Dublin is the capital of Ireland. It has a rich history and culture, and it is home to some of the best golf courses in all of Europe. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking for a place to play on your next vacation, these ten courses are sure to satisfy your needs.
The Island Golf Club
The Island Golf Club is a stunning gem located in Ireland that showcases the perfect blend of golf and natural scenery. The opening run of eight consecutive par fours will send shivers through any golfer’s spine, as players are presented with a combination of long and short holes, blind shots, big dunes, ridges, hollows, and unexpected challenges. However, it’s on the back nine where history truly enhances the experience, especially on the 14th tee box, which was the foundation for the original clubhouse located on the edge of the Malahide Estuary.
Established in 1890 and designed by Fred Hawtree, Eddie Hackett, and Martin Hawtree, this course is well over 100 years old and until 1973 was only accessible by boat. With its isolation only adding to the serene beauty, The Island Golf Club may just be Irish Golf’s best-kept secret.
Address: Corballis, Donabate, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock Golf Club’s world-renowned links course offers an exceptional playing experience in the stunning surroundings of North County Dublin. Boasting low, sweet dunes and phenomenal green complexes, every hole presents its own challenge. While the course is entirely visible from the tee, except for the 5th hole, players must plan their positions carefully to navigate the cleverly designed layout.
Nestled on the shore of the Irish Sea, Portmarnock affords spectacular views and ever-changing winds that add to the challenge of this 7,463-yard, par 72 course. Established in 1894 and designed by William Pickeman, Portmarnock has hosted the Irish Open 19 times and is without doubt one of Ireland’s greatest courses.
Address: Golf Links Rd, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, D13 KD96, County Dublin, Ireland
Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club
Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club is a prestigious 18-hole course that commands respect and admiration from golfers around the world. It’s not just the stunning setting, encompassed by the majestic Luttrellstown Castle estate, that sets it apart, but also its recent renovations, which have made it one of the best courses in Ireland. Thanks to the Donald Steels design team, led by Tom MacKenzie, Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club has been transformed, with a new practice area and improvements to the course, all contributing to its recognition as one of the Top 100 courses in Ireland.
Located just 20 minutes from Dublin, with a length of 7,347 yards and a par of 72, it’s no wonder golf enthusiasts add it to their bucket list. However, don’t let the proximity to Dublin fool you – accuracy from the tee will be vital to have a good round at Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club, particularly with water hazards that feature on 11 of its holes.
Address: Castleknock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Royal Dublin Golf Club
Royal Dublin Golf Club is a historic course that has stood the test of time. Established in 1885, it is the second oldest golf club in Ireland and maintains its prestige even today. Just a quick drive from Dublin city center, the course is relatively flat but provides a challenging test for even the most experienced golfers. With a length of 7,269 yards and a Par of 72, the course has hosted the Irish Open six times throughout its history.
The fairways are narrow, greens are exceptional, and deep bunkering can cause some trouble for golfers. Playing on the island’s two courses can be a rewarding experience with natural twists and turns making bump-and-run an exciting prospect. However, golfers must also be wary of the wind that can quickly switch from favoring them to becoming a test on the back nine. In summary, Royal Dublin Golf Club is a must-visit for anyone who loves golf, history, and challenging courses.
Address: Clontarf East, Dublin, Ireland
Portmarnock Golf Links
Portmarnock Golf Links is a renowned course that is considered one of the best in Dublin, and frequently listed among the Top 100 worldwide. Designed by Bernhard Langer and established in 1995, this course provides a challenging experience with unpredictable terrain that includes large and mesmerizing putting surfaces. The back nine of the course are particularly demanding and provide a stunning finish, especially holes 16 to 18.
However, the course offers a gentle warm-up with starting holes nestled within the dunes before progressing onto the larger ones which are sure to captivate golfers. With beautiful surroundings and a sea breeze to keep golfers at ease, it’s no wonder the Irish Open has been hosted here 19 times. At 6,514 yards and par 71, Portmarnock Golf Links is a truly remarkable course for golfers who expect nothing less than excellence.
Address: Strand Rd, Burrow, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, D13 V2X7, Ireland
The K Club
The Palmer course is a true masterpiece among Ireland’s stunning golf courses. It is a parkland course, which is quite different from the many high-quality links courses in the Emerald Isle. But what it lacks in coastline views, it more than makes up for in sheer grandeur. Designed by the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the Palmer course is spread over a vast expanse of land, peppered with ancient trees and numerous water features. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006, which is a testament to the quality of this course.
