The Island Golf Club

Leinster is Ireland's eastern golfing powerhouse, and it doesn't shout about it. While international golfers make a pilgrimage to Kerry and the Wild Atlantic coast, the province anchored by Dublin quietly hosts one of the densest concentrations of world-class golf on earth. Within 90 minutes of Dublin Airport, you can play Portmarnock, County Louth (Baltray), The Island, Royal Dublin, The K Club, Druids Glen and soon Brittas Bay… whether links or manicured, resort-style parkland, you’ll find it here. What Leinster offers that the west doesn't is convenience. Dublin is your base: a brilliant city for food, music and Guinness, with championship golf on the doorstep. East-coast links are a bit more subtle than the west coast links, while the parkland estates of Kildare and Kilkenny offer five-star resort golf of the highest order. It's a destination you can build a serious itinerary around without the miles of cross-country driving. 🏆 Why Choose Leinster for Golf? World-class links on the doorstep — Portmarnock, The Island and Baltray (County Louth) form one of golf's great coastal clusters, all within 45 minutes of the airport Outstanding parkland variety — The K Club (Ryder Cup 2006), Mount Juliet (Jack Nicklaus), Druids Glen and Killeen Castle offer top-tier resort experiences Dublin as a base — one of Europe's most compelling cities for food, live music and post-round pints Year-round playability — East Coast links drain fast after rain; inland parklands stay beautifully conditioned Compact geography — five or six exceptional courses can be played in a single week without any long drives ⛳ Leinster's Best Golf Courses Portmarnock Golf Club The jewel of the East Coast, and the course against which all Irish links are measured. Portmarnock sits on a narrow peninsula 16km north of Dublin, founded in 1894 and almost surrounded by the Irish Sea. It has hosted 19 Irish Opens, the 1991 Walker Cup, and may yet stage The Open Championship. Bernard Darwin's famous verdict — that no greater finish exists than Portmarnock's closing five holes — holds as true today as when it was written. The course is relatively flat and wide, which fools visitors into underestimating it. The genius lies in the routing, the relentless crosswinds and the quality of every single hole. 🗓 Visitors: 1 April–31 October only 🚶 Walking only — no buggies for visitors County Louth Golf Club — Baltray Known simply as Baltray, County Louth is the great, undersung links of the east coast — quietly ranked in Ireland's top five and beloved by those who've played it. Located at the mouth of the River Boyne, 45 minutes north of Dublin Airport, the course was redesigned in 1938 by Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay and has remained almost unchanged since. The clubhouse is warm, the soup and brown bread post-round is legendary, and tee times are more accessible than you'd expect for a course of this calibre. The Island Golf Club Established in 1890 and reached via a winding road alongside the Malahide estuary, The Island is one of those courses that rewards the effort made to find it. Surrounded on three sides by water and set among some of the highest dunes on the east coast, it has a raw, natural character that is rare even by links standards. Recent remodelling work transformed the front nine, adding variety and making fuller use of the dramatic terrain. Just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, it's an ideal opening or closing round. Royal Dublin Golf Club Founded in 1885 and designed by H.S. Colt, Royal Dublin occupies North Bull Island in Dublin Bay — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where 40,000 migratory birds overwinter alongside the golfers. The approach across the wooden bridge from Clontarf sets the scene immediately. The links are flat, exposed and relentlessly honest. Multiple Irish Open host. Accessible by tram from Dublin city centre, and with competitive green fees for a course of this calibre, Royal Dublin is one of Leinster's best-value championship experiences. The K Club — Palmer North Course Ireland's most famous golf resort and host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, where Europe won by a record 18.5–9.5. The Palmer North Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay in 1991 and set within 550 acres of County Kildare countryside alongside the River Liffey. Grand, immaculate and definitively resort in character, it's the course golfers visit to stand where Darren Clarke, Luke Donald and Sergio García sealed European glory. 