best public golf courses in dublin, ireland

Only a handful of courses in the world achieve a rating above 9, and any course rated 7 or above presents a cant-miss opportunity. VERDICT: A generous parkland with a sting down by the river. There is no doubt in anyones mind that this Julys Pro-Am will see The Golf Course at Adare Manor blushing from the praise of the worlds top golfers and golfing media. This makes a multi-region itinerary more of a challenge within a single week. (2) (UP 4), 61. Founded in Dublin circa 1916 the Heathland links style course was designed by the renowned golfer and course architect James Braid, a 5 times winner of "The Open" Golf Championship & boasts 14 top 10 Open finishes, who can count the design of the prestigious Kings and Queens Courses at Gleneagles amongst his greatest achievements. Within a picturesque curve of coastline, 10 miles to the north of Dublin City and only a 15-minute drive from Dublin Airport, Portmarnock Golf Club sits majestically on a narrow tongue of shallow duneland. The ire boasts some of the most breathtaking golf courses in the world, and Golfweek has compiled a ranking so you know exactly which courses you need to hit on your next golf vacation. Both courses offer excellent experiences, but the Montgomerie course, designed by Colin Montgomerie himself, just edges it for us. Slightly different from the other courses nearer to Dublin, Druids Glen has a lot of elevation change from hole to hole and features a lot of water hazards which offers a different challenge to links golf. These include the two superb par threes (5 and 14) with tee boxes looking down on greens with the startling backdrop of Glashedy Rock beyond. Situated in Wicklow coast, its different to the other courses weve recommended in the area in that its another traditional links course. Each offers a very different experience to the other but in the past, both were perceived to have a brace of weak finishing holes. (DOWN 1), 36. Some head north to Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. This is a place where strategy and bump-and-run rule. HERMITAGE www.hermitagegolf.ie Renowned as it may be for the quality of its greens, Hermitages rebunkering programme concluded in 2020, and it has proved to be a resounding success. This very smart parkland has finesse and adventure in equal measure with big undulations offering tempting shots time and again. Portstewart Golf Club: Portstewart Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. The back nine is splendid, all along the water with some dramatic topography. Royal Portrush Golf Club has a golf course like no other as this oceanside course has world-class links, which make it not just a national golf destination but an international one too. Colt knew how to test golfers abilities and this shines through at Co. Sligo. The two links above it have also upped their game massively in recent years. VERDICT: A strong variety of holes with a James Braid heritage. For many, though, RCD remains the ultimate, adrenaline-fuelled links with a heritage that embraces Old Tom Morris and a landscape that has been played over since 1889. Almost totally surrounded by the sea, the course challenges visitors with its raw links character, owing to the natural undulations and firm, fast turf." Mount Juliet surrounded by spectacular scenery, 9. Set against the stunning backdrop of the rolling drumlins of Country Meath, Rathcore Golf & Country Club offers an excellent test of golf. Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rick about playing this course. Hollywood Lakes Golf Club. Ireland are on the brink of snatching France's Six Nations crown (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire) Ireland stand on the cusp of winning their fourth Grand Slam when they meet England in the climax to the Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. You can read my full review of the Island Golf Club here. Even on the famous 3rd, 4th and 13th youll never feel too unhappy depositing a ball in the water! Its worth noting that the skeleton of the course remains the same as when it was extended to 18 holes in 1896, the only significant addition being the famous one shot 15th along the waters edge, introduced in the 1920s. Promise. Considering all that space it is no surprise at how peaceful it all feels. 14. Ardglass Golf Club is just down the road from Royal County Down, making it the perfect complementary loop. The Royal Dublin Golf Club is Ireland's second oldest golf course and one of the best golf courses in Dublin, no doubt. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. VERDICT: Links golf in the heart of Dublin Bay. (DOWN 1), 67. Like Royal Dublin, Laytown and Bettystown is regarded as one of the global 246 true links courses. The finish is explosive. (DOWN 1), 31. Copyright 2019 - 2023 Ireland Before You Die | Trading under, Top 10 best golf courses in Ireland, ranked. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL DOONBEG www.trumphotels.com/ireland Upgrade work has been ongoing at Doonbeg since Martin Hawtree made considerable changes in 2015, and the most notable of these in 2021 was a remodelling of the wonderful par three 9th. For lovers of links golf, Lahinch is simply not to be missed." However, to cover our costs a nominal booking fee of 10 per tee time reservation applies. Some stand-out holes (the par-3s and the 18th in particular) make the most of the terrain. ST. MARGARETS www.stmargaretsgolf.com Easy rhythm, a calm landscape and attractive water features ensure that St. Margarets is an ever-popular Dublin parkland. Here you will enjoy generous fairways which make driving a delight but Nicklaus placed a serious premium on finding heavily guarded greens. STRANDHILL www.strandhillgolfclub.com The brilliance of Strandhill comes in many guises: its location with sea on two sides and a mountain looming overhead is dramatic; its quality has improved thanks to recent upgrades (bunkering especially); its glorious greens so often flow out of