FEATURE STORY

Great golf an easy drive from Dublin, Ireland

By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer

When you think Ireland golf, you generally think century-old golf courses and quaint historic towns far out in the countryside.

But if you're just connecting overnight at Dublin International Airport, or you're confined in the city center or at an airport hotel for a business conference, rest assured: There are plenty of good options for a quick, quality round of golf near Dublin.

The airport is northwest of Ireland's capital, just a few miles from the village of Portmarnock and its classic links. There are also courses on Bull Island in Clontarf, five miles north of the city center.

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If you've got a little extra time, 2006 Ryder Cup host venue the K Club and the European Club are both within an hour's drive.

Must-play golf courses near Dublin

Portmarnock Golf Club: About eight miles from both the airport and central Dublin, this is the capital area's most acclaimed links.

Portmarnock GC was established in 1893, with a third nine added in 1971. With gentle dunes, it's a tough but fair layout that won't blow your lid off like some links gems, but is never dull either.

Portmarnock has hosted several international events, including the 1991 Walker Cup. Golf great Arnold Palmer made his links debut here, at the 1960 Canada Cup.

The membership plays a lot and public tee times are limited, so be sure to call in advance. Greens fees are €165-€200.

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Royal Dublin: The Clontarf neighborhood winds along the bay and overlooks Dublin's port. From Clontarf Road you also have access to Bull Island, home to Royal Dublin, one of Ireland's oldest clubs. Rates are €150-€170.

Portmarnock Golf Links Courting comparisons by opening next-door to Portmarnock GC, this 1996 Bernhard Langer course comes off second-best in the mind of old-school locals, but it's no slouch. It's also about half the price at €75-€90 a round and has an accompanying resort.

Dublin golf's solid seconds

St. Anne's Golf Club: Located next to Royal Dublin on North Bull Island, historic St. Anne's started off as a nine-hole course in 1921. A second nine was added in the 1990s, and the clubhouse was renovated in 2003.

The course plays along a beach and a bird sanctuary. Peak-season rates are €80-€95.

Clontarf Golf Club: This convenient parkland option 15-20 minutes from Dublin's airport plays on rolling hills offering views into Dublin and the bay. Rates are only €50-€60. The club was founded in 1912 and has been largely unchanged since 1927.

K Club: This five-star resort about 40 minutes west of Dublin in County Kildare is Ireland's hottest upscale golf club, due largely to its Ryder Cup star turn.

There are two parkland tracks here. The Ryder-hosting Arnold Palmer course is the country's most expensive play at €400. The sister Smurfit course is a relative bargain at €90-€105.

European Golf Club: Thirty-five miles south of Dublin in County Wicklow, this modern links is a relatively easy jaunt thanks to the M50 motorway. The 20-hole Pat Ruddy design plays through tumbling dunes and is usually open to all golfers. Rates are €150-€175.

March 26, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.