Dublin: A Premier Golf & Tourism Destination
Few cities in the world offer the vibrancy of a capital and the beauty of a golfing haven quite like Dublin. Here, history flows through cobbled streets lined with Georgian townhouses and lively pubs, while just beyond the city lies a collection of golf courses to rival anywhere on earth. From ancient links that have tested the game’s greatest, to parkland retreats framed by castles and mountains, Dublin’s golfing scene is as rich and varied as its culture. Pair a round of golf with an evening in Temple Bar, a stroll through Trinity College, or a coastal walk along Dublin Bay, and you’ve got a destination that satisfies on every level.
Royal Dublin Golf Club: Founded in 1885, Royal Dublin Golf Club is the city’s oldest and most storied golfing institution. Located on Bull Island, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the course stretches along Dublin Bay, offering golfers not just a stern challenge but also a unique sense of history and place. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt and updated by Martin Hawtree, Royal Dublin embodies traditional links golf: narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and ever-present sea breezes that demand precision and creativity. The clubhouse, steeped in heritage, celebrates more than a century of the club’s contribution to Irish golf, including its association with Christy O’Connor Sr. Just a short drive from the city centre, it’s the perfect place to feel the weight of history while testing your skills against one of Ireland’s most authentic links.
Jameson Golf Links: In the heart of Portmarnock lies Jameson Links, a course that marries historic charm with contemporary design. Once part of the Jameson family estate, it has been carefully reimagined to bring a modern links experience to life. Sweeping across natural dunes with views over Velvet Strand and Lambay Island, the course is as picturesque as it is challenging. Designed to be both strategic and playable, it appeals to golfers of all levels, with risk-and-reward opportunities threaded throughout. What makes Jameson Links stand out is its balance of history, the land once served as a retreat for the famous whiskey-distilling family and innovation, offering a distinctly Irish golfing adventure that feels both timeless and fresh. After a round, players can enjoy first-class facilities and the kind of warm Irish welcome that makes Portmarnock so special..
🔗 portmarnock.com/golf/jameson-golf-links/
The Island Golf Club: Tucked away on a peninsula near Donabate, The Island Golf Club is a place of pure golfing drama. Established in 1890 and surrounded by water on three sides, the course is a masterclass in natural links design. Towering dunes frame narrow fairways, while undulating greens and shifting winds ensure that no two rounds are ever the same. The Island has long been considered one of Ireland’s hidden gems, though word has spread in recent years thanks to its inclusion in global rankings. Panoramic views across Malahide Estuary and the Irish Sea add to the sense of awe, while its proximity to Dublin makes it both accessible and unforgettable. For golfers seeking the thrill of links golf in its raw, beautiful form, The Island is an unmissable stop.
Dun Laoghaire Golf Club: On the southern edge of the city, framed by the Wicklow Mountains, lies the stunning Dun Laoghaire Golf Club. Established in 1910 but relocated to Ballyman Glen in 2007, the club now boasts a modern 27-hole championship facility. The three nines: Upper, Middle, and Lower which weave gracefully through rolling terrain, offering challenges for golfers of all abilities. Designed by Hawtree Limited, the layout blends manicured fairways and greens with panoramic vistas over Dublin Bay and the surrounding countryside. The club has played host to prestigious events, including the 2016 Curtis Cup, further cementing its reputation on the international stage. Beyond the golf, the elegant clubhouse and warm hospitality ensure that every visitor feels part of the club’s story, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club: Golf meets grandeur at Luttrellstown Castle Resort, a magnificent parkland course set within a historic 15th-century estate on the edge of Dublin. Once owned by the Guinness family, the resort combines old-world charm with modern luxury. The 18-hole championship course meanders through mature woodlands, rolling fairways, and lakes, with the castle itself standing proudly as a backdrop. Designed by MacKenzie/Steel, it is a true test of strategy and accuracy, with water hazards and tree-lined corridors adding to the challenge. Yet what makes Luttrellstown truly unique is the experience: where else can you play golf in the morning and enjoy afternoon tea in a medieval castle? It’s a retreat that blends sport, history, and indulgence — and is just a short drive from the city centre.