the land; and its quirkiness is matched by thrilling entertainment and adventure. Trees are sparse which allows Moyvalley to express its spaciousness. That concludes our article on what we believe are the top ten best golf courses in Ireland. Royal Dublin Golf Club 52 Golf Courses By ironmandreamer The Pro Shop has some nice pieces so make sure you have room in your bag for when you go home. Menu Members; Book Tee Time. The great Jack Nicklaus felt there were too many blind shots and they are severe ones at that. It ranked 13th on Golf Digests most recent Best in Ireland rankings. Conors favourite types of articles to write are ones which involve history, scenic locations and the news. We've received your enquiry, thanks! Home to some of the biggest sand dunes you'll ever see anywhere on a golf course, this golfing masterpiece is not only well-ranked in Ireland but also features within the Top 20 Golf Courses in the World. Set amongst the rolling lush countryside, the Mount Juliet golf course is truly a sight to behold. The rush to modernise golf courses in the current era has barely touched Carlow, leaving a masterpiece of yesteryear. Holes are wrapped and routed superbly around a low central hill with so much shape that you are challenged constantly by a wonderful variety of holes. (DOWN 1), 39. And not only are they big but they are varied and glorious too. He rebuilt green sites, updated the bunkering for the modern age and added two new par threes. The Island recently remodelled the front 9, with some renovation of existing holes and the introduction of a Par 3 that rests in situ as if it has always been there. The course often appears to be in a perennial battle with Royal County Down for the top spot in the North. The smooth layout and terrain make this a smart and comfortable day out. 10. This ranking comes directly from the hundreds of Golfweeks Best Raters for 2021 who continually evaluate courses and rate them based on our 10 criteria. Though you likely have courses like Ballybunion Old (No. It is a quality links with some stunning green sites that require pinpoint accuracy. Many of the holes are doglegs and you dont have as much room as youd like. Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club Castleknock, Co. Dublin Green Fees from 55 Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club is not only one of the best in Dublin, but it's one of the best in all of Ireland as well. No matter what course you select off of this list, you will truly be playing the best golf courses in Dublin. We highlight the most inspiring experiences Ireland has to offer. At the end of eighteen holes, a state-of-the-art, alpine lodge-style clubhouse with full bar and food menu, awaits you, your playing partners and your stories of success. Other well-ranked links golf courses in Ireland include Lahinch Golf Club in the South West, County Silgo in the North West and The Island Golf Club just outside of Dublin. County Sligo Golf Club: Rosses Point one of the top golf courses in Ireland, 5. (UP 1), 53. (NEW ENTRY), 8. It is enchanting golf and it comes with big credentials. The new course is sure to be a fan favorite and will likely make future versions of this list for years to come. (DOWN 1), 50. Spanning 180 acres of parkland, this golf course has hosted many unforgettable tournaments in the past and continues to be a very popular spot for golfers in Ireland. The Golf Course at Luttrellstown Castle Resort 68 Golf Courses By Irishtraveller24 This course would be high up the rankings if it was a links course. Carton House Golf Club: Carton House combines pristine parklands with the exciting qualities of links golf. The only course designed by Greg Norman in the entirety of the UK & Ireland, Trump Doonbeg is certainly one of his masterpieces. VERDICT: A big and colourful course where confidence is required constantly. From the tips it reaches a long 7,347 yards for a total par of 72. Learn more. Stay ahead of the game. Cork Institute of Technology . Verdict: Drive for show but tighten up your approach play. No change fees. Rated 9.4 by 3 golfers Howth Golf course offers spectacular views over Dublin Bay, South towards Wicklow and North over the islands of Ireland's Eye and Lambay as far as the Cooley and . Combined with those bunkers and some fairways that can treat you harshly with their deflections, it makes RCD a stern test for even the best players. Portmarnock Golf Club, Strand Road, Burrow, Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland +353 1 846 0611 Otherwise heres a summary of the courses. This Ireland golf courses map illustrates where the best courses are located and how spread out they are on the island. VERDICT: Modern parkland with every frill imaginable. (DOWN 1), 17. The Montgomerie has hosted 3 Irish Opens which speaks volume for the quality on offer. Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in Ireland or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in Ireland >>. Golf Courses. . The Palmer North course needs no introduction as one of the best in Europe having played host to the 2006 Ryder Cup alongside the 2016 Irish Open. (DOWN 2), 14. Definitely one for your gold bucket list. In such an irresistible setting on the Ring of Kerry, links golf doesnt get more attractive than this. He has been a regular writer for Ireland Before You Die, The World Bucket List and Meanwhile in Ireland since 2019. VERDICT: Still under-appreciated this parkland thrives in its deep forest location. +353 1 833 6346. info@theroyaldublingolfclub.com. CARLOW www.carlowgolfclub.ie Carlows beauty stems from its charming and bucolic Irish landscape, its perfect turf and the qualities bestowed upon it by its original designers Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay. Experience the Royal Dublin's 18 hole links golf course, situated on an island reserve in the heart of Dublin City. Lahinch Golf Club ranked among the World's Top 50 golf courses, 2. Pros. Indeed, the back nine demand more guile from the golfer, especially on approaches. The shorelines of two loughs play host to a feast of holes the short par four 10th most notably and these combine with forest, high ridges and dramatic tee shots to give you a big day out. You are now just moments away from a great golf holiday. