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Dublin Coast, Ireland
The Island Golf Club
A championship links on a tidal peninsula north of Dublin — bordered by sea on three sides and ranked in Ireland's top ten.
Course overview
The Island Golf Club was founded in 1890 on a tidal peninsula at Corballis, Donabate, making it one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. Bounded by sea on three sides, the links retains a raw, natural character shaped by dunes between the Irish Sea and the Malahide Estuary. The front nine was comprehensively redesigned by Ebert & McKenzie between October 2019 and March 2020 to match the quality of the much-admired back nine. The club hosts Regional Qualifying for The Open Championship and ranked tenth in Irish Golfer's Top 100 Courses in 2024. Visitors are welcome from April to October; tee times are bookable through the club website.
The essentials
- Established
- 1890
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 5,772 m
- Location
- County Dublin, Ireland
Character & atmosphere
A raw, natural links where the dune ridges and sea exposure dictate the challenge. Tight fairways, unpredictable bounces, and wind off the Irish Sea and Malahide Estuary make this a true test of links golf that rewards imagination and ball control over power.
Highlights
Why play here
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Dublin Airport is around 20 minutes from Donabate. Car hire is the most practical option; Donabate DART station is a 10-minute walk from the club. The Corballis peninsula is accessible by the causeway road at low tide.
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.