💎 Other Courses Nearby Druids Glen The "Augusta of Ireland" — a phrase that earns its credibility in late spring when the Wicklow parkland explodes with colour. Four-time Irish Open host in the 1990s. Stunning conditioning and a resort package including the adjacent Druids Heath course. Carlow Golf Club A wooded deer park with a sandy, springy feel underfoot that wouldn't look out of place on a Surrey heathland. Vastly underrated, quietly excellent. Tom Simpson & Molly Gourlay’s heritage and pedigree. Corballis Links A local cult classic, it’s a sneaky good 18-hole golf municipal that lies inthe same dunes as The Island… ✈️ Getting to Leinster Dublin Airport is one of Europe's best-connected hubs, with direct flights from across the UK, Europe, and North America (New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and beyond). Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate frequent UK routes; transatlantic golfers fly direct with Aer Lingus, United, American and Delta. Ferry option: Irish Ferries and Stena Line run Holyhead–Dublin Port crossings (approximately 3h 20m on the fast ferry), which are ideal for UK-based golfers carrying clubs who want to avoid airline bag fees. By car: Belfast to Dublin is around 90 minutes on the M1, making a combined Ulster–Leinster itinerary entirely realistic. 🚗 Getting Around Leinster A hire car is essential. All major international companies operate from Dublin Airport. The M50 ring road and M1, M2, and M4 motorways give fast access to courses across the province. GPS is reliable throughout; allow extra time on first visits to courses with complex approach roads — The Island in Donabate being the prime example. ☀️ Weather & When to Go Best months: May, June and September — good weather, long days, manageable visitor numbers and slightly lower green fees than peak summer. Peak season: July and August — longest days and firmest links conditions, but highest prices and most advanced planning required. Shoulder season: April and October — excellent value, variable weather, and a genuine chance of near-empty courses on weekday mornings. Leinster's east-coast climate is noticeably milder than the Atlantic coast — lower rainfall, less ferocious wind, more sunshine. Summer temperatures range from around 15–20°C (59–68°F). Pack a light waterproof jacket and a mid-layer regardless of the forecast. 🏨 Where to Stay Golf resorts: The K Club (Kildare), Druids Glen (Wicklow), Killeen Castle (Meath) and Carton House (Kildare) all offer full resort packages combining accommodation with golf on-site. Dublin city centre: Most flexible base for the coastal links cluster. Coastal villages: Malahide is ideally placed for the north Dublin links — 15 minutes from Portmarnock and The Island, with excellent restaurants and a harbour. Skerries is quieter and better positioned for Baltray day trips. South Wicklow: Powerscourt Hotel near Enniskerry for Wicklow parkland golf, or the market town of Kilkenny as a base for Mount Juliet. 🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink Fine dining: Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud near St Stephen's Green holds two Michelin stars and is Ireland's most decorated table. Authentic pubs: Order a Guinness and settle in at Temple Bar. Near the courses: The post-round clubhouse lunch at County Louth (Baltray) is part of the experience — traditional Irish cooking served with genuine warmth. The two-course meal is included in Portmarnock's green fee. In Malahide, the waterfront restaurants make excellent use of fresh Irish Sea produce. 💡 Insider Tips ⚠️ The European Club — 2026 Update: Pat Ruddy's European Club in County Wicklow — long one of Ireland's finest links — was sold in 2025 and immediately closed for a comprehensive redesign by Kyle Phillips. It is expected to reopen in 2027 as Brittas Bay Club. Do not include it in a 2026 itinerary. 🦶 Portmarnock - Be prepared to walk… No buggies for visitors, ever. The terrain is more or less flat, and walking is the point. 🏌️ Don't overlook Baltray: It's the most underestimated great links in Ireland. More accessible than Portmarnock, more authentic than the resorts, and the one course that serious golfers who've done the research tend to name as their best day. 🛬 Last-morning golf: The Island or Corballis is 15 minutes from Dublin Airport. If there's a late afternoon flight, a final morning round with the bags in the car is one of the more civilised ways to end a Leinster trip. 🗺️ Beyond Golf Glendalough — Sixth-century monastic settlement in a glacial Wicklow valley. One of Ireland's most atmospheric sites. Unmissable on any South Wicklow golf trip. The Boyne Valley — Newgrange (5,000 years old, predates Stonehenge) and the Hill of Tara, 40 minutes north of Dublin. Combine with a Baltray round for the most culturally satisfying day in Leinster. Trinity College & the Book of Kells — The Long Room library is among the world's most beautiful spaces. Free to walk the squares; the Book of Kells exhibition requires a ticket. Guinness Storehouse — The rooftop Gravity Bar with panoramic Dublin views justifies every overused superlative applied to it. Allow two to three hours. The Wicklow Mountains — The Military Road through Glencree and Glenmacnass is a genuinely spectacular drive. Best done slowly, with a stop at Sally Gap.