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Knocknarea Mountain with views of both, Strandhill plays just 6,350 yards from the tips but challenges golfers with imposing dunes and intriguing green complexes. Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 TD98. This is an interesting course with two very different 9 holes, great value and with very friendly officers and staff. Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club is not only one of the best in Dublin, but its one of the best in all of Ireland as well. Address: Dunluce Rd, Portrush, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. (DOWN 2), 27. Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links is quite special for a few reasons with both the golf course and the hotel being top notch in Dublin. (DOWN 2), 54. ARKLOW www.arklowgolflinks.com Arklow has swagger increasingly so in recent years as upgrades have allowed this sparkling links to shine ever brighter. VERDICT: Straight hitting advised or the trees will swallow your ambition. DOOKS www.dooks.com The spectacular views which adorn Dooks make it one of Irelands most beautiful spots for playing golf. PGA NATIONAL IRELAND SLIEVE RUSSELL www.slieverussell.ie The vibrancy and colour of PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell envelop you from the moment you tee off. The Palmer South is a great track in its own right too, designed as an inland links course it features dramatic landscapes and dune style mouldings which make for a unique experience. Top Rated Golf Courses in Dublin Area Courses with the highest golfer ratings (minimum 10 reviews to qualify) Naas Golf Club Naas, County Kildare Semi-Private 35 Write Review Palmer Course at The K Club Straffan, County Kildare Public/Resort 11 Write Review Seapoint Golf Links Drogheda, County Louth Public 44 Write Review StrackaLine provides hole-by-hole maps of Innisbrook's Copperhead Course for the 2023 Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour. VERDICT: The challenge to make the front nine as good as the back nine comes at a cost. (SAME), 84. No information on this website may be reproduced without written permission from Match Play Media. That much lauded back nine stretch out to Killala Bay and holes 12 and 13 both par fours are two of the quirkiest and captivating you will ever play. What Old Tom Morris started, Gibson advanced, MacKenzie reimagined and Hawtree restored is now recognised as one of the worlds greatest links. Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1), Rated 9 by 2 golfers For setting alone, it is hard to beat Royal Dublin, which stands on the golf-course-sized Bull Island and is accessed by a rickety wooden bridge. This golf course is also widely accepted as one of the greatest links courses in Ireland. VERDICT: Plenty of movement to gorse and pine-drenched terrain. TULLAMORE www.tullamoregolfclub.ie Trees make Tullamore the beauty that it is today, but James Braid put in the strategic elements that demand clear thinking and patience from golfers. VERDICT: A mature landscape where this parkland oozes confidence. A very playable course if you drive it well and somewhere I'd recommend to all, such a great stretch of golf with great apres golf at Ramore in the Harbour." The soul of this course is buried deep in this raw, natural terrain and it ripples with beauty and charm, and challenges youll never have encountered before. 2 The K Club Palmer North Course, Straffan, County Kildare. 52. ; The headliner here - Portmarnock Golf Club - is a 19-time host of the Irish Open. Royal County Down the best golf course in Ireland, FAQS about golf courses and golf in Ireland. Definitely. No matter which course you choose to play or if you end up playing both, you cannot go wrong playing at Powerscourt Golf Club. VERDICT: A seriously strong parkland that will test your full bag. A nice upwards bump for a club (36 holes) recognised for its superb greens. (UP 1), 66. Ballybunion - Old Course 4. You cant pick a fault in this icons make-up. Every golfer has their own list of favourite courses. More info on Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg >>, "Standards are set at Doonbeg as soon as you arrive on the 1st tee where you are greeted by a dramatic par 5 with the Atlantic Ocean sitting a 7 iron or 2 to your left." (Read reviews of County Sligo Golf Club), "A fantastic links golf course that deserves all the praise it receives. ROYAL DUBLIN www.theroyaldublingolfclub.com There is a calmness to the landscape that fools both the eye and the ambition of many a visiting golfer. One of the most memorable things of playing here for me is firstly the views, they're amazing but also the lies that you can experience when you stray offline." Its top notch stuff. New holes, new greens, and some new routing has given this links a new look. By: Top 100 Panelists July 19, 2020. While some visitors will miss the nuances of this wonderful terrain on a single visit, others understand the immense reward it gives on repeat plays, revealing its strategies slowly and releasing its secrets only to those who persevere. Gil Hanse and his design partner Jim Wagner recently renovated this rustic layout, bringing to life the natural features that make this seaside links compelling. Recent and continuing improvements see it solidify its position. (DOWN 1), 69. K CLUB (PALMER NORTH) www.kclub.ie The Palmer North has received considerable investment which includes an impressive upgrade to the clubhouse. Portmarnock (Old) 39. 2023 Discovering Ireland Vacations | Website by Granite Digtial. Subtle, tricky and windy. Hitting straight at those castle walls on your approach to the 18th is a remarkable way to finish. 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