”I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock Golf Club”, said Bernard Darwin
Portmarnock Golf Club (Championship)
”I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock Golf Club”, said Bernard Darwin
5.5
“Be up” is the motto of glorious Portmarnock.
I would have done well to pay heed because time and time again, my shots fell short into its notorious bunkers
But before a player even steps onto the highly acclaimed championship links, they experience the very best in on-point service.
This includes a meal in the superb, traditional clubhouse as part of the price.
We were late-morning arrivals, so we indulged in a delicious breakfast (smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for me), presented with panache.
In the corridors and the dining room is a wealth of framed nods to the club’s illustrious past.
The club was established on the Portmarnock peninsula, a strip of land that hugs the famous five-mile beach known as "The Velvet Strand."
The primary founder was Scottish insurance broker William Pickeman, who rowed a boat across the Baldoyle Estuary with his friend George Ross from Sutton to explore the peninsula, which at the time was occupied by tenant farmers.
The course originally opened as a nine-hole layout in late 1894 and was quickly expanded to 18 holes by 1896.
Six-time Open champion Harry Vardon suggested improvements to the bunkering and green complexes in the early 1900s.
It has been a central pillar of Irish competitive golf for over a century, hosting the Irish Open 19 times.
More recently, it has been hotly tipped to be the Republic of Ireland's first club to host The Open.
I digress.
Following breakfast, we drove to the impressive driving range where free balls are available.
My costly mistake was not practising my short game; by the tenth, I had been in eight bunkers on seven separate holes.
We were scheduled to play with two other visitors, but they mysteriously failed to appear.
So, Podcast Partner (PP) and I were sent out on our own, taking our time behind a fourball because there was nobody behind us.
The jovial starter told us we would receive a video and photos of us on the 1st and 15th as part of the package.
He also advised us where to drive our ball down the first, a par-four running parallel to the sea with a trio of bunkers down the left.
The tone was set for my day when my ball fizzed into the first of those deep traps. The only way out was sideways, and I then unwound a three-wood only to career the ball into the face of the third bunker.
It was so deeply plugged that it was hard to see. PP struck down the right and advanced to the centre of the green before completing a straightforward par.
My bunker mire abated for a moment on the fourth hole, a stunning par-four, stroke index one.
Shots down the left will be blocked out from the green by grassy dunes, while sand traps await those who aim at three groups of trees down the right.
The green moves quickly from front to back, and the over-adventurous will find themselves in dense rough behind the hole or, worse, a hidden pond.
The glorious views from the elevated fifth tee look across to the bay on the left, while the drive is blind over two humps. The tip is to steer left over the white stone for a straightforward approach.
I can attest that a strong hit down the right will find another bunker with a vertical riveted face.
The longest hole on the course is the sixth, with bunkers lurking down the left and right before it turns between dunes and past a pond on the left.
The green has a false front and a sharp left-hand run-off, so the job isn’t complete until the ball is in the cup.
It should be said that the condition of Portmarnock is exemplary. The fairway turf is true, and the putting surfaces are wonderfully consistent.
I was struggling to score but was pleased with a central drive on the par-four ninth that curves back towards the clubhouse.
My ambitious second shot was well struck but drifted away from the elevated green into a greenside bunker. The perceived lack of justice scrambled my mind, and I failed to extricate the ball.
Comedy came on the wonderful par-three 12th, redesigned by Martin Hawtree in the early 2000s.
It is only about 160 yards, but its green is cunningly set above a bank so steep that PP saw his stinger reach the green and slip back down to the side of a nasty, deep bunker.
He decided he wanted another go and went more aerial, but the result was exactly the same.
The 14th begins a five-hole run-in that legendary writer Bernard Darwin described by saying, “I know of no greater finish in the world.”
It is a dogleg left, and, having finally learned my lesson, I played up short of the menacing sand traps to leave a simple pitch into a perched green to earn two points.
Incredibly, Irish amateur legend Joe Carr famously once made a hole-in-one here on this 385-yard par-four.
Another jovial chap met us on the tee of the 15th—the most iconic hole at Portmarnock.
He took our email addresses to send the promised footage of the 1st and 15th, combined with drone shots of the course.
It was akin to a horror film as far as I was concerned.
The par-three plays entirely along the shoreline of the beautiful beach where families were playing. The green is long and narrow, defended by three brutal bunkers. Inevitably, I found one—with my second shot after hooking my first.
I made a better fist of the 16th, despite its ridge of cross-bunkers on the fairway and pot bunkers near the target.
The finishing hole is a classic, leading back towards the famous clubhouse.
It requires a long, straight drive to avoid the heavy rough and a precise approach to a green that has seen some of the most dramatic moments in Irish Open history.
Portmarnock is a truly world-class golfing experience.
I just wish I had avoided its fiendish bunkers—or at least had a lesson on how to get my ball out of them.
Neil White
Round Information
Date Played
May 10, 2026
Standout Holes
#15, #5, #12
Rating Breakdown
Strategy
Green Complexes
Variety
Facilities & Amenities
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
England, United Kingdom
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County Dublin, Ireland
New York, United States
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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!
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.
17th July 2008 A Dublin golf club sale falls through The sale of its lands by a Dublin golf club, which would have earned each of its members €100,000, has fallen through because of the economic downturn. Members of Clontarf Golf and Bowling Club voted last November to sell the 77-acre site occupied by the club to a property development company, Capel Developments. The €125 million deal was described as the first of its kind in which individual members were to be paid for the sale of a golf club's land. Members rejected a rival bid from Manor Park Homes, which offered them €125,000 each, because they said it had been made too late. Capel Developments said yesterday it had withdrawn from negotiations on the project because of the current economic climate. "We have taken this decision in the light of the extraordinary change in the economic climate over recent months," it said in a statement. "We felt it would be imprudent to proceed at this point in time and rather than have uncertainty, we felt it would be in the best interests of both parties to inform Clontarf now." The company said it had not taken the decision lightly and was conscious of the "excellent relationship" it had built up with Clontarf and its members over the last eight months. "We would like to put on record our sincere thanks for the way in which Clontarf has worked with us during this time." Capel began negotiating with the club last year and its offer prevailed at a special general meeting at Croke Park attended by 537 of club's members. Under the conditions of the agreement, the club was to relocate to the 12-year-old Portmarnock Links course where a state-of-the-art clubhouse would have been constructed. Full members of Clontarf were to receive €100,000, female associates €22,000, five-day members €17,500, intermediate members €16,500, bowling and country members €5,000 and pavilion members €1,000. All payments would have been subject to 20 per cent capital gains tax. In addition, Capel Developments was to pay a lump sum of €20 million to the club and, on the signing of the agreement, a non-refundable €1 million lump sum. Clontarf Golf and Bowling Club owns about 12 acres of the site and leases 63 acres from Dublin City Council under a 99-year agreement dated from May 1991. A further two acres are owned by CIÉ. Members of Dublin City Council had threatened to block the sale and this issue remained unresolved. Responding to the decision by Capel Developments to pull out of the deal, the club's general manager Arthur Cahill said last night: "We're very disappointed at the turn of events" By: John O'Sullivan The Irish Times