Alex Frolish has been a pilot for approaching 20 years and now travels to all corners of the globe in his role as a commercial airline pilot. His passion for flight is only equalled by his passion for golf and golf travel. Having picked up a golf club over 35 years ago when aged just 3 years old, Alex has played over 550 courses across every continent on planet earth furnished with a fairway. Over the next few months you’ll be able to follow Alex’s golfing travels as he brings you anecdotes of his life both in the air and on the course. As an airline pilot, you tend to become mildly obsessed with your sleep (or lack there of) and of ways to maximise it. I often get asked how I deal with jet lag. The answer is really quite personal to the individual rather than there being one solution for all. One thing I have found is that flying to the east from the U.K. is particularly difficult on my body clock. So when I saw flights to Hong Kong and Singapore on my April roster, I envisaged many hours staring at my bedroom ceiling in the small hours. Having spent one such night in my Hong Kong hotel room, I arrived for my morning tee time at Clearwater Bay Golf Club with my fuel tank on empty, just about surviving on caffeine power and a blurred sense of anticipation. I had read that Clearwater Bay made a good argument for being one of the most dramatic golf courses in Asia, occupying an improbable piece of craggy and vegetation covered coastal land looking out over the South China Sea. I’d even read one article that compared some of the course to Pebble Beach of all places! On arriving at the club and taking in the vista from the clubhouse balcony, I have to say, the reports were wholly accurate. The two nines are very distinct from each other in character, with the front nine named ‘Ocean’ and the back nine named ‘Highland’. The Pebble Beach comparisons come early in the front nine, as the course traverses a clifftop out on to the very tip of a peninsula, akin to the 7th at Pebble. What a remarkable stretch of golf it is. My turnaround back in the U.K. after Hong Kong was minimal, but this time I was off as a passenger rather than a pilot. Ireland has a magnetic quality that leaves me plotting many a golfing trip (normally late at night when I’m meant to be sleeping) and one such trip came into being in mid-April. Four days on the East coast was going to encompass six rounds of golf on some of the best links land the Emerald Isle has to offer. A little more than an hour after landing at Dublin airport, we were standing on the 1st tee at The Island Golf Club, staring down its dune lined first fairway. The land here is spectacular and this was a more than fitting course to begin our trip (and special spot to sink our first Guinness). Photo credit: Patrick Koenig We based ourselves at the Portmarnock Hotel for two nights and awoke the next morning to a beautiful view of the links. It was a historic course a few miles down the coast that was our destination on day 2 however. Royal Dublin, like The Island, is routed across a piece of land not fully attached to the mainland. It contrasts markedly to the towering dunes of The Island however, with Royal Dublin wandering out and back across mildly undulating links ground. The course has undergone a bunker renovation and transformation with the aim of re-injecting some of Colt’s original strategic questioning that had become muddied after years of conflicting course works. I love the subtlety of Colt architecture and truly believe the work at Royal Dublin has been hugely successful in returning some Colt character to this links layout. The afternoon round was played across one of the best links golf courses in the world, Portmarnock. There aren’t enough compliments I can pay to describe my thoughts on this course and it has entered my personal list in the highest of echelons. A disappointing trend re-emerged here though on the 15th tee. I seem to be making a habit of playing the signature holes of world famous golf courses like an absolute beginner. As a single figure handicap golfer, and standing on the iconic par 3 15th tee here with a good round going, I managed to explicably shank my tee shot on to the beach. You had to laugh, and we did over many pints of the black stuff that night. Photo credit: Gary Lisbon Those of you who have read Tom Coyne’s ‘A Course Called Ireland’ will be aware of Ardglass and his passion for the town and the golf club. Day 3 took us north to play Royal County Down and then on to Ardglass and to a stay in Margaret’s Cottage B&B, the very spot Tom stayed in the book. What can I say about Royal County Down? It is ranked as the best links course in the world for a reason and it is one of the more stringent links examinations I have experienced. Carried on a cloud of golfing contentment, we made our way up the coast to Ardglass that afternoon, our bodies weary but our minds very much excited for what lay ahead. With the Irish Sea crashing against the rocks to the left, the shadow of the 15th century castle clubhouse peering