10 Best Golf Courses in Dublin, Ireland for Every Serious Golf Player
Guinness beer, fish and chips, rolling countrysides, ancient castles…. These are just a few things that attract people from all over the world to Ireland. With a pub on just about every corner, you’ll have the time of your life while you take in Irish culture and picturesque landscapes. That of they’re like us and they come to play the best golf courses in Ireland, many of which are in the capital – Dublin, Ireland…
It’s likely that your Irish itinerary already includes a trip to Dublin, the country’s capital. This city is one of the easiest places to fly into and it is the ideal place to start your trip. Travellers recommend renting a car in Dublin and road-tripping across the country from there.
As soon as you start your road trip, you’ll quickly realize one thing; there is no shortage of pristine golf courses in the Dublin area. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or not, you should take advantage of this. There is nothing like teeing off on a sunny day surrounded by rolling Irish countryside.
Interested in hitting the fairways to start your Irish adventure off right? Check out the 10 best golf courses in Dublin, Ireland.
The Golf Course at Luttrellstown Castle Resort
If you just want to experience Dublin in luxury, make a reservation at Luttrellstown Castle Resort. Luttrellstown is exactly as it sounds; this golf resort really does feature a castle that was built in the 15th century. You can stay in one of the castle’s fancy suites or just spend the day on the 18-hole Championship Parkland golf course.
Maybe you are travelling with your wife or brother who doesn’t find golf all that entertaining. This is no problem at all at Luttrellstown; you can golf while your travel partner spends the day fishing, bicycle riding, or chilling at the resort clubhouse.
Silloge Park Golf Club
Silloge Park is one of the most popular public golf courses in all of Ireland. It started off as just a 9-hole course in 1984 but has since been redeveloped to include 18 challenging holes. You’ll be impressed by the grounds at Silloge, but you’ll be more impressed by the affordable prices they charge.
If you plan on staying in Dublin for at least a week, Silloge is offering a 7 Day Pay & Play deal for just over 300 Euros. This is one of the best values for your money that any golf course in Dublin has to offer. You’ll get 7 days of access to their course and can end each day with drinks in the Silloge restaurant and bar.
Howth Golf Club
Don’t be surprised if the views at Howth Golf Club distract you from your normally stellar golf game. Howth prides itself on its location; the fairways are situated in one of the most breathtaking settings in all of Dublin (and Ireland for that matter). The Heathland Links course is set in the center of Hill of Howth with views of Dublin Bay as far as the eye can see.
Castleknock Golf Club
The membership at Castleknock Golf Club is growing by the day, and here’s why. This course is kept to the highest standards and treats its members like royalty. Not only do members get the royal treatment, but so do visitors who are just stopping in for a round of golf. The facilities here include a clubhouse, conference meeting rooms, a pro shop, and a full-service restaurant.
Half the fun of playing golf is hanging out with your buddies once the game is over. The Vue Restaurant is where you’ll end the day after golfing at Castleknock Golf Club. It offers some of the best sunset views in all of Dublin and has a full bar and food menu.
Portmarnock Golf Club
This year Portmarnock Golf Club is hosting the Amateur Golf Championships, but by no means does this make it an ameateur-level course. The 18-holes at Portmarnock are challenging to say the least; world-renowned golfers like Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson have struggled to get through this course with flying colors.
It may not be the cheapest option for visiting golfers, but a trip to Portmarnock is completely worth the cash you’ll spend. You can easily book a tee time based on your group’s number of players by visiting the website. You’ll have full access to the greens and the same facilities that Tiger Woods himself has used many times.
Sutton Golf Club
Sutton Golf Club is located along Dublin’s east coast on Sutton Peninsula. Here golfers have been enjoying the game since the late 1800’s and there is no end in sight. Even though it only features 9 holes it is one of the most popular links courses in Ireland. It may not be the longest course but the coastal terrain provides plenty of challenges.
Grange Golf Club
Grange Golf Club is in the perfect location if you are staying in the city centre of Dublin. It is a short 15-minute drive so it is easy to spend the day here before heading back to your accommodations. Grange is different from other clubs in the area; it has a more relaxed vibe and considers itself a family-friendly course.
There are 24 holes in total at Grange giving you the option to choose your own 18-hole layout. The pros here will give you tips on which layout to choose depending on your skills and experience level. If you’re a confident player you can even join one of the open competitions hosted by Grange. Afterwards you’ll be able to relax at the clubhouse that overlooks the surrounding countryside.
St. Anne’s Golf Club
St. Annes Golf Club has been around for almost 100 years so you can expect to experience golf at its finest. It is a top choice for both visitors and locals in the Dublin area. Visitors like St. Anne’s for its fair day and week long rates, not to mention the flawless facilities. At St. Anne’s you’ll get access to the clubhouse and a full-service restaurant & bar.
Milltown Golf Club
Milltown is right smack dab in the middle of the Dublin Mountains and the River Dodder. Needless to say the views offered by this golf club are unbeatable. Unfortunately the wraparound balcony of the clubhouse can only be accessed by members. Visitors can still enjoy the views from the fine dining restaurant.
As far as the course goes, Milltown is an 18-hole course that has everything from difficult sand bunkers to thick wooded areas. Booking a tee time on the Milltown website isn’t as easy as booking with other golf courses in Dublin. You’ll have to give them a call or send an email specifying when you would like to play and how many people are in your group.
Stepaside Golf Centre and Driving Range
This last one offers up the perfect opportunity to work on your golf game. Stepaside Golf Centre and Driving Range is a local hotspot for golf enthusiasts hoping to work on their longer drives. The driving range is the perfect spot to perfect your swing and you can even sign up for lessons from a pro-level golfer.
Stepaside is also home to an 18-hole Par 3 course that is open to visitors 7 days a week from 8am to 10pm. It is definitely not the fanciest option in terms of Dublin golf courses. However, it is more suited to beginner golfers who are looking for a relaxed golfing atmosphere. There ya have it, 10 of the best golf courses in Dublin for the golf fanatic amongst us.