Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with 30+ million passengers passing through Dublin airport annually. Dublin was founded by the Vikings more than 1000 years ago. Nowadays, it is a bustling, vibrant city. The city has grown up amongst its ancient heritage. There is lots to see and do. We highly recommend that you don’t just use Dublin as a transit point. Spend a few days enjoying all the city has to offer, including of course golf!
There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. We’ve selected some of our favourites below. There are many others that are worth considering as part of your golfing trip to Ireland.
Portmarnock Old
Portmarnock has hosted multiple prestigious events. These include the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship, and this year’s Women’s Amateur Championship. It is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. Portmarnock offers a very fair test of pure links golf. It ranks at #37 in the current Golf Digest World Top 100 courses list. There is good reason it is many of our client’s favourite Irish course. You will feel like you are walking in the footsteps of Legends at this iconic venue.
The Island
As the name suggests, The Island was only accessible by boat until the early 1970’s. In recent times, The Island has hosted the Amateur Championship and is an Open championship qualifying venue. Renowned golf architect Martin Hawtree made some changes in 2019 to elevate the course to even higher levels. Towering dunes, undulating fairways and large greens are particular features which will test all of your golfing skills.
Co. Louth (Baltray)
Irish Open host in 2006 and 2009 when Shane Lowry famously won as an amateur, Co. Louth is among the very best links venues in Ireland. The routing twists and turns its way along the Irish sea. Wind is always a factor when deciding on the club to play. The course is immaculately presented. The private setting creates tranquility. Only the sounds of nature and the sea distract from the beauty of the links. Co. Louth is more than a hidden gem. It is a must play!
The European Club
In the late 1980s, famous golf designer Pat Ruddy set out to own and build a golf course. His goal was to create a masterpiece. He has achieved that and more. Many consider the European Club to be Ireland’s best links golf course. It combines rugged scenic beauty with exceptionally well-designed golf holes. The European Club deserves its place in Golf Digest’s World Top 100 courses list. It will live long in your memory after playing it.
Royal Dublin
Another multiple Irish Open venue, Royal Dublin is one of Ireland’s oldest golf clubs dating back to 1885. This classic links layout is on the Bull Island nature reserve in Dublin bay. A notable feature of the course is the bunkering. Avoiding the sand traps is key to a good score on these links. Still, this is easier said than done when the wind blows! The historic clubhouse commands panoramic views across the links and Dublin bay. There are not many better 19th holes in Ireland!
The K Club
Host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, the K Club will again host the Irish Open in 2025. Nestled in the lush countryside on the outskirts of Dublin, the K Club has 2 championship courses. It also has extensive practice facilities. You can retire to a luxury 5-star hotel at the end of the golfing day. The K Club is an oasis of calm. It is set in the midst of a 550 acre estate. It has award winning restaurants, spa and leisure facilities onsite. This is a destination golf resort considered to be the most luxurious in Dublin. Go on, treat yourself!
The Jameson Links
Situated on the shoreline of a rugged peninsula along Dublin’s coastline, Jameson Links first opened for play in 1995. Bernard Langer designed the 18 hole course. It has hosted professional and elite amateur events. These include the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open and the 2021 Irish Challenge. Jameson Links fully utilizes the dunes. It uses the natural terrain to provide a good test for golfers of all abilities. With a high quality 4*+ hotel on site which was the former home of the Jameson Whiskey dynasty, this is a perfect Dublin golf base.
Killeen Castle
Killeen Castle is a relatively “new kid on the block.” It is a Jack Nicklaus designed parkland layout. It is set in the ancient Irish countryside on the outskirts of Dublin city. Killeen was the host of the Solheim Cup in 2011. It is also the 2025 Irish Challenge tour venue. The course first opened for play in 2008. Measuring more than 7,700 from the tips, choose your teebox colour wisely to match your golf abilities! The imposing castle dates back almost 1000 years and there is high quality lodge accommodation onsite. Visitors are always welcomed and leave feeling very impressed with their experience!
So, what are you waiting for? DON’T DELAY – 2025 time sheets are open and filling fast. Please contact us to book your golf trip of a lifetime. For ideas and inspiration check out our brochure here.
Yours in Golf,