across the 1st tee and the town surrounding the course beyond the boundary wall, the opening spectacle here is as dramatic as any I have witnessed in world golf. The opening scene is not in isolation. Ardglass is a drama filled rollercoaster packed with many highlight moments and picture postcard views. I understand why Tom Coyne fell in love with this place. Our departure day round was arranged at County Louth (Baltray to the locals). Of all the courses we played on this trip, this might be the one that I’d like to play once a week for the rest of my days. Not as bold as most of the other layouts, it however boasts a playability and enjoyment factor that is tough to rival. The land is attractively undulating and the beautifully crafted green sites are a feast for the eyes. I’d implore anybody visiting this area of Ireland to include County Louth on their itinerary. Photo credit: Gary Lisbon My arrival back from Ireland placed me all too quickly in the flight deck once again, headed this time for the bright lights of Dubai. It may have been a quick turnaround, but Dubai is a destination I am always happy to see on my roster as you can normally guarantee some quality golf and sunshine. For this visit, I had arranged a first time visit to The Els Club, a course with a repute of being one of the hardest in the Middle East. It didn’t disappoint. The greens are like glass, the bunkers like bomb craters and the fairways seemingly wide but often improbably narrow in terms of where you need to be playing from. My four putt from 6 feet on the 2nd as well as my birdie on the 9th (probably the hardest hole on the course) suitably illustrates the highs and lows of my round here. Pilots are always looking ahead to the next flight, the next layover and the next publication of their work roster. For me there is always the added anticipation of potential future golf to plan. The publication of my May roster was a pleasing one, and had been particularly kind to me in a golfing sense. Buenos Aires, New York, Pittsburgh and Portland all offered plenty of golfing food for thought. In the U.K., I had a number of games already arranged at some of the best courses in England that I’d yet to play. But that’s all for next time. In the mean time, wherever you are and whatever you have planned, I wish you the straightest of drives, well negotiated four- footers and happy rounds.

Dublin's golf courses offer world-class links golf just minutes from Ireland's capital city. This comprehensive Dublin golf guide reveals the best golf courses in Dublin, from championship venues like Portmarnock Golf Club to hidden gems perfect for your Ireland golf vacation. Discover why Dublin golf courses consistently rank among the world's best golf destinations. For Dublin-specific golf trips, click here. Why Dublin Golf Courses Should Be Your Next Golf Obsession Dublin golf courses provide an unmatched combination of championship-level links golf and urban sophistication that few destinations worldwide can match. Ireland's capital region hosts some of the best golf courses in Ireland, making it the perfect base for an unforgettable golf vacation. Dublin's golf scene offers exceptional value compared to other world-class golf destinations: • Unmatched Golf Course Concentration: Four world-class golf courses within 45 minutes of Dublin city centre—more championship links golf per square kilometre than virtually anywhere else in the world • Golf Course Heritage: Royal Dublin Golf Club has hosted numerous Irish Opens, with legends like Ballesteros and Langer amongst the winners, whilst Portmarnock Golf Club has welcomed the Walker Cup, Canada Cup, and countless professional championships since 1894 • Authentic Links Golf Experience: "I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock Golf Club", said Bernard Darwin—these aren't manufactured resort courses but genuine links forged by nature and refined by legendary golf course architects Best Golf Courses Dublin: Championship Links That Define Irish Golf The best golf courses in Dublin represent the pinnacle of links golf architecture and Irish golf heritage. These premier Dublin golf courses consistently rank among the world's top golf destinations. Portmarnock Golf Club - Often called Ireland's answer to Muirfield, this championship golf course features the legendary closing five holes that Darwin proclaimed the finest finish in world golf. This elite golf club is tipped to host The Open Championship in due course, making tee times increasingly exclusive. Book 27 holes if possible—the 9-hole course features some of the property's best green sites and a devilish 270-yard driveable par-4. County Louth Golf Club (Baltray) - This Tom Simpson masterpiece stands as one of Ireland's finest golf courses, with elevated tees overlooking Simpson's masterful routing through towering dunes. Often called the finest Simpson golf course design still true to his original vision, the approach road through the local fishing village builds anticipation before you experience golf course