North Bull Island, Dollymount,
Dublin 3, Co. Dublin
Office
+353 (0)1 833 6346Pro shop
+353 (0)1 833 6477Fax
+353 (0)1 833 6504Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
John Dwyer (PGA, Head Golf Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Original Harry Colt design dates from 1921. Modifications by Martin Hawtree (2002).
53.356698
-6.170657
8 km E of Dublin
From the M50 motorway north of Dublin take exit 3 (M1 / M50 intersection) onto the N32 direction Malahide. After 4.8 km turn right at roundabout into Grange Road, heading south. After 1 km turn right into Kilbarrack Road, and then first left into Raheny Road. After 1.6 km (past church in Raheny) turn left into Watermill Road. After o.8 km turn right at traffic lights into James Larkin Road and follow road with North Bull Island on your left. After 1.8 km turn left and go over the Wooden Bridge. After o.8 km golf is on your left.
The Royal Dublin Golf Club: Located close to the shoreline of Dublin Bay, a large sand bar known as Bull Island plays host to two links golf courses. St Anne's Golf Club occupies the northern half of the island, while the better known and more prestigious Royal Dublin occupies the island's southern half.
The current design of Royal Dublin dates from just after the 1914-18 War, when Harry Colt restored the course following a few years in the hands of the military. The sand dunes he had to work with are relatively modest in size, but from them the great man fashioned a top-quality layout. This classic out-and-back course is full of strategically placed bunkering, roller-coaster (but often tight) fairways and threatening water ditches.
From the course you will enjoy views onto Dublin Bay from the more elevated tees. At the most southerly, clubhouse end of the course, the Port of Dublin also provides a backdrop to some holes, with its ferries, cranes and power-station all in the picture.
Visitors welcome on weekdays (except Weds), Saturdays (4pm-5:30pm) and Sundays (10am-12pm).
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Soft spikes only. Players generally walk this course.
Good
The land on which Royal Dublin and neighbouring St Anne's Golf Club are based has an interesting past. Previously nothing existed here except a few sand banks that were usually submerged under the sea. In 1823 a sea wall was built out from the shore at Clontarf to the west. Once the wall was completed, sand began to build-up behind it. By the late 1800s an area of sand dunes covering more than 600 acres had been created.
Queen Victoria conferred the Royal prefix on Dublin Golf Club in 1891, at a time when Ireland was part of the United Kingdom (1801–1921). By royal prerogative, two Irish golf clubs can use the "Royal" title, namely: Royal Curragh and Royal Dublin. | Royal Dublin has hosted many top level championships including the Irish Open on several occasions (recent winners: Seve Ballesteros in 1983 and 1985, Bernhard Langer in 1984).
Ireland's 39th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3
+ 353 (0)1 833 2321
Visit websiteClontarf Castle is a luxurious Irish castle hotel, dating (in parts) from the 12th century. It is located just two miles from the heart of the city and only five miles from Dublin Airport.
No
Royal Dublin; St Anne's; Portmarnock; Portmarnock Links.
The Island; Roganstown; St Margaret's; Castleknock; Luttrellstown Castle; South County; Grange; Powerscourt; Woodbrook.
No
Royal Dublin
Portmarnock; Portmarnock Links; St Margaret's; Luttrellstown Castle; Grange; Powerscourt.
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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