Curracloe Links

Curracloe Links opens for play in 2027 as Ireland's newest seaside links on a 65-hectare coastal property adjacent to Curracloe Beach in County Wexford. Designed by American architectural partnership Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, the par-70 layout represents a 28-year development vision from the Neville Hotel Group.

Why Play Curracloe Links?

Experience rugged linksland shaped by American architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka on terrain unlike any existing Irish links. Curracloe marks County Wexford's first championship seaside links.

History of Curracloe Links

Construction commenced in February 2024 following nearly three decades of environmental permitting applications by the Neville family. The 2,012-metre (6,600-yard) links represent the first completely new Irish links layout in over a decade. Groundbreaking followed the February 2024 opening of the 50-room Ravenport Resort adjacent to the construction site.

Fry and Straka developed the routing across former agricultural land several hundred metres from Curracloe Beach, the filming location for Steven Spielberg's 1998 film Saving Private Ryan. The site shares the same white-sand coastline voted best beach in Ireland by Irish Independent readers. Spring 2026 seeding preceded the anticipated summer 2026 opening.

The architectural partnership brings extensive design experience, most notably Wisconsin's Erin Hills, which hosted Brooks Koepka's 2017 U.S. Open victory. Their Curracloe commission represents Fry/Straka's first Irish project.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

A central ridge divides the property into two distinct zones. Coastal holes command views across the Irish Sea, whilst inland holes face traditional Irish countryside framed by dry-stone walls and sheep pastures. Water features on the opening and closing holes create an unusual characteristic for Irish links architecture.

The routing measures 2,012 metres (6,600 yards) from the championship tees. A dramatic kettle hole measuring 12 metres (40 feet) deep integrates into the short par-5 17th. The walkable terrain emphasises resort-style golf rather than championship tournament hosting, according to Straka.

The architects uncovered substantial native sand beneath the grazing pasture, eliminating the need for imported bunker materials. Sand quarries located 5 kilometres from the site provided additional construction materials, reducing environmental transport impacts.

Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Within 30km: Rosslare Golf Club occupies a narrow peninsula 28 kilometres (17 miles) south, approximately 25 minutes driving via R730 and R740.

30-60km: The European Club sits 97 kilometres (60 miles) north in County Wicklow, approximately one hour driving via N11. Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort lies 121 kilometres (75 miles) north near Newtownmountkennedy, approximately 75 minutes via M11/N11.

60km+: Dublin's premier links, including Portmarnock Golf Club and The Island Golf Club, sit 145 kilometres (90 miles) north, whilst Cork's Old Head Golf Links lies 241 kilometres (150 miles) southwest, approximately three hours driving.

Wexford town provides accommodation alternatives 10 kilometres (6 miles) south. Rosslare Harbour offers ferry connections to Wales and France for extended European golf itineraries.

Practical Planning

The 22 golf villas accommodate foursomes within the Ravenport Resort complex. A lighted putting course and short-game area complement the championship layout. The clubhouse features an Irish whiskey bar and dining facilities. Advance booking is essential for 2026 preview play.

Transport Information ✈️

Dublin Airport: 141 kilometres (88 miles), approximately 1 hour 50 minutes driving via M1 and M11/N11 southbound. Major car rental facilities with direct M50 motorway access.

Waterford Airport: 97 kilometres (60 miles) for domestic and limited international connections.

Public Transport: Wexford Bus operates hourly services from Wexford O'Hanrahan Station to Curracloe village (10 minutes), with connecting services to Dublin Airport (2 hours 45 minutes total journey time).

Ground Transport: Primary access via N11/M11 motorway from Dublin, exiting onto N25 towards Wexford, then R741 to Curracloe Beach.

Seasonal Timing

Spring: April through May offers optimal playing conditions as the new links turf establishes. Book early for preview play opportunities during the inaugural season.

Summer: June through August provides the warmest temperatures (15-20°C) with extended daylight for evening rounds. Curracloe Beach attracts considerable tourist traffic during the peak summer months.

Autumn: September through October delivers firm links conditions as weather patterns shift. Reduced green fees typically available outside peak summer season.

Winter: November through March experiences Ireland's wettest period. Links golf remains playable year-round, though shorter daylight hours and Atlantic weather systems influence scheduling.

Curracloe Links: The Verdict

Fry and Straka's maiden Irish commission introduces distinctive architectural concepts to the southeast coast. The integration of deep kettle holes, water features unusual for links golf, and sight lines mixing coastal and pastoral landscapes distinguishes Curracloe from established Irish links templates. Opening 2026 positions the links to benefit from modern agronomic practices whilst respecting traditional links golf principles.

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