architecture at its purest. Brittas Bay (formerly The European Club) - Pat Ruddy's unique 20-hole links golf masterpiece features rthe spectacular 596-yard 13th hole with a green 127 yards deep, creating one of golf's most memorable experiences. The signature sleeper-faced bunkers throughout make putters viable escape options due to their angled construction—often the percentage play from sand. Reopening in 2027, Kyle Phillips has been called upon to make this one of Ireland’s greatest links. The Island Golf Club - Showcasing Ireland's most dramatic dunescapes, this golf course features the memorable 220-yard par-3 13th hole over the beach and the amphitheatre green at the 15th. Don't be surprised by afternoon tee times—this popular golf course books solid, but the 3-4pm slots offer magical evening light through the towering dunes. Jameson Links at Portmarnock - Recently renovated with strategic hole improvements, this Bernard Langer golf course design now emphasises sea views whilst maintaining playability for all skill levels. The conversion of the 16th hole from par-5 to par-4 has significantly improved the routing and strategic options. Hidden Gem Golf Courses Near Dublin: Discover Ireland's Best Kept Golf Secrets Beyond the famous championship golf courses, Dublin's surrounding area offers exceptional golf experiences that deliver outstanding value and unique character. These hidden gem golf courses provide authentic Irish golf without the premium pricing of the marquee venues. Corballis Public Golf Links - This municipal links golf course sits just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, offering legitimate links golf for £22-30 (€26-35/$30-40). Redesigned by Jeff Howes, this 14-hole golf course punches well above its weight class. After a long haul flight and before taking on bucket list golf courses, this little links course provides the perfect introduction to Irish links golf. Carlow Golf Club - Located 90 minutes from Dublin, this Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay 1930s golf course design routes around and over forested hillsides. Featuring 17 holes of pure Simpson golf course architecture plus one intriguing outlier, this represents exceptional golf value at £50-75 (€60-90/$65-100) for a genuine Simpson golf experience away from coastal crowds. Royal Dublin Golf Club - Playing through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with views across Dublin Bay offers a unique golf experience. This historic golf course sits on Bull Island—the world's only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in a capital city. The golf course was formed by 19th-century sea wall construction, creating perfect sandy terrain for links golf. Druids Glen Golf Resort - Known as the "Augusta National of Ireland," this meticulously maintained parkland golf course features vibrant azaleas, rolling fairways through ancient woodlands, and the famous "Ireland's Amen Corner" stretch from holes 12-14. Located 30 minutes south of Dublin in County Wicklow, this golf course showcases stunning floral displays and immaculate conditioning that mirrors Augusta's aesthetic whilst incorporating Irish countryside charm. Sample Dublin Golf Vacation Itinerary: 5-Day Ireland Golf Trip Planning the perfect Dublin golf vacation requires strategic course selection and smart logistics. This Dublin golf itinerary maximises your golf experience whilst allowing time to explore Ireland's capital city. Day 1 - Arrive Dublin Airport, collect rental car, settle accommodation north of the city. Afternoon golf options: 18 holes at Royal Dublin Golf Club (2:30pm start) to ease into Irish links golf, or Corballis Links Golf Course for a jet lag-busting warm-up round instead of a range session. Traditional pub dinner in Howth village to experience authentic Irish hospitality. Day 2 - Morning 18 holes at Portmarnock Golf Club (8:30am) for the ultimate championship golf experience. Summer option: 36 holes with the recommended golf package to fully experience this world-class course. Winter option: afternoon 9 holes (2:00pm) and explore the legendary clubhouse. Seafood dinner in Malahide village, early night to recover from jet lag. Day 3 - Morning 18 holes at County Louth Golf Club/Baltray (9:00am) for the Tom Simpson golf course masterpiece. Lunch in historic Drogheda, visit local attractions. Return to Dublin for city centre dinner and exploration. Day 4 - Morning 18 holes at The Island Golf Club (9:30am) for dramatic dunescape golf. Afternoon exploring Dublin city centre attractions, including Trinity College and Temple Bar. Theatre district dinner and traditional Irish entertainment. Day 5 - Final 18 holes choice of Jameson Links, The European Club, or Druids Glen Golf Resort, depending on golf course preference. Flight departure or extend Ireland golf vacation. Departure or continue exploring Ireland's best golf courses. Extended 7-Day Ireland Golf Trip Including Royal County Down Golf Course: Day 6 - Drive to Newcastle, Northern Ireland (2 hours), settle into accommodation