The Curragh,
nr Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Office
+353 (0)45 441 238Pro shop
+353 (0)45 441 714Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Gerry Burke (Head Professional)The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open heathland. Gently undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Open heathland.
Designer:
Original course at the Curragh laid out by David Ritchie from Scotland (1852).
53.146822
-6.811541
4 km S of Newbridge / 50 km SW of Dublin.
Royal Curragh Golf Club is now recognised as Ireland's oldest golf club, and home to Ireland's oldest golf course. Located just a furlong or two from Ireland's premier horse racing track ("The Curragh"), golf has been played here since at least 1852.
This predominantly open area of heathland is liberally dotted with small copses of trees and gorse bushes, which on many occasions line and define the holes. Bunkering along the rolling fairways and around the greens is relatively limited, and the length of the grass beyond the fairways is controlled by the grazing habits of local flocks of sheep.
Surrounded by historic sites and the famous race course, The Curragh is not amongst Ireland's top-rated golf courses, but it is the oldest.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire.
Excellent
Royal Curragh lays claim to being the oldest golf course and golf club in all Ireland. Until recently it was generally thought that Royal Belfast (1881) was Ireland's oldest golf club. In 2013 records were discovered indicating that the Curragh Golf Club was originally established in 1858 by the 2nd Battalion, Royal Lanarkshire Militia from Scotland. With 115 officers in the battalion, the golfers among them played on a course that had been laid out in 1852.
Edward VII conferred the Royal prefix on Curragh Golf Club in 1910, at a time when Ireland was part of the United Kingdom (1801–1921). The prefix was subsequently dropped when Ireland gained independence from the UK. Members voted to revive the Royal title in 2013. By royal prerogative, two Irish golf clubs can use the "Royal" title, namely: Royal Curragh and Royal Dublin.
Ireland's 70th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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