Irish Open to return to County Kilkenny in 2022

It will be the second successive year that the renowned Kilkenny venue has hosted the event, which will run from 30 June to 3 July.

Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell all featured in the 2021 competition, which was won by Australian Lucas Herbert.

The announcement comes as the European Tour revealed it will become the DP World Tour from next year. From the start of the 2022 season it will boast total prize money of more than 200 US dollars (€180m) for the first time.

The Mount Juliet event is expected to attract a star-studded field once again into one of the golfing gems of Ireland’s Ancient East.

The tournament will take place on the Jack Nicklaus-designed signature parkland course, set across 180 acres of rolling Irish countryside, completed by a stunning five-star Georgian manor house. Magnificent specimen trees, miles of rushing river and verdant pastures all play their part, bringing sensational natural beauty to a course that is ranked among the world’s finest parkland courses.

As well as being chosen to host the 2022 Irish Open for the second year in a row, Mount Juliet has played host to numerous unforgettable tournaments, including hosting a Tiger Woods-winning Championship in 2002.

The venue was also recently voted Ireland’s Best Parkland Golf Course by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland.

Those who want to witness the best golfers in the world compete in Ireland’s largest golfing tournament can register their interest with the European Tour and be the first to hear news and ticket updates.

With its megalithic tombs and medieval castles, Ireland’s Ancient East is most famous for its history and culture, however, discerning golfers also know it as a golfing paradise. For those who want to combine a trip to the Irish Open with a golf holiday, the options are endless.

Mount Juliet is situated in Thomastown, between Kilkenny and Waterford, both treasure troves of Irish history, while in the northern part of the region, the highly regarded links of County Louth Golf Club, known as ‘Baltray’, is a short drive from the megalithic sites at Newgrange and Knowth.

Further links gems in the region include Rosslare in County Wexford, while the mature parkland courses at Powerscourt and Druids Glen Golf Resort in County Wicklow are also not to be missed.

The Irish Open will be terrific spectacle, while a round on any Irish fairway will be fantastic. Away from either, you can marvel about High Kings and Vikings at some Ireland's most famous historical sites.

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