- Druids Glen Golf Club: Located in Newtownmountkennedy, Druids Glen is an 18-hole par-71 parkland course, opened in 1995 and designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock. Often called the “Augusta of Ireland,” it has hosted the Irish Open four times (1996–1999) and the 2006 Seve Trophy. Set in a wooded valley with views of the Irish Sea and Wicklow Mountains, it features manicured fairways, water hazards, and Augusta-inspired greens. Visitors praise its championship quality, luxurious resort amenities (including a 5-star hotel and spa), and pristine condition. Green fees (€80–€150) reflect its elite status, with GolfPass rating it 4.8/5 and Golf Digest ranking it among Ireland’s Top 10. The par-3 12th hole, known as “Heartbreak Hill,” is the signature hole, a 171-yard shot to a heavily bunkered green with a steep slope, stunning views and a thrilling challenge.
- Powerscourt Golf Club (East and West Courses): Situated in Enniskerry on the 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate, Powerscourt Golf Club offers two 18-hole par-72 championship parkland courses: the East (1996, David McLay Kidd) and West (2003, Peter McEvoy). The East course, ranked in Ireland’s Top 30 by Golf Digest, features dramatic elevation changes and views of Sugarloaf Mountain, while the West offers tighter fairways and water hazards. Visitors love the estate’s beauty, excellent maintenance, and resort facilities, including the historic Powerscourt House and Gardens. Green fees (€60–€120) and a 4.6/5 GolfPass rating make it a top draw for tourists. On the East Course, the par-4 14th hole is noted as a standout, requiring a strategic drive over a valley to a green framed by Sugarloaf Mountain.
- The European Club: Located in Brittas Bay, The European Club is an 18-hole par-71 links course, opened in 1987 and designed by Pat Ruddy. Ranked in Ireland’s Top 10 by Golf Digest and Top100GolfCourses.com, it’s a rugged, traditional links with towering dunes, deep bunkers, and panoramic Irish Sea views. It holds two course records by Tiger Woods (67) and hosted the 2007 and 2016 Irish PGA Championships. Visitors praise its challenging layout, firm greens, and unique features like 20 holes (including two bonus par-3s). Green fees (€100–€200) reflect its elite status, with Tripadvisor and GolfPass (4.7/5) lauding its “world-class” experience. The par-3 12th hole is the signature hole, a 155-yard shot along the beach with the Irish Sea on three sides, requiring precision against coastal winds and offering breathtaking views.
- Arklow Golf Club: Founded in 1927, Arklow Golf Club in Arklow is an 18-hole par-69 links course, designed by Hawtree and Taylor, with upgrades by Eddie Hackett. Set on a sandy peninsula with views of the Irish Sea, it combines links and parkland elements, featuring fast greens and coastal breezes. Visitors highlight its affordability (green fees €25–€50), excellent condition, and welcoming clubhouse, with GolfPass rating it 4.4/5. Its proximity to Dublin (1 hour) and scenic setting make it a favourite for casual and serious golfers alike, often paired with visits to Arklow’s maritime heritage sites. The par-4 7th hole is known for its links-style challenge, with a narrow fairway and sea views, demanding accuracy off the tee.
- Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort: Located in Blessington, Tulfarris Golf Club is an 18-hole par-72 parkland course, designed by Patrick Merrigan in 1988, set on a 200-acre peninsula surrounded by Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Mountains. Measuring 6,800 yards, it features water hazards, mature trees, and challenging greens, with resort amenities including a 4-star hotel and dining. Visitors praise its scenic beauty, excellent maintenance, and value (green fees €30–€60), with GolfPass rating it 4.5/5. Tripadvisor reviews note its “beautiful” setting and suitability for societies. The par-3 13th hole is known for its stunning lakeside setting and demanding tee shot over water to a well-guarded green.
County Wicklow:
Ireland’s county Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland for its lush landscapes, with Glendalough’s monastic ruins and round tower set amidst serene lakes and valleys. The Wicklow Mountains National Park offers hiking trails with stunning views, while Powerscourt Estate’s manicured gardens and waterfall add natural elegance. Other attractions include the coastal paths of Bray. Wicklow is Ireland’s 17th largest county by size (,025 sq km) and 16th largest by population (155,851). Population peaked at 126,143 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 57,591 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Wicklow is Ireland’s twelfth most visited tourist county with around 204,000 international visitors per year.
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