Roganstown

Golf at Roganstown Golf and Country Club has only been played since 2004 when this Christy O’Conner Jnr designed 18-hole course first burst onto the Dublin golfing scene. It is an integral part of an estate that has at its centre, the former Roganstown House – now converted to a luxury, 52-bed hotel, complete with leisure club, spa, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Located to the north of the capital, on the banks of the Broadmeadow River, Roganstown has all the charm of a country estate, featuring mature trees, lush fairways and plenty of water – in fact, water comes into play on all but six holes so in case you do not play to your potential here, make sure you have several sleeves of balls in the bag to compensate!

There are two outstanding holes at Roganstown – the course stretches to an enormous 7,000 yards from the back markers – one on the front nine and one on the back nine. The 388-yard par four 8th demands an accurate drive from the tee, followed by an equally precise second shot with a mid iron to a heavily protected, elevated green. The 592-yard par five closing hole has bunkers either side of the landing area to catch a wayward drive. The lake must then be avoided on the left with the second shot before the approach is played to a plateau green – walk off with a par five on the card and a small indulgence at the next hole is fully justified!