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Royal Dublin Golf Club is situated magnificently on Bull Island in Dublin Bay and is only accessible by a rickety bridge, but intrepid visitors can be assured that the heart-stopping journey to the Royal course is well worthwhile.

Originally called The Dublin Golf Club, the course has twice relocated since it was founded in 1885, finally ending up on Bull Island and becoming a 'Royal' golf club in 1889 when Queen Victoria granted Royal patronage.

The club is the second oldest in Ireland, after Royal Curragh Golf Club and is a classic out & back, links golf course. Royal Dublin golf course has hosted The Irish Open on 6 occasions, all of which were held after Harry Colt's re-design of the course in the 1920's.

Royal Dublin Golf Club

Golf Courses at Royal Dublin Golf Club

Royal Dublin Golf Club

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.

Course Information

Par 72
Designed by Harry Colt, Martin Hawtree
Opened for play 1885

Tees

Blue 7,269 yards SSS 76
White 6,907 yards SSS 74
Yellow 6,465 yards SSS 72
Red 5,948 yards SSS 73

Irish Open history at Royal Dublin Golf Club

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.

The Irish Open at Royal Dublin

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

How to get to Royal Dublin Golf Club

Royal Dublin Golf Club is situated 3 miles east of Dublin City Centre.

Address: North Bull Island Nature Reserve, Dollymount, Dublin, Ireland

Royal Dublin Golf Club Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a range on site?

Yes

Are there buggies available to hire?

Yes

How much is the fee for the caddies?

£50 plus discretionary

Are there any weekend golfing restrictions?

No tee times before 3pm on Saturday and no tee times before 10am on a Sunday

How many bars are there?

There is 1 bar on site

Is there a charge for car parking on site?

There is complimentary parking