The European Tour, subsequent to an agreement between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Northern Ireland Executive and the European Tour, have announced the Irish Open venues for 2015 and 2017. The tournament will be played in Northern Ireland in both 2015 and again in 2017 giving immense momentum to a rota system that would plan to have the event staged in Northern Ireland every 2nd year.

The world renowned Royal County Down will play host to the Irish Open in 2015, the dates set are earlier than usual in the calendar with dates confirmed from 28th to 31st May 2015. It is likely the tournament will be an all ticket event as high demand is anticipated. For more information on tickets please visit www.europeantour.com

Captain of Royal County Down Golf Club Dr Peter Brown, said: “Royal County Down is delighted to have been asked to host the Irish Open. We look forward to welcoming members of The European Tour to our world famous links which we believe will provide a good test of golf. We also hope that many golf supporters will come to Newcastle to watch top quality golf and take in the wonderful natural setting that Royal County Down enjoys.”

Royal County Down, consistently ranked among the top courses in the world, will hold the event for the first time in over 70 years since it last played host to the Irish Open in 1939. To read more about Royal County Down click here

Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh is confirmed as the venue for the Irish Open in 2017. This will be the first time Lough Erne will play host to the Irish Open. Rory McIlroy has said “”It is great to see the Irish Open coming back North at the Lough Erne Resort, where I was the touring professional for a number of years”
The Resort also has on site 5 star accommodation and has previously hosted the G8 Summit in 2013. Ferghal Purcell, GM of Lough Erne Resort, said: “We are delighted and privileged to be selected as host of The 2017 Irish Open, a major sporting celebration and something that will be of enormous benefit in showcasing the beauty, the facilities and the hospitality of this wonderful part of the world” To read more about Lough Erne click here

The 2014 Irish Open will be held in Fota Island from 19th – 22nd June. 2016 venue has yet to be confirmed but Fota Island is again one of the front runners.