Photo: Rob Tol · Unsplash License
Dublin Coast, Ireland
Royal Dublin Golf Club
One of Ireland's oldest links clubs on North Bull Island in Dublin Bay — redesigned by Harry Colt and a multiple host of the Irish Open.
Course overview
Royal Dublin Golf Club was founded in 1885, making it one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. The course has occupied its current location on North Bull Island in Dublin Bay since 1889. Harry Colt redesigned the links after World War I, and Martin Hawtree has made subsequent renovations. The course has hosted the Irish Open multiple times and retains an out-and-back routing characteristic of traditional links design, returning to the clubhouse at the halfway point. The island setting means the course is bounded by water on both sides and exposed to coastal wind throughout.
The essentials
- Architect
- Harry Colt; Martin Hawtree
- Established
- 1885
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,648 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–24
- Location
- County Dublin, Ireland
Character & atmosphere
An island links in Dublin Bay where the out-and-back routing and coastal exposure from the Irish Sea define the challenge — tight fairways and fast greens reward accurate driving and disciplined approach play in wind that can arrive from any direction.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Harry Colt; Martin Hawtree, opened in 1885.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Dublin Airport is around 15 minutes from Bull Island. Car hire or a taxi is the most convenient option. The Bull Island causeway is accessible by car and by Dublin Bus from the city centre.
Where to stay
Dublin is the most practical base for the East Coast links, combining Portmarnock, Royal Dublin, and The Island Golf Club with one of Europe's most enjoyable city experiences. Most of Ireland's best courses are within a day's drive, making Dublin the ideal start and end point for an island-wide tour.
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Ireland
Explore Dublin Coast
Parkland and links golf within easy reach of Dublin, including Portmarnock.