near Royal County Down Golf Club. Practice round or explore the scenic Mourne Mountains. Resort dinner preparation for championship golf. Day 7 - 36 holes at Royal County Down Golf Club with a caddy for Ireland's ultimate golf experience on the country's top-ranked golf course. Celebrate at the resort spa facilities. Farewell dinner, prepare for departure from this world-class golf destination. Getting There and Getting About: The Insider's Playbook Flights – Dublin Airport serves as Ireland's main international gateway with major airlines offering direct routes from North America and Europe. Aer Lingus provides the most frequent services with competitive shoulder-season pricing. Allow 2.5-3 hours minimum connection time for international transfers. Driving – All major car rental services operate from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals halls. International driving licences required for non-EU visitors. In Ireland, vehicles drive on the left-hand side, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits: 50 km/h urban areas, 100 km/h national roads, 120 km/h motorways. Critical tip: Avoid the M50 orbital motorway during school holidays (June-August) and rush hours—departure times of 7:00am or earlier are essential. Weather & Packing – Ireland's golf season runs April to October, with May through September offering the best conditions. June provides 18-hour daylight allowing golf from 5am to 10:30pm. Temperatures range from high 50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (15-24°C) during peak season. Pack waterproofs regardless of season—Irish weather changes rapidly. Handicaps – Official handicap certificates required for championship courses. CONGU, USGA, and EGA handicaps accepted. Maximum 28 for men, 36 for women at premium venues. Caddies & Carts – Traditional dress codes still common—jeans, shorts and trainers frowned upon, some clubs require jacket and tie for dining. Caddies available at Portmarnock and Royal Dublin (€60-80 plus tip). Trolleys are universally available, buggies by arrangement only. Digs That Put You in the Heart of the Action Golf Resort Accommodation - On-site golf resorts offer the ultimate convenience with courses literally on your doorstep. These properties typically feature historic charm, spa facilities, and exceptional dining, though they command premium pricing during peak season. Coastal Village Hotels - Charming seaside villages like Howth and Malahide provide boutique accommodation with renowned seafood restaurants and traditional Irish hospitality. These locations offer easy access to multiple courses whilst maintaining authentic coastal atmosphere. Dublin City Centre Hotels - Georgian elegance and luxury hotels in the city centre provide cultural immersion and world-class dining, situated 25-30 minutes from golf venues. Perfect for those wanting urban sophistication alongside their golf experience. Airport Area B&Bs - Budget-conscious golfers will find excellent value in comfortable bed & breakfasts near Dublin Airport, offering convenience for arrivals and departures plus easy access to golf courses without city centre pricing. Strategic Location Planning - Consider accommodation near train stations in coastal areas for the best of both worlds—direct rail access to Dublin city centre whilst remaining within walking distance of championship courses. This approach eliminates M50 traffic concerns entirely. Fuel Up and Wind Down: Dublin's Culinary Scene Championship Clubhouses expect classic fare with modern touches. Portmarnock's dining room serves excellent Irish beef and fresh seafood (mains £24-38/€28-45/$32-50), whilst Royal Dublin offers traditional club atmosphere with hearty portions (£19-32/€22-38/$25-42). Book restaurant tables when securing tee times. City Centre Standouts include several Michelin-starred establishments offering contemporary Irish cuisine with international influences, and premium steakhouses housed in stunning historic buildings with grand architectural features. Dublin's fine dining scene provides world-class options within elegant Georgian and Victorian settings. Reservations essential for top-tier restaurants. Post-Round Pints demand authentic experiences. The traditional pub culture remains strong—expect hearty staples like beef and Guinness stew or Dublin coddle. Temple Bar district caters to tourists with lively atmosphere, whilst traditional pubs throughout the city offer authentic Irish music sessions and historic character that locals prefer. Local Specialities include Dublin Bay prawns, Irish seafood chowder, and proper fish and chips. Bunsen serves outstanding smash burgers at multiple locations, whilst Pi Pizza delivers exceptional wood-fired pizzas. Budget £35-50 (€40-60/$45-65) per person for quality dining, £22-30 (€25-35/$28-38) for casual meals. Links Golf Mastery: Playing Like You Belong • Wind Strategy: Dublin Bay creates swirling conditions that make afternoon rounds significantly more challenging than morning golf—club selection can vary by 2-3 clubs between