Mike Ryan — Golf Tours Ireland
Mike Ryan is the founder and director of Golf Tours Ireland, a specialist inbound golf tour operator based in County Limerick, Ireland. With over 20 years of experience arranging private luxury golf tours of southwest Ireland for American and international golfers, Mike is one of the most knowledgeable and well-connected golf tour operators in the country.
Golf Tours Ireland is based 20 minutes from Adare Manor — the venue for the biggest event in world golf in 2027. Mike and his team arrange everything from tee times at Ireland’s finest links courses to private luxury Mercedes transport, five-star accommodation, and fully customised day-by-day itineraries.
Credentials and Memberships
Mike Ryan is an active member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) — the two primary international golf tourism bodies. IAGTO membership is held by fewer than 200 tour operators worldwide and requires adherence to a strict code of practice.
Mike’s Knowledge of Southwest Ireland’s Courses
Mike has personally played and arranged thousands of rounds at every major links course in southwest Ireland over the past 20 years. Here is his honest take on the courses he works with most.
Ballybunion Old Course — Mike’s View
Ballybunion is the course American golfers ask for most. Tom Watson called it his favourite in Ireland and I understand why — there is nowhere quite like standing on the 11th tee in a westerly wind. September is the best month to play it. The fairways are firm, the crowds are thinner, and the light over the Atlantic in the evenings is something you will never forget. Book at least 9 months ahead for summer dates.
Lahinch — Mike’s View
Lahinch is the most accessible of the great southwest links and a perfect first course for first-time visitors to Ireland. The town itself is one of the best in Clare — there is nowhere better for dinner after a round. Old Tom Morris designed it and it still plays like a classic. The Walker Cup comes to Lahinch in September 2026 which makes it an exceptional year to visit.
Old Head Golf Links — Mike’s View
Old Head is unlike any other course in Ireland. I bring every group there at least once. It is expensive by Irish standards but worth every cent — there is simply no experience in golf like standing on the 12th tee at Old Head with the Atlantic 300 feet below on three sides. Available April to October only. Book early.
Tralee Golf Club — Mike’s View
Arnold Palmer said Tralee was one of the best sites for a golf course he had ever seen and he was right. The front nine is dramatic enough but the back nine, running along the cliffs above the Atlantic, is one of the finest stretches of links golf in Ireland. 25 minutes from Ballybunion — we pair the two regularly for a single day’s golf.
Waterville Golf Links — Mike’s View
Remote and completely unforgettable. Tiger Woods played here and loved it. Tom Watson was honorary club professional. The location on the Ring of Kerry means the drive to get there is half the experience. This is the course I recommend most to golfers who want something different from the main southwest circuit.
Contact Mike Ryan
To discuss your Ireland golf trip, email info@golftoursireland.ie or call toll free from the US on 1888 793 0416. Mike responds personally to every enquiry.
Last updated: May 2026
