Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with more than 30 million passengers passing through its international airport every year. Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Ireland’s capital is now a bustling, vibrant city that has grown up among its ancient heritage.
There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. Golf travel company G Golf Ireland has picked out its favourite golf courses in Dublin to consider as part of your next golfing trip to Ireland.
Portmarnock Old: Multiple host of the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship and this year’s Women’s Amateur Championship, Portmarnock is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. A very fair test of pure links golf, Portmarnock ranks at No.37 in the current Golf Digest World Top 100 courses list and is many of our client’s favourite Irish course, for good reason. 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 1970s. 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 so that wind is always a factor when deciding on the club to play. The course is immaculately presented and the private setting means that the sounds of nature and the sea are the only distractions from the beauty of the links. Co. Louth is more than a hidden gem. It is a must play!
The European Club: Famous golf designer, Pat Ruddy, set out to own and build a golf course which would become a masterpiece in the late 1980s. He has achieved that and more. Considered by many to be Ireland’s best links golf course, the European Club combines rugged scenic beauty with exceptionally well designed golf holes. A deserving member of Golf Digest’s World Top 100 courses list, the European Club 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 and a notable feature is the bunkering. Avoiding the sand traps is the key to a good score around this links which 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, extensive practice facilities and a luxury 5 star hotel to retire to at the end of the golfing day. The K Club is an oasis of calm set in the midst of a 550 acre estate and 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 which has hosted professional and elite amateur events including the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open and the 2021 Irish Challenge. Jameson Links makes full use of the dunes and 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: A relative “new kid on the block”, Killeen Castle is a Jack Nicklaus designed parkland layout set in the ancient Irish countryside on the outskirts of Dublin city. Host of the Solheim Cup in 2011 and the 2025 Irish Challenge tour venue, Killeen first opened for play in 2008. Measuring more than 7,700 from the tips, choose your tee box 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!
See more at ggolfireland.org
Image: Portmarnock Resort and Jameson Golf Links, Portmarnock, Co Dublin (Fáilte Ireland / © Mel MacLaine for Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links)