Amgen Irish Open 2025 tees off at The K Club showcasing Ireland as a world-class golf destination

The 2025 Amgen Irish Open got underway at the The K Club in County Kildare this week, bringing together some of the world's top golfers for four days of thrilling competition on the iconic Ryder Cup Palmer North course.
The tournament is expected to attract up to 80,000 fans and millions of viewers worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland as a premier golfing destination and highlighting the rich cultural offering of Kildare and Ireland’s Ancient East.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:
“The Amgen Irish Open is an excellent example of how major sporting events can deliver significant economic and reputational benefits for Ireland. As well as attracting tens of thousands of visitors and driving significant benefit to the local economy, it provides a powerful platform to showcase Ireland’s world-class golf courses, unique culture, and warm hospitality to a global audience. Events like this not only support local businesses and jobs but also reinforce Ireland’s position as a premier destination for international tourism and investment.”
Fáilte Ireland is leveraging the event to promote Ireland’s exceptional golf offering and the breadth of experiences available across the country. As part of its activation, Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, will host up to 40 Irish golf-related businesses - including golf clubs, resorts, and hotels - providing them with a platform to engage with domestic and international golf fans and inspire future golf holidays in Ireland.
Paul Keeley, Interim CEO of Fáilte Ireland, added:
“Golf tourism is a cornerstone of Ireland’s tourism offering and a key driver of economic growth. Ireland is recognised globally as one of the top destinations for golfers, and events like the Amgen Irish Open allow us to showcase not only our world-class courses but also the unique hospitality and experiences that make a golf trip to Ireland unforgettable.
“This year’s tournament will be broadcast in over 160 countries, reaching an audience of more than 300 million people, positioning Ireland firmly on the global stage. Our research shows that golf visitors typically spend three times more than the average leisure tourist, with most of that spend going directly into local economies on accommodation, dining, and transport. This means golf tourism sustains jobs and supports communities across the country.
“Ireland’s Ancient East, with 115 of Ireland’s 400 golf courses, is a perfect example of how golf drives tourism beyond the traditional hotspots, delivering real benefits to regional economies.”
Fáilte Ireland is undertaking a range of publicity activity for Ireland’s Ancient East as it hosts four major international events this summer, including the Irish Legends event which took place in Mount Juliet in May, the Women’s Irish Open in Carton House in July and the Irish Challenge event, which took place in Killeen Castle in August.
Together with Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland will host top international golf media at the Amgen Irish Open with a global reach of millions.
Fáilte Ireland is also working closely with event broadcasters to showcase the breadth of attractions and activities across Ireland’s Ancient East to a global audience.
Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, commented:
“The Amgen Irish Open is more than a sporting event, it’s a platform to tell the story of Ireland as a destination. While golf is the hook, the overall visitor experience - from Kildare’s Thoroughbred equine offering, heritage sites like Brú na Bóinne and Glendalough to vibrant towns and stunning landscapes - is what makes Ireland truly special. This event, alongside the Irish Legends and Irish Challenge tournaments earlier this year, reinforces Ireland’s position as a world-class golf destination.”
Ireland’s Ancient East is one of four signature experience brands developed by Fáilte Ireland. The region boasts over 5,000 years of history, from Trim Castle and Newgrange to Powerscourt House and Gardens and Hook Head Lighthouse and a rich cultural offering that includes festivals, crafts and excellent food. Visitors can explore the oldest city in Ireland, enjoy some of Europe’s longest beaches, and cycle the country’s longest greenway, all within easy reach of world-class golf courses.
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