While the River Liffey adds to the scenic beauty of the course, it also presents a challenge, one which makes the course all the more exciting to play. Generous fairways and big greens make it playable for every golfer, but make sure to choose the right tees, as the course can be long. The Palmer course is truly a majestic and relaxing round of golf, and for any golf enthusiast, it’s a must-visit.
Address: Straffan, Co. Kildare, W23 YX53, Ireland
Druids Glen Golf Course
Druids Glen is a golf course that can easily be described as the quintessence of Irish parklands. It is an exhilarating golf experience that offers a variety of color and intrigue that cannot be easily compared. Among its many offerings, the club possesses the most sought-after collection of par threes on the entire island. As a player, you can expect to find yourself playing on three beautifully drenched holes, the 8th, 12th and 17th which will undoubtedly leave you in awe at the sheer beauty of the landscape. Although the back nine is heavily laced with water, this only sets the tone for an adventurous round of golf.
The Druid’s Glen Resort also offers a second course, Druids Heath, which is just as picturesque as the first. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this venue, spanning over 7000 yards, is a championship test that promises to cater to all levels of players. The 8th hole here, in particular, is iconic and reminiscent of the 16th at the Augusta National – it is simply stunning. Druids Glen was designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, gracing the golfing world with its presence in 1995.
Address: Leabeg Upper, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow, A63 DW08, Ireland
Carton House Golf Course
Carton House resort, located 15 miles west of Dublin, offers two incredible golf courses that any avid golfer will not want to miss.
The Montgomerie, created by the talented Colin Montgomerie, provides a distinct inland links experience that honors the rich traditions of the sport. With vast fairways and numerous cavernous bunkers, even the most seasoned golfers will be challenged. As you journey across the impeccably designed greens, you will find yourself playing on the same soil that many Irish Open champions have before you.
The Mark O’Meara designed course, on the other hand, is a classic parkland golf course full of historical charm. Meandering through ancient woodlands and skirting the banks of the river Rye, this incredible course presents a challenge that golfers of all abilities will appreciate.
These two courses bring the beauty and history of Carton House estate to the fore, and any golfer would be fortunate to have the opportunity to play them.
Address: Fairmont Managed Hotel, Carton House, A, Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 TD98, Ireland
Newlands Golf Club
Newlands Golf Club, located in the suburb of Clondalkin, is a true gem of a course that offers a private, parkland style of play that is not to be overlooked. Designed by James Braid in 1910 and modernized by Jeff Howes and Hawtree Ltd in 2010, this course has a rich history that is evident in the mature tree-lined fairways, as well as the USPGA standard sand-based greens that are both challenging and rewarding to play on. With a length of 6518 yards and a par of 71, players of all levels will enjoy the course’s variety of holes, each designed to test golfers’ skills in creative ways.
What’s more, the view of the 6th and 7th holes from the newly constructed flyover at Newlands Cross is sure to leave a lasting impression on players and spectators alike. When your round is complete, be sure to relax in the clubhouse and soak up the atmosphere of a truly unique and special course.
Address: Newlands Cross, Dublin 22, D22 R867, Ireland
Killeen Castle Golf Club
Situated a mere 30-minute drive from the bustling city of Dublin lies an exemplary golf course that will test the best of golfers – Holes 18. Designed and built in 2009 by the foremost golf architect Jack Nicklaus and wonderfully complemented by Troy Vincent, this semi-private course spans an impressive 7677 yards with a par of 72. It’s no surprise Holes 18 played host to the Ladies Irish Open for three consecutive years and the Solheim Cup in 2011.
The golf course showcases the epitome of modern golfing excellence with its design and presentation, which is sure to amaze and thrill both novice and experienced golfers alike. Holes 18’s expansive and challenging course is like no other, a feat that has propelled the golf club to become a mecca for all golf enthusiasts and a top pick for the best parkland course in Dublin.
Address: Killeen Castle, Killeen Castle Clubhouse, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 FH39, Ireland
Conclusion
Dublin is home to some of the best golf courses in Ireland, and this list has only scratched the surface. Whether you’re looking for a challenging or relaxing round of golf, there is something to suit everyone’s taste in Dublin. So take your pick from these amazing courses and have an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more!
