Brittas Bay,
nr Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
Office
+353 (0)404 47 415Pro shop
+353 (0)404 47 415Fax
+353 (0)404 47 449Golf pro
NoneThe Course:
20 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Original design by Pat Ruddy (1987). Modifications and renovation by Kyle Phillips (2026).
52.859854
-6.071748
65 km S of Dublin
Brittas Bay Club (formerly known as The European Club): following a Kyle Phillips renovation in 2026, the former European Club will reopen in 2027, and will sport a new name ... The Brittas Bay Club. Originally opened in 1987, the course quickly became established as one of Ireland's top-rated and most challenging links layouts, ranked alongside the likes of Waterville, Doonbeg and The Island.
After a rather tricky beginning, the course soon comes alive as it tumbles through dramatic sand dunes, and journeys down to the sea's edge. Here you will find some of the most spectacular golf holes anywhere in Ireland. Unusually and rather uniquely, the original design featured 20-holes - two extra par-3s (7a and 12a) were in play on most days.
With ever-undulating terrain, railway-sleepered bunkers galore and plenty of trouble (including the beach) awaiting stray drives, your game will indeed be seriously challenged. As for testing your putting, the 127-yard green at the long par-4 12th, will see to that.
With sea views from most of the course, and many definitive seaside links holes, especially the ones skirting Brittas Bay, this is a course that does indeed deserve its place amongst Ireland's elite. The rather hefty green fee reflects the layout's international reputation ... perhaps also its proximity to Dublin.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. No handicap restrictions, but players must be competent on a links course.
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire (best to book in advance). Caddies not available.
Good
The European Club was created and the course laid out by its previous owner, golf-writer and designer Pat Ruddy. Regular tweaks by Ruddy ensure this relatively modern design remained current and ever challenging. In 2025 the Club was bought by former BMW car dealers Raymond and Nickly Conlon (father and son). After a period of Kyle Phillips-led renovation, the club will reopen in 2027 as the Brittas Bay Club.
The European Club is quietly located just south of the popular holiday village of Brittas Bay, which boasts a 3 km beach which faces out onto the Irish Sea.
Ireland's 13th best in Ireland (Golf World, 2025).
Britain & Ireland's 59th best course (Golf World, 2025).
World's former 97th best course (GOLF Magazine, 2017; not in subsequent editions of this ranking).
No
No
Druids Glen; Druids Heath; Brittas Bay.
Vale of Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
+353 (0)402 351 46
Visit websiteReputedly Ireland's oldest hotel, established in 1608 and located right next to Woodenbridge Golf Club.
Woodenbridge
No
Brittas Bay; Seafield.
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