ireland golf trips

6. On-Course Drama

Scotland boasts iconic courses like Turnberry, Cruden Bay, and Castle Stuart, each with dramatic moments in store. But Ireland simply delivers more of them, more often.

The 4th at Royal County Down. The 5th green at Portrush. The 17th tee at Ballybunion. Every unforgettable tee shot at Old Head. The dunes at Enniscrone. The scenery and the shots come together in a way that raises the pulse.

For sheer on-course drama, Ireland takes the point.

Match: Ireland Wins - 4&3

Final Tally: It's A Draw

You didn’t really expect us to pick a winner, did you?

Still, we hope this comparison of golf trips to Ireland and Scotland helped bring a little clarity to your decision.

Because every journey offers its own rewards. From the storied heritage of Scotland to the wild drama of Ireland, every H&B Expedition is custom built around your goals, your group, and the memories you hope to make.

So which should you choose? That depends. But when you’re ready to plan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions - Scotland vs Ireland Golf Trips

Is Scotland or Ireland better for a golf trip?

Both Scotland and Ireland offer exceptional golf experiences, but in different ways. Scotland is the birthplace of the game and home to icons like St Andrews and Muirfield. Ireland delivers dramatic coastal scenery and thrilling links like Royal County Down and Ballybunion. The best choice depends on your group’s goals, travel preferences, and interest in heritage vs. on-course drama.

How do Scotland vs Ireland golf trips compare from a cost perspective?

Historically, Ireland often held the edge when it came to golf travel value—thanks in part to more attractive green fee pricing and a favorable currency exchange in the Republic of Ireland. However, in recent years, that gap has narrowed considerably. Rising costs across Ireland—especially in high-demand regions like the Southwest—have brought pricing more in line with marquee Scottish itineraries. One notable exception remains: Northwest Ireland, where exceptional links, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace still offer standout value compared to more visited areas.