Ireland: Dublin Best Links Golf Courses

North Dublin Classic Golf Links

There is a great selection of classic historic golf links just north of Dublin city. Whether you are “passing through” to play links golf elsewhere in Ireland or sightseeing in Dublin, its worth staying an extra few days to take on the challenge of these golf links courses, within a few miles of the Dublin City center and Dublin airport.
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In this travel blog we focus on golf links which include 5 of Top10 Golf Courses in County Dublin against tough competition:

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Royal Dublin Golf Club

“Perhaps the greatest pioneer in the history of the game, Old Tom Morris, came to the Royal Dublin and played two matches here on June 7, 1894. Also in that year, the Royal Dublin hosted its first championship event, the Irish Amateur Open. Since then, the greatest golfers in the world – both professional and amateur – have come to play in tournaments at the famed links” – per the Royal Dublin Golf Club.

Royal Dublin Hole by Hole guide:

https://www.theroyaldublingolfclub.com/the-links/hole-by-hole

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St. Annes Golf Club

“Established in 1921, St Anne’s Golf Club’s spectacular eighteen-hole links course is one of only 53 links courses in the country. Only five miles from the Dublin city centre, we are particularly fortunate to be located on the UNESCO Wildlife Sanctuary on the spectacular Bull Island which is one of Dublin’s most scenic and exceptional nature reserves,” per St. Annes Golf Club.

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Portmarnock Golf Club

“Since 1894, Portmarnock Golf Club has welcomed the world’s greatest players to the hallowed links peninsula. Early legends like Harry Vardon and John Ball all played a role in bringing Portmarnock Golf Club to prominence. During the War Years, golfing professionals like Bobby Locke and Henry Cotton competed and won various Championships at the club. And of course, the first super star of modern golf Arnold Palmer was instrumental with Sam Snead in 1960 with their victorious Canada Cup win, again elevating the links’ reputation at a global level,” per Portmarnock Golf Club.

Hole by Hole guide to Portmarnock Golf Links

https://www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie/course

“The Portmarnock Links has been open for play since 1995. It is an exceptional course that offers just the right degree of challenge, superb views and relaxed atmosphere. Playing golf on the shoreline of a rugged peninsula such as this one, you get a very full flavour of what Ireland is all about, all while based in modern comfortable surroundings.

Legendary German golfer Bernhard Langer is no stranger to these parts, he won the Irish Open no fewer than three times at the nearby Portmarnock Golf Club and The Royal Dublin Golf Club. When he became a golf course designer with European Golf Design in 1992, it was little wonder that he chose our course as his first links design”.

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The Island Golf Club 

“The Island Golf Club, founded in 1890, is a traditional private Members’ golf club with a proud history of upholding the best traditions of amateur golf.
Overlooked by the North County Dublin village of Malahide, the links is located in some of the most stunning dunes on the east coast of Ireland. It is also one of the oldest golf courses in Ireland and was ranked 9th in Irish Golfer’s Top 100 Courses in 2021,” per The Island Golf Club.

Hole by Hole guide to The Island Golf Club

https://www.theislandgolfclub.com/course.html

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Boomer Alert: Tips / Advice for Playing Links Golf

These comments are based on my own experiences playing these courses and will help you plan ahead to make sure you are prepared for a successful golf experience in Ireland.

• Wear comfortable (waterproof) walking shoes as not all Irish Golf courses have “golf buggies” available, and many Links Golf don’t allow buggies for visitors e.g. Portmarnock Golf Club.
• Be prepared, not only to walk the course but for windy weather and probably misty wet rain during a 4 hour round, despite a fine weather forecast, so get used to playing in rain suit and bring a dry towel and extra gloves.
• Also practice playing your irons more, particularly off the tee to avoid the wind
• Be prepared and get used to playing your putter when your still off the green
• Remember to book a caddie early for your booked rounds through the Club Pro office, and remember to pay and tip the caddie regardless how badly you play !
• Be prepared for the wind to change directions at will, just because you played into the wind on the front 9 does not necessarily mean you have the wind at your back on the back 9!
• Thinking of wind, bring some sun wind cream / lip balm, to prevent dry skin.
• Don’t be confused by the calm weather inland, compared to the 15 -20 mph winds blowing on the links by the coast
• Golf Balls are usually a significant cost premium in Ireland and UK vs USA so plan accordingly, whether you play Titleist Pro V or low price balls bring more than you think you will need.

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Where to Stay when playing Golf Links in North Dublin

We like Booking.com based on our experience. We’ve gotten great availability in accommodations for the area / standards needed. Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Kayak.com, etc., all can give you good rates and service.

We can personally recommend the following Hotels on the Northside of Dublin close to the Links Courses and Dublin Airport :

Clontarf Castle

Grand Hotel Malahide

Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links

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