1 Night, 2 Rounds
Royal Dublin Golf Club sits on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, reached via the causeway onto the island. It feels a world away from the city, yet you're only a short hop from Dublin's buzz afterwards, which is exactly why it works so well on an Ireland golf break.
Founded in 1885 as The Dublin Golf Club, it relocated twice before settling here and receiving Royal patronage from Queen Victoria in 1889. It is also recognised as the second oldest golf club in Ireland, behind Royal Curragh Golf Club.
The routing is a classic out-and-back links and much of what you play today was shaped by Harry Colt's redesign in the 1920s. Royal Dublin has hosted the Irish Open six times since that work, so you can expect a proper, honest test, especially when the wind gets up off the bay. Think firm, fast turf, strategic bunkering and holes that ask you to pick your side of the fairway, not just hit it as hard as you can. The greens are exposed to the bay wind and the course rewards accuracy and local knowledge over brute force, with plenty of risk-reward decisions that change character depending on wind direction.
If you're building a Dublin golf break, this is an easy one to include alongside Portmarnock Golf Club and The Island Golf Club.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want authentic Dublin links golf with history, pedigree and easy access to the city for food, pubs and nightlife.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers and golf groups building a Dublin itinerary who enjoy traditional links strategy and a course with genuine championship credentials.
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Harry Colt's 1920s design has recently been reworked by the esteemed Martin Hawtree, bringing the second oldest club in Ireland into the modern era. The amendments have however been sympathetic, ensuring that Royal Dublin retains its quintessential charm. Although relatively flat when compared to many other seaside layouts, Hawtree's stamp is most visible in the now raised greens, making the proposition even tougher than before.
The standard of the putting surfaces is fantastic, as was testified by Ernie Els, who spent time at Royal Dublin in preparation for the 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Christy O'Connor Snr was also a fan of the course, the 10 time Ryder Cup player joined Royal Dublin Golf Club in 1959 as its professional and was given honorary life membership in 1988,
The course's position on the sand bank allows spectacular views back to Dublin, and is just a short drive from the town centre and many other revered golfing destinations.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Harry Colt, Martin Hawtree |
| Opened for play | 1885 |
| Blue | 7,269 yards | SSS 76 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,907 yards | SSS 74 |
| Yellow | 6,465 yards | SSS 72 |
| Red | 5,948 yards | SSS 73 |
Royal Dublin has held the Irish Open six times, it was the 4th course chosen to host the event after Portmarnock, Royal County Down & Royal Portrush.
| Year | Winner | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Seve Ballesteros | Spain | -10 |
| 1984 | Bernhard Langer | Germany | -21 |
| 1983 | Seve Ballesteros | Spain | -17 |
| 1950 | Ossie Pickworth | Australia | 287 gross |
| 1936 | Reg Whitcombe | England | 281 gross |
| 1931 | Bob Kenyon | England | 291 gross |
Royal Dublin Golf Club is situated 3 miles east of Dublin City Centre.
Address: North Bull Island Nature Reserve, Dollymount, Dublin, Ireland
Johan
✓6 Sep 2019
Royal Dublin is a fairly standard, flat links course which is enjoyable and relaxing to play. It was in very good condition when we played it.
Yes
Yes
£50 plus discretionary
No tee times before 3pm on Saturday and no tee times before 10am on a Sunday
There is 1 bar on site
There is complimentary parking
