Not far from Dublin in County Wicklow is the Woodenbridge Golf Club (www.woodenbridgegolfclub.com). Described by many as one of Ireland's premier hidden gems, the course sits huddled in the Vale of Avoca. With a history of great names and players visiting its lulling hills, this course is worth a couple of days' play.

Farther along is the Powerscourt Golf Club (www.powerscourt.ie/golfclub) boasting two ultra-pristine golf courses, named the West Course and East Course. Having hosted PGA tournaments and rated in the top parkland courses in the country, a few rounds here is very much worthwhile. Winter specials include lunch or dinner along with a round of golf for as little as 80. Early-bird specials in summer are also well priced.

What was once the playground of England's nobility is now the Coollattin Golf Club (www.coollattingolfclub.com) set in the picturesque Wicklow Mountains. With greens fees at 35 midweek and weekend play starting at 45, this humbly alluring course should top anyone's list visiting the southeast.

A club in which Tiger Woods set the record on his first visit is the European Club (www.theeuropeanclub.com), a wonderful venue set on the unique sand dunes along the coast of the Irish Sea set near Mizen Head. Winter rates start at 100 and summer rates begin at 180 for one round, or 250 for two. Currently, no caddies are available at this course.