Brittas Bay,
nr Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
Office
+353 (0)404 47 415Pro shop
+353 (0)404 47 415Fax
+353 (0)404 47 449Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
NoneThe Course:
20 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Pat Ruddy
52.859854
-6.071748
65 km S of Dublin
The European Club: A large and local fan base for this splendidly scenic and relatively recent links golf course was quickly established after it opened in 1987. That fan base rapidly rippled out across the golfing world. Perhaps no surprise that the 20-hole layout of the European Club is now routinely regarded as one of Ireland's best ... and most challenging.
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, this is a links course that features 20-holes - two extra par-3s (7a and 12a) are in play on most days.
With ever-undulating terrain, railway-sleepered bunkers galore and plenty of trouble awaiting stray drives (including the beach), 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 heavy green fee is obviously a reflection of the layout's growing reputation ( ... perhaps also influenced by 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.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
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 owner, golf-writer turned golf designer Pat Ruddy. Regular tweaks by Ruddy ensure this relatively modern design continues to remain current and ever challenging.
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, 2023).
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; The European
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
The European; Seafield.
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
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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