The European Tour today confirmed that the 2012 Irish Open will be hosted by Royal Portrush, with the tournament returning to Carton House Hotel and Golf resort in Maynooth, Co Kildare, in 2013.
The Northern Ireland Executive is expected to provide around £2m of funding for the Portrush event while additional sponsorship is also being sought.
Last year's Irish Open attracted at Killarney failed to attract a main sponsor.
Darren Clarke, who attended today's press conference which confirmed the venues, was delighted that this year's Open will be played on the famed Co Antrim links.
He said: "It is fantastic news that an event of the calibre of the Irish Open is coming to Portrush, a world class event on a world class golf course. I know every inch of this course and can vouch for its quality.
"I’m pleased for everybody in this part of the world and the decision to come here reflects the amazing run this relatively small golf community has had in the last couple of years.
"Best of all, it will be great to sleep in my own bed during that week."
Carton House has twice hosted the Irish Open, most recently in 2006 and the Seniors Open in 2010. The vast Kildare estate is also the home to the Golfing Union of Ireland and has two courses - The Montgomerie and The O’Meara.
David Webster, General Manager at Carton House, speaking today said: "We are delighted to welcome the Irish Open back to Carton House in 2013 and look forward to hosting some of the world’s top golfers.
"We will be spending the next 18 months preparing for the staging of Ireland’s leading championship and believe the offering here at Carton House, which is renowned for its stunning landscape and leading facilities, will be sure to please both players and visitors."
