Located on Bull Island, just minutes from Dublin’s vibrant city centre, The Royal Dublin Golf Club is a masterpiece of links golf. Founded in 1885, it holds the distinction of being Ireland’s oldest links course and the third-oldest golf club in the country. Originally known as the Dublin Golf Club, it was granted its prestigious Royal designation in 1891.
The course’s history is as rich as its fairways. It was initially laid out on the island’s sandy terrain, but during World War I, the land was repurposed as a military training ground, leaving the course in ruins. Fortunately, legendary English architect Harry Colt was commissioned in 1920 to restore and redesign it. His work transformed Royal Dublin into a true championship test, which has since been further refined by modern course architect Martin Hawtree, ensuring it remains both a challenge and a joy to play.
A Storied Venue
Royal Dublin has been the stage for numerous prestigious tournaments, including multiple Irish Opens and Irish PGA Championships. Some of the biggest names in golf—Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson among them—have graced its fairways. The clubhouse itself is a treasure trove of memorabilia, showcasing clubs, balls, and photographs from golfing legends who have walked these hallowed grounds.
A Championship Test
The course features three sets of tees, ranging from a manageable 6,484 yards to a daunting 7,289 yards from the championship markers. Playing from the yellow tees, we were fortunate to have a knowledgeable local member, John, and his guest, Tu from Chicago, joining us for our round.
The Front Nine: A Strategic Challenge
Approach to Babbington’s
Babington’s, the 2nd hole, is the first par 5. For us, it was playing 459 yards although the wind was into and out of the right. A good drive, followed by an even better 3 wood got us to the front of the green, 3 putts later we had our par. Not great after our opening bogey!
Feather Bed
The 4th hole, the curiously named Feather Bed, is the first par 3. At 154 yards it’s not long however your tee shot requires precision to finish on the putting surface. This hole was playing slightly downwind out of the right. We hit 8 iron into 10 feet and unfortunately, missed the birdie putt. Little did we know at the time that our first birdie would be a while away.
Ireland’s Eye
Ireland’s Eye, the 5th hole is the second hardest hole on the course. At 425 yards, it was back into the wind and required a drover and a 3 hybrid to get close to the green which is tucked away on the left of the fairway. A decent chip and putt and we escaped with a par which we were delighted with. If that’s the second hardest hole, what awaits us on the hardest?
Par 3 Challenges
The 7th, Ardilaun
The second par 3 on the front nine is the 7th hole. Playing 163 yards downwind, take enough club to get over the false front. A good 8-iron finished about 15 feet from the hole. We missed the putt but managed to get our 3. We wouldn’t fancy playing it from the back tee at 215 yards. It could be a card wrecker from that tee!
Davidson’s
The final hole on the front nine is Davidson’s, the third par 3. At 151 yards, it was playing with the wind coming across us from left to right. John, the member in our group, went first and his shot landed just short and bounced up onto the green. We hit our 3rd 8 iron on a par 3 and again found the green (8 iron could be our new favourite club!) We again failed to convert from about 20 feet but found ourselves at the turn in 36, one over par.
The Back Nine: A Classic Links Test
Marne
The back nine starts with the hardest hole on the course, a 419-yard par 4 named Marne. It was playing downwind for us and after a good drive, we were left with a wedge to the green over a burn. We never got the bounce forward that we needed and ended up short. Unfortunately, a poor chip left us with too much to do for our par and we walked off with a bogey. This was to become a familiar feeling over the next few holes!
Campbell’s
After another bogey at the par 5 11th hole, we arrived at Campbell’s, the last par 3 on the course. It was playing 151 yards and guess what, we hit our now favourite club, the 8 iron, again. It should have been enough club if we had hit it correctly. This time we cut it a bit and ended up in the front right bunker. A decent bunker shot left us 8 feet for par, but yet again we missed the putt.
The Golfing Gods Smile
Dardanelles
Standing on the tee of the 13th hole, Dardanelles, we were now 4 over par and feeling a little sorry for ourselves. Ahead lay the third hardest hole on the course playing 409 yards. A decent drive left us that bloody 8 iron again (no longer the favourite club) and we overcompensated to avoid the cut and pulled it slightly. It ended up about 35 feet away and we had resigned ourselves to a par. However, the golfing gods were with us and after missing a number of shorter putts, in it went and we had birdie no. 2!
