Are you big into your golf and travelling to Ireland this weekend for the Irish Open 2026? You’re not the only one. Thousands are making the trip west to Clare over the next few days.
Most will land in Dublin first. So before you make the journey west towards Doonbeg, call into The Temple Bar Pub for a pint, a bite to eat and grab some golf merchandise while your with us.
What is the Irish Open?
The Amgen Irish Open 2026 will take place at Trump International Golf Links Ireland, in Doonbeg, County Clare this weekend, from Thursday 10th till Sunday 13th September. The event first took place in 1927, and this is the first time the course has ever hosted something of this size. This golfing event is one of the world’s best.
The par-72, 18-hole championship course hugs a stunning crescent-shaped beach, as the nine holes out and nine holes back make the most of the rugged west coast’s undulating emerald hills and golden sand dunes, with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering offshore[1].
Rory McIlroy defends his title and chases a third Irish Open, leading an Irish contingent of ten that takes in Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Tom McKibbin and Séamus Power. Jon Rahm, Rasmus Højgaard, Brooks Koepka and Tyrrell Hatton headline the rest of a serious field [2].
Tickets for the weekend have sold out, but there’s still general admission for Wednesday’s pro-am at €40, Thursday at €50 and Friday at €60.
What Channel is the Irish Open Playing on?
The Irish Open will be shown on RTÉ 2 on Thursday from 1.30pm to 7pm as well as on Sky Sports Golf. From Friday, coverage will begin at 9.30am, from 2.30pm on Saturday and from 1.30pm on Sunday.
Dublin to Doonbeg: Why Stop in The Temple Bar Pub on the Way?
Because you’ve a three-hour drive ahead of you, and there’s no sense starting a long trip hungry.
Call into The Temple Bar Pub before you head for County Clare. Our kitchen opens at 10:30am Monday to Saturday and 12:30pm on Sundays, and there’s live traditional music playing from the moment the doors open.
After that, be sure to have a wander through our gift shop. Don’t forget to pick up your golf merchandise to be tee-time ready by the time you reach the course in Clare.
Getting from Dublin Airport to The Temple Bar Pub
There’s no rail link from Dublin Airport, so you’ll have to take a bus or a taxi. Dublin Express and Aircoach both run every 15 minutes or so, take 25 to 35 minutes, and cost around €8 to €10. A taxi is about €25 to €35.
Either drops you within a five-minute walk. Cross to the south side of the Liffey and you’re at 47-48 Temple Bar.
Getting from Dublin to Doonbeg
The drive is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes from the pub. Be aware that every spectator needs a park and ride pass booked in advance. There are also road closures on the N67 and R484 from 6am on Friday, so leave yourself extra time.
If you’d rather not drive, the train from Dublin Heuston to Ennis takes around three hours. There’s no rail line to Doonbeg itself, so you’ll need to sort onward transport from Ennis, and during tournament week there are shuttle buses running from Kilkee, Kilrush and Miltown Malbay at €10 return.
Heuston is about a 2km walk from the pub along the quays of the River Liffey, so you get an iconic view of Dublin city before making your journey to the Irish Open.
See You Before You Head West
The Irish Open has never been hosted in Doonbeg before. It’s worth the drive.
But you’re in Dublin first, and it would be a shame to pass through without paying us a visit.