🔗 luttrellstowncastle.com/golf/
St. Anne’s Golf Club: Neighbouring Royal Dublin on Bull Island, St. Anne’s Golf Club is another jewel in Dublin’s golfing crown. Founded in 1921, this members’ club has grown into one of the friendliest and most welcoming golf destinations in the capital. Its 18-hole links course makes the most of its setting, with sweeping fairways, firm turf, and coastal winds providing a true test of links golf. The views over Dublin Bay and the city skyline are simply stunning, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Known for its vibrant community and relaxed atmosphere, St. Anne’s offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Irish golfing culture in an unforgettable location. It’s the kind of place where the golf is memorable, but the welcome is what lingers longest.
Howth Golf Club: For golfers seeking views as memorable as the golf itself, Howth Golf Club is a must. Perched high on Howth Head, the course offers breathtaking panoramas of Dublin Bay, Ireland’s Eye, and even the Mourne Mountains on a clear day. Established in 1916, it is a classic heathland course with a links-like feel, offering narrow fairways, natural contours, and testing breezes. The combination of coastal beauty and challenging play makes every round here unforgettable. Beyond the golf, Howth village is a delight, known for its seafood restaurants, cliff walks, and harbour views. Together, they make Howth a perfect day-trip destination — blending golf, nature, and the quintessential Irish seaside experience.
Rathfarnham Golf Club: Closer to the city, Rathfarnham Golf Club offers a relaxed parkland experience in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Established in 1899, the club has a long tradition but continues to evolve, now featuring a thoughtfully designed 18-hole layout. The course combines tree-lined fairways with clever water features, ensuring a fair but engaging round for players of all levels. Its proximity to the city makes it particularly appealing for visitors looking for a convenient round without venturing too far afield. Off the course, the club is renowned for its warm hospitality and community spirit, making it a welcoming choice for international visitors keen to enjoy Dublin golf in a more intimate setting.
DUBLIN’S TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS:
1. Trinity College & The Book of Kells: Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592, is home to the stunning Long Room library and the illuminated Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript that is a national treasure.
2. Guinness Storehouse: A world-famous attraction where visitors can learn about the history of Guinness, the brewing process, and enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar with panoramic views over Dublin.
3. Dublin Castle: A historic site dating back to the 13th century, Dublin Castle has served as a medieval fortress, royal residence, and seat of British administration. Today it’s a cultural and government complex.
4. Kilmainham Gaol: This former prison tells the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence. Its guided tours are moving and powerful, offering a deep dive into Irish history.
5. Temple Bar District: The heart of Dublin’s nightlife and cultural scene. Known for traditional pubs, live music, cobbled streets, and a lively atmosphere both day and night.
6. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Built in 1191, this Gothic masterpiece is Ireland’s largest cathedral and closely associated with the country’s patron saint. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, is buried here.
7. The National Museum of Ireland: With multiple branches in Dublin, the museum houses treasures from prehistoric gold and Viking artifacts to fascinating displays on Irish folklore and culture.
8. Phoenix Park: One of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks, home to wild deer, the Dublin Zoo, and Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of Ireland’s President. Perfect for a stroll or bike ride.
9. Grafton Street & St. Stephen’s Green: Grafton Street is Dublin’s premier shopping avenue, alive with buskers and boutiques, leading to the leafy Victorian gardens of St. Stephen’s Green — a peaceful retreat in the city centre.
10. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: An award-winning interactive museum telling the story of Irish emigration and the influence of the Irish diaspora around the world.
Dublin’s golfing landscape is as varied and colourful as the city itself. From the traditional majesty of Royal Dublin and The Island, to the luxury of Luttrellstown Castle and the dramatic scenery of Howth, every course offers something distinct. Pair that with Dublin’s legendary nightlife, rich history, and easy accessibility, and you’ve got a destination where golf is more than just a game — it’s an adventure woven into the fabric of the city. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer tour of Ireland, Dublin’s combination of culture and golf makes it one of the world’s truly unforgettable sporting destinations.
