GOLF ON THE DOORSTEP – 7 EXCITING GOLF COURSES AROUND DUBLIN

Last updated on November 8, 2024

You want to see Dublin for a few days, but also go golfing from time to time? No problem, you can be helped!

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Intro

Dublin is an interesting city and in many places it is also a beautiful city. Several airlines fly from Germany to Dublin several times a week in only about 2 hours. If you book in time, the price is even very reasonable. This makes Dublin a good choice for a long weekend or a short trip.

The proximity to the sea and the River Liffey, which flows through the middle of the city, give Dublin a special charm, a bit like Hamburg.

Golf is a popular sport in Ireland. There are almost 400 golf courses on the island, so it is not surprising that there are some very beautiful golf courses around Dublin.

There are also some beautiful links courses! Links courses are traditionally built into the coastal dune foreshore. They follow the course of the dunes and are traditionally pristine and natural. Playing a links course directly by the sea is a very special experience.

By the way, we live in Ireland (second home), a bit south of Dublin. I have also golfed several times in Ireland and Scotland (less so now).

Let’s get back to Dublin and the surrounding area: The north of Dublin is rather flat, while in the south are the Dublin Mountains. This is basically the northern edge of the Wicklow Mountains. The coast is partly rocky, but mostly characterised by long, white sandy beaches.

On the coast in the east you will find some links courses. Inland, parkland courses predominate, rather flat in the north and west and hilly in the south. So, now you have a rough overview.

In the following I will introduce 7 golf courses around Dublin. This gives you enough choice for a long weekend or even a week. I’ll try to mix it up a bit – golf links and parkland, flat and hilly, so it’s nice and varied.

So let’s get started:

1 Howth Golf Club

The list begins with a highlight: Howth Golf Club is located on the peninsula of Howth, directly in front of Dublin Harbour. The peninsula is somewhat mountainous, with rocks, heather and ferns. The golf course is situated on top of the hill, from where you have great views of Dublin, the bay and the sea. It is not a parkland course or a coastal links, but a heath course. See: www.howthgolfclub.ie.

2 The Royal Dublin Golf Club

The historic Royal Golf Club is situated on a sandbank off Dublin Harbour. The championship links course is therefore right by the sea. Whether you like the harbour scenery in the background or not, the course is worth seeing. See: www.theroyaldublingolfclub.com.

3 Portmarnock Golf Club

Oh my god, you have to see this! On the northern edge of Dublin, this championship links course is picturesquely built into the dunes by the sea. In front of it is a kilometre-long sandy beach. A dream! See: www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie.

4 Elmgreen Golf Club

Within the city area you will find this established golf club with beautiful old trees. Short distances, beautiful golf, clear. Any questions? See: www.elmgreengolfclub.ie.

5 Luttrellstown Castle Resort

Luttrellstown Castle Resort is a 5-star hotel in a very historic castle. In keeping with its status, the championship golf course is right on the doorstep – pardon the pun – outside the gate.
So nothing stands in the way of a dignified round of castle park golf. See: www.luttrellstowncastle.com.

6 Powerscourt Golf Club

The Powerscourt Estate is one of the most important sights on the east coast of Ireland. It is a large, magnificent mansion (more like a small castle) with several beautiful gardens on a huge estate. A little further on is the Powerscourt Waterfall. The estate impresses with its really old, magnificent and partly exotic tree population. Right next to it you will find the Powerscourt Golf Club. Hilly golf with views of the park and mountains – beautiful. See: www.powerscourtgolfclub.com.

7 Woodbrook Golf Club

From the mountains we come to the sea again: Woodbrook is situated directly on the coast, on the north side of Bray. Bray is an old seaside resort, now bordering the Dublin urban area. It has a beautiful seafront, all kinds of shops and restaurants and a nice mountainous hinterland. The golf course is basically a parkland course, but right on the seafront and therefore very nicely situated. See: www.woodbrook.ie.

Conclusion

Dublin is worth a short trip! Not only for golfers, but especially for golfers. And maybe you’ll get a taste for a round trip through Ireland?

Links courses can be a bit unusual to play at first, but you get used to it – and then the location right next to the sea is simply fantastic!

But also the parkland courses in Ireland are often very beautiful and fun. Add to that the cheerful serenity and friendliness of the Irish and there’s nothing standing in the way of a great holiday.

So let’s go to Ireland – to play golf!