- Portmarnock Golf Club (Championship Course): Located on a sandy peninsula in Portmarnock, this 18-hole par-72 links course (7,466 yards), founded in 1894, is one of Ireland’s finest, often ranked among the world’s top links. Designed by W.C. Pickeman and refined by Harry Colt, it features fast greens, deep bunkers, and views of Howth Head and Ireland’s Eye. Host to 19 Irish Opens and the 1991 Walker Cup, it’s a bucket-list course praised for its challenge and pristine condition. The 15th hole, a 201-yard par-3. Played along the beach with the sea on the right, this hole demands a precise tee shot to a narrow green guarded by bunkers and dunes, with wind adding drama. Its coastal beauty and difficulty make it iconic.
- Royal Dublin Golf Club: Situated on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, Royal Dublin is an 18-hole par-72 links course (7,269 yards), founded in 1885 and redesigned by Harry Colt. Known for its flat terrain, out-and-back routing, and exposure to Dublin Bay’s winds, it has hosted multiple Irish Opens. Visitors love its classic links feel, historic clubhouse, and proximity to Dublin City, just 10 minutes away, making it ideal for urban golf breaks. The 18th hole, a 467-yard par-4. This demanding finishing hole plays into prevailing winds, with a narrow fairway and a green guarded by bunkers and the clubhouse backdrop. Its challenge and historical significance make it memorable.
- The Island Golf Club: Located in Donabate, The Island is an 18-hole par-71 links course (7,001 yards), founded in 1890 and redesigned by Fred Hawtree and Eddie Hackett. Tucked between dunes and the Irish Sea, it offers rugged terrain, blind shots, and stunning views. A former “hidden gem” now ranked among Ireland’s top courses, it’s praised for its authentic links experience, challenging greens, and welcoming atmosphere. The 13th hole, a 155-yard par-3. This picturesque hole requires a tee shot over a dune valley to a green perched above the beach, with the sea and Howth Head in view. Its scenic beauty and precision demand stand out.
- Druids Glen Golf Club: Located in Newtownmountkennedy (technically just over the border in Wicklow but often associated with Dublin due to proximity), Druids Glen is an 18-hole par-71 parkland course (7,026 yards), designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock in 1995. Dubbed the “Augusta of Ireland,” it features manicured fairways, water hazards, and blooming flora, hosting four Irish Opens. Visitors enjoy its resort amenities, challenging layout, and lush setting. The 12th hole, a 173-yard par-3. This stunning hole plays over a lake to a green surrounded by azaleas, reminiscent of Augusta’s 12th, with bunkers and water demanding pinpoint accuracy. Its beauty and challenge are iconic.
- Carton House Golf Resort (Montgomerie Course): Set in Maynooth, Carton House features two championship courses, with the Montgomerie Course, an 18-hole par-72 inland links (7,301 yards), designed by Colin Montgomerie in 2002, being the most prominent. Its deep bunkers, undulating fairways, and estate setting offer a modern challenge. Visitors praise the luxury resort, practice facilities, and proximity to Dublin (25 minutes), ideal for golfing breaks. The 14th hole, a 172-yard par-3. This dramatic hole plays to a green surrounded by water and bunkers, with the estate’s trees as a backdrop. Its risk-reward nature and scenic appeal make it a standout.
County Dublin:
Ireland’s county Dublin combines cultural heritage with urban appeal, with Trinity College’s Book of Kells and Dublin Castle offering historical depth. The Guinness Storehouse provides a journey through Ireland’s iconic stout, while Phoenix Park’s vast green spaces are ideal for cycling. The River Liffey’s scenic walks and Kilmainham Gaol’s historical tours make Dublin a versatile destination for culture and history. Dublin is Ireland’s third smallest county by size (922 square km) and largest by population (1,458,154). Dublin is also Ireland’s most visited tourist county by a margin, with around four million international visitors per year. In terms of hospitality,
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