Corballis Links Golf Club

The course itself is over a hundred years old, with the original holes set out in 1906 by employees of nearby Portrane Hospital. What began as a modest layout has evolved through multiple incarnations to become Ireland's only public links course. This layout was expanded to a full 18-hole course after Donabate Golf Club was established in 1928, but the club relocated to its present location in 1939.

Corballis Golf Club was then founded, and it functioned up until 1968, when land was acquired near Swords and the club reformed as Forrest Little Golf Club. Dublin County Council acquired the property for £95,000 in 1971, eventually passing to Fingal County Council ownership in 1994.

Modern Architectural Philosophy

Ron Kirby from Bates Golf Design Group was called in soon after to upgrade the layout. Kirby's vision transformed the course into its current configuration. Old holes 4, 13, 14 and 15 were lost, replaced by new ones along the coastline at holes 4 to 7. This coastal routing creates the course's most dramatic sequence, where authentic links terrain meets stunning Irish Sea panoramas.

The layout's unusual scoring structure reflects thoughtful design adaptation to the available land. The course features five short par fours, seven par threes and only one par five, creating a distinctive test that emphasises precision over power.

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Distinctive Links Character

Corballis Links occupies an extraordinary stretch of coastal terrain alongside Donabate Beach. The course sits alongside Donabate Beach, and offers golfers views over the water to Lambay Island and Lambay Castle. This authentic links setting provides the foundation for a genuinely challenging coastal golf experience.

The opening sequence establishes the course's bold character immediately. Multiple blind shots through tumbling duneland test navigation skills whilst elevated green complexes demand precise approach play. The coastal holes from the fourth through seventh represent the layout's architectural highlight, where the redesigned routing maximises both sea views and strategic interest.

The course's compact scale intensifies the strategic challenge. Course management becomes critical when accuracy matters more than distance. Wind direction significantly affects club selection and approach angles, whilst the firm links turf creates unpredictable bounces that reward local knowledge.

Green complexes feature pronounced slopes and subtle breaks that demand careful reading. The putting surfaces maintain excellent conditioning year-round, with many elevated positions that shed water naturally. Approach shots require careful consideration of wind and pin position to avoid challenging recovery shots from the surrounding duneland.

Travel & Planning

Corballis Links anchors an exceptional concentration of championship golf within Dublin's accessible coastal region. The course borders The Island to the south, a venue which features on the Great Britain & Ireland list. This proximity creates outstanding multi-course itinerary opportunities.

Within 15km (9 miles): The Island Golf Club shares the same pristine stretch of links terrain, offering the perfect same-day pairing for serious links enthusiasts.

15-30km (9-19 miles): Portmarnock Golf Club sits majestically on its sandy peninsula, whilst Royal Dublin Golf Club commands the southern approach to Dublin Bay. Both represent Ireland's championship links heritage.

Natural Combinations: Pair Corballis with The Island for an intensive links day, or combine with Portmarnock for contrasting championship experiences. The proximity to Dublin Airport makes these combinations particularly appealing for golf travel itineraries.

Practical Planning

Owned by Fingal County Council, it's a pay and play facility that's maintained and operated by Carr Golf. This public ownership ensures consistent year-round availability without membership restrictions. Online booking is recommended, particularly during peak season and weekends when demand increases significantly.

The course operates a full yearly time sheet, ensuring reliable access across all seasons. Corballis Links is the only pay-and-play public links course in all of Ireland. This unique status makes advance planning essential during busy periods.

Transport Information ✈️

Dublin Airport, the biggest and busiest airport in the entirety of Ireland, sits less than ten miles southeast of Corballis Links. This proximity makes Corballis exceptionally accessible for international golf travel.

Dublin Airport: 15km (9 miles) - 15-20 minutes by car via the M1 motorway. Take exit 4 and follow signs for Donabate. Taxi fare approximately €25-30.

Public Transport: Dublin Connolly station connects to the Dublin Suburban Rail network. Bus Éireann services operate from Dublin Airport to Donabate village, from where the course is a short taxi ride.

Car Rental: All major rental companies operate from Dublin Airport. The drive to Corballis provides an excellent introduction to the scenic Fingal coastline, with clear motorway access avoiding city centre traffic.

Seasonal Timing

Spring: Course conditions peak as the links turf firms following winter softness. April and May offer excellent value with fewer crowds, though weather remains changeable.

Summer: Peak season delivers the firmest playing conditions and longest daylight hours. July and August require advance booking, particularly for weekend play.

Autumn: September through November provides outstanding value with stable weather patterns. Links conditions remain excellent whilst visitor numbers decrease significantly.

Winter: Year-round playability makes Corballis particularly appealing during quieter months. The exposed coastal location means wind gear is essential, though the course rarely closes due to weather.