THE BEST COURSES FOR DUBLIN & PORTMARNOCK GOLF HOLIDAYS
Reviews of our recommended courses in Dublin & Portmarnock.

Legendary links golf from the 1^st Tee to the 18^th Green, rightly deserves its hallowed status and for many the best course they've ever played: we wouldn't argue.  However you play and whatever the weather, Portmarnock is a course you will never forget - for all the right reasons. 
N.B.  Tee reservations need to be made well in advance due to restricted visiting days.

Eire's only "Royal" course speaks volumes of its history.  On a small piece of land (Bull Island) floating in Dublin bay.  An absolutely classic test of links golf, long narrow fairways, pot bunkers, ditches and hummocks abound.  The original Harry Shapland Colt design has been strengthened by a very sympathetic adjustment of several holes by Martin Hawtree.  Stylish Clubhouse too.

Initially open terrain with little shelter from the ever present sea breeze makes the front nine a stern test of long straight hitting.  Along the back-nine the hummocks and hillocks slowly grow around you and build towards the climactic finale down the funnel of dunes back to the sanctuary of the hotel.

On the other end of Bull Island to its more illustrious neighbour: a shorter more intricate course that is beautifully maintained.  A true links course that is great fun to play, don't be fooled by the overall length as you will need your A-game to succeed at St. Anne's.  Everybody enjoys the friendly relaxed atmosphere here: don't make the common mistake of leaving Dublin without playing St. Anne's!  Or why not enjoy a Bull Island day, playing here and then Royal Dublin?

Once upon a time the only way to reach The Island was by row-boat: thankfully there is now a road! One of Ireland's lesser known lights whose tight rippling fairways and miniscule Greens will have you working hard between the towering dunes and marshes of the estuary to make your score.

Clearly designed by Mr. Palmer with Tour golf in mind; a scenic yet exacting test of anyone's golf that runs around the old house through the grounds of the state.  Plenty of water hazards en-route, including one called the Liffey!  No doubt familiar to anyone who enjoyed watching the dramatic scenes from the 2006 Ryder Cup.

On a stretch of land within the grounds a course that is totally different to the Palmer course and offers a different golfing challenge.  The Smurfit course is a much more open proposition at first sight, however the lack of tress has been compensated for by the addition of an awful lot of water and sand so that every hole requires a little forethought.  The Quarry hole is quite exceptional with an abandoned water-filled quarry running the full length of the hole from Tee-to-Green, a spectacular sight.  A very good course in its own right (psssst, many find it more fun than the Ryder Cup course).

Co. Louth (Baltray)  

100% links from start to finish and one of the very best golf courses in Ireland - even if you have never heard of County Louth!  The course runs out initially towards the estuary then turns back along the coast as far as neighbouring Seapoint G.C. (worth a game too while you're here!) and is an example of how good links land needs little added apart from imagination to create interesting and testing holes that will leave you wanting more.  Often overlooked but more than worth the drive from Dublin.  One of our favourite Irish courses and scene of many an Irish Open - including 2009.

Designed by two of the recent greats of Irish golf and hailed as the best new course in Ireland when it opened.  A subtle modern, pure parkland design that tips its hat in the general direction of Augusta - particularly between the 11th & 13^th with some very attractive to the eye (and sadly to the ball too) water features and planting of trees and shrubs. St. Margaret's has been a regular host to the Irish PGA Championship.

Cunning parkland course, that has recently had a lot of time and money spent on its presentation; it is now in top condition.
Three loops of nine holes with water hazards, a few blind shots, elevated greens and always a good buzz in the Clubhouse.

A tranquil beauty through the established forests of the majestic castle.  The land here was once a hunting demesne and still exudes a baronial air.  It's lovely to play in such peaceful surroundings yet so close to such a big city.

Other Dublin golf courses to consider

Around Dublin there are a whole host of great courses - some of which you may never have heard of - Swords, Skerries, Charlesland, Hollystown, Howth, Seapoint, Donabate, Carton House, The Hermitage and Woodbrook for example.  At these little Clubs you will find great value golf and plenty of home-grown character - call us for the 'local knowledge'.