Set on a narrow, windswept peninsula just north of Dublin, Portmarnock Golf Club is one of the purest expressions of links golf in the world, framed by the Irish Sea on three sides. Founded in 1894 and originally laid out by William Pickeman with early input from Open Champion Mungo Park, the Championship Course is a par‑72 links stretching just over 7,400 yards from the back tees, routed across firm, sandy duneland that plays differently with every shift of the coastal wind. Renowned for its fairness, subtlety, and strategic depth rather than overt drama, Portmarnock rewards precise shot‑making and thoughtful positioning across all 18 holes. With a storied championship pedigree and a reputation for timeless, honest golf, it is widely regarded as Ireland’s definitive traditional links and a benchmark against which the world’s great seaside courses are measured
Set among the towering dunes of Brittas Bay on Ireland’s rugged east coast in County Wicklow, The European Club is a bold and uncompromising modern links. Created by Pat Ruddy and opened in 1992, the par‑71 course stretches over 7,300 yards along the Irish Sea, defined by massive dune formations, firm fescue turf, and striking railway‑sleeper bunkers. Known for its originality and severity, the layout demands imagination and control in ever‑changing coastal winds, with standout features including the celebrated par‑4 7th and the extraordinary 127‑yard‑long 12th green. Regularly ranked among the world’s top links, The European Club is revered as a modern classic with a fiercely individual character.
Set within a grand riverside estate in Straffan, County Kildare, The K Club is Ireland’s most celebrated modern parkland venue, framed by mature woodland and the winding River Liffey. Designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1991, the flagship Palmer North Course is a par‑72 layout stretching over 7,300 yards, defined by immaculate conditioning, strategic water hazards, and bold, American‑influenced shaping. The course achieved global prominence as host of the 2006 Ryder Cup—the first held in Ireland—and has since welcomed numerous European Tour and Irish Open championships. Blending championship pedigree with refined resort elegance, The K Club stands as a benchmark for inland golf in Ireland.
Situated on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, just minutes from the city centre, Royal Dublin Golf Club is one of Ireland’s oldest and most storied links courses. Founded in 1885 and granted its Royal designation in 1891, the par‑72 championship links stretches just over 7,200 yards across firm, sandy terrain shaped by coastal winds and classic out‑and‑back routing. Redesigned by Harry Colt in the 1920s and later refined by Martin Hawtree, the course is defined by narrow fairways, superb greens, and deep revetted bunkers that demand accuracy and thoughtful shot‑making. With a rich championship history and a setting unlike any other, Royal Dublin remains a benchmark of traditional links golf in the heart of the capital.
Portmarnock
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The European
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The K
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Royal Dublin
Golf Club
Set along the sweeping dunes of Baltray on Ireland’s northeast coast in County Louth, County Louth Golf Club is one of the country’s finest and most understated links. Founded in 1892 and redesigned by Tom Simpson with Molly Gourlay in 1938, the par‑72 championship course stretches just over 7,000 yards across firm, natural linksland shaped by constant coastal winds. Renowned for its flowing two‑loop routing, outstanding greens, and holes that play in every direction, Baltray rewards thoughtful shot‑making and control of trajectory. With a rich amateur heritage and a reputation as one of Ireland’s purest links tests, County Louth remains a favourite among traditionalists and discerning golfers alike.
Set on a narrow peninsula amid towering sand dunes just north of Dublin near Malahide, The Island Golf Club is one of Ireland’s most exhilarating and natural links courses. Founded in 1890, the par‑72 championship layout stretches to just over 7,200 yards and winds through dramatic dune corridors shaped by constant coastal winds from the Irish Sea. Developed organically over time and later refined by architects including Fred Hawtree and Eddie Hackett, the course is renowned for its rugged terrain, fast greens, and holes that demand both courage and creativity. With its remote feel, distinctive character, and championship pedigree, The Island stands as one of Ireland’s most compelling traditional links experiences.
Set along the Velvet Strand on Ireland’s east coast just north of Dublin, Portmarnock Links is a modern championship links occupying historic dune land beside the Irish Sea. Designed by Bernhard Langer in collaboration with Stan Eby and opened in 1995, the par‑71 layout stretches just over 7,100 yards and blends traditional links features with contemporary shaping. Routed through rolling dunes and exposed coastal corridors, the course is defined by elevated tees, deep bunkering, and constantly shifting sea winds that demand strategic thinking and precise shot‑making. With its scenic seaside setting and championship pedigree, Portmarnock Links stands as a worthy complement to its famed neighbour, Portmarnock Golf Club.
Set within the wooded valleys of County Wicklow near Newtownmountkennedy, Druids Glen Golf Club is Ireland’s most celebrated parkland championship course. Designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock and opened in 1995, the par‑72 layout stretches just over 7,200 yards through rolling fairways, mature woodland, and dramatic water features. Often dubbed the “Augusta of Europe,” the course is defined by immaculate conditioning, colourful planting, and a demanding closing stretch known as “Ireland’s Amen Corner.” A former four‑time host of the Irish Open, Druids Glen stands as the benchmark for inland golf in Ireland.
County Louth
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The Island
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Portmanock Links Golf Club
Druid Glen
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