holes • Ground Game Excellence: The condition of the course allows firm and fast surfaces that encourage the ground game and will reward you handsomely if you employ it correctly—practice bump-and-run shots, particularly at Portmarnock where precision matters more than power • **Bunker Tactics): Dublin's courses feature deep pot bunkers and unique sleeper-faced hazards—at The European Club, putting from bunkers is often the percentage play due to the angled sleeper construction • Green Reading Mastery: The strategically positioned pot bunkers will swallow up any errant shot, but the course's true genius is on the upturned saucer-like greens: the best advice is to ignore the flag and aim for the middle—club down and focus on two-putt pars rather than aggressive pin-hunting Dublin Golf Course Booking Strategy: How to Secure Tee Times at Ireland's Premier Golf Courses Successfully booking Dublin's championship golf courses requires advanced planning and insider knowledge. This golf course booking guide ensures you secure tee times at Ireland's most sought-after golf destinations. Golf Course Booking Timeline: Plan your Dublin golf vacation well in advance—the norm now is one to two years advance booking for peak season arrival. Championship golf courses require 12-18 months advance booking for May through September golf seasons. Seasonal Golf Pricing: Peak season green fees (May-September) command premium pricing at Dublin golf courses, whilst shoulder seasons (April, October) offer 20-30% savings with excellent golf course conditions. Winter rates (November-March) drop significantly, though some links golf courses close to visitors for maintenance. Dublin Golf Course Advance Booking Requirements: Portmarnock Golf Club: 18 months for weekend rounds, 12 months for weekdays. Visitors' days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. £350 (€405/$450) for 18 holes with lunch included (April 1st-October 31st). The recommended approach is to book the 36-hole golf package to fully experience this world-class golf course Royal Dublin Golf Club: 12 months for prime tee times, 6 months for afternoon golf slots County Louth Golf Club: 8-12 months during peak golf season The Island Golf Club: 6-9 months advance booking recommended Royal County Down Golf Club: Available mid-April to October, visitors welcome Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday mornings, and Sunday afternoons. £425 (€490/$560) for 18 holes or £575 (€665/$760) for 36 holes Extended Ireland Golf Options: Newcastle (Royal County Down Golf Club) sits just two hours from Dublin, making it feasible for extended Ireland golf itineraries focused on the country's absolute best golf courses. Belfast area golf courses including Royal Belfast Golf Club and Malone Golf Club are 1 hour 45 minutes from Dublin Airport with good traffic conditions. Dublin Golf Course Warm-Up: After international flights and before tackling bucket list golf courses, most golfers prefer a practice round. Corballis Links Golf Course, with green fees from £22 (€25/$28), offers excellent introduction to Irish links golf. This warm-up golf experience prepares golfers for championship golf courses with zero links golf exposure. Golf Package Opportunities: Many Dublin golf courses offer 36-hole packages combining championship and companion golf courses. Golf travel operators provide guaranteed tee times but add 15-25% premium. Direct golf course booking often yields better rates with flexibility for weather delays. Dublin represents everything that makes Irish golf special—championship golf courses with genuine heritage, stunning natural settings, and the authentic Irish hospitality that transforms a golf vacation into a lifetime memory. Whether you're pursuing Bernard Darwin's "greatest finish in golf" at Portmarnock Golf Club or experiencing the unique UNESCO Biosphere setting at Royal Dublin Golf Club, this remarkable concentration of world-class golf courses ensures every round will be memorable. From navigating your first pot bunker to the final handshake on the 18th green, Dublin golf courses deliver authenticity that manufactured resort golf courses simply cannot match. Combined with the city's legendary hospitality, outstanding dining, and rich cultural heritage, Dublin stands as a golf destination that satisfies both serious golfers and curious travellers seeking the complete Ireland experience. The best golf courses in Dublin offer more than just exceptional golf—they provide a gateway to Irish golf culture, links golf mastery, and unforgettable golf vacation memories. Book your Dublin golf courses well in advance, pack waterproof golf clothing, and prepare for links golf as it was meant to be played—where every round tells a story and every golf course teaches something new about this ancient game. For more information about Dublin's golf courses and to explore rankings of the world's best golf courses, visit Top 100 Golf Courses for comprehensive golf course reviews, ratings, and travel planning resources. See you on the first tee!