Hogan’s
After two solid pars on 14 and 15, we arrived at the drivable par 4, named Hogan’s. At 266 yards, we decided to hit a 3-wood over the middle bunker in an effort to reach the green. A poor swing meant that we pulled it slightly and it was heading towards the left edge of the left bunker. We walked up the left with no expectations and were looking for the ball in the left rough. The golfing gods were with us once again as the ball was sitting in the middle of the green!! No idea how it got there. Two putts and we had another birdie and suddenly we were back to two over par and getting excited!
Good Luck, Then Bad Luck
Coastguard’s
The 17th hole, Coastguard’s is a 394-yard par 4. We decided to hit the lucky 3 wood off the tee and completely skied it. If it hadn’t been for a bunker rake at the first bunker, we would have had over 200 yards to go from the sand. Fortunately, the rake had prevented it from going in. An awkward stance and a swipe with the 3 hybrid got us into the front right bunker. From there, we holed the bunker shot. Unbelievable! Two terrible shots followed by a lovely bunker shot. Never give up folks!
What God Gives, He Can Take Away!
Garden
Standing on the 18th, we were one over and heading for our best score of the trip. John, the member, advised us to try and get our tee shot as far right on the fairway as we could. A good drive and we were only 10 feet from the ditch and beyond that, the out-of-bounds. The perfect position to cut the 453-yard hole down to a driver and that 8 iron. With the wind out the left, we felt good and we were ready to go.
That’s when it was all taken away. The cut 8 iron from earlier reappeared and it came up short. Not sure whether it was in the ditch or out of bounds, we walked to where we had seen it bounce. We eventually found it and it was 2 inches from being in the ditch. It was out of bounds. A disaster and a no score on the last. Total deflation!!
Royal Dublin Summary
We really enjoyed playing the historic links at Royal Dublin. There are some really great holes around the course. The front nine holes are tighter than the back nine especially since the prevailing wind is into and out of the right, going out. From the yellow tees, due to the wind, all the par 3’s were playing the same club for us. That would not be the case if you were playing off the white or the blue tees.
Beyond the Course: The Royal Dublin Experience
The Royal Dublin Golf Club is not just about the golf—it offers a complete experience. The elegant clubhouse provides spectacular views over the course, making it an ideal spot to reflect on the round over a meal or a drink.
The Chicken Caesar salad comes highly recommended, though perhaps best paired with something healthier than fries and beer! The warm Irish hospitality extended by General Manager Jeff Fallon, the ever-helpful Collette in the Pro Shop, and starter Eddie made our visit even more special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning golfer, Royal Dublin’s staff ensures a memorable experience.
Local Attractions & History
A visit to Royal Dublin offers more than just world-class golf. The course is set within the North Bull Island Nature Reserve, a UNESCO biosphere home to diverse wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. Just 20 minutes away, Dublin’s city centre beckons with its rich history and vibrant culture. Visit Trinity College’s famed Long Room Library, explore the historic streets of Temple Bar, or immerse yourself in Irish history at Kilmainham Gaol.
For those looking to extend their golf trip, nearby courses like Portmarnock Golf Club and The Island Golf Club offer further links challenges. Dublin’s legendary pubs, such as The Brazen Head (Ireland’s oldest pub), provide the perfect setting to recount the highs and lows of your round over a pint of Guinness.
Final Thoughts
Royal Dublin is a true gem in the world of links golf. Blending historical significance with modern championship pedigree, it delivers an unforgettable experience. With its challenging layout, spectacular setting, and welcoming atmosphere, it is a must-play for any golfer visiting Ireland. Whether you’re a seasoned links golfer or looking to experience classic Irish golf, Royal Dublin should be high on your list. Just be sure to respect the elements, trust your short game, and perhaps bring a lucky 8-iron!
At a Glance:
- Location: 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and City Centre
- Founded: 1885 (Ireland’s oldest links)
- Course: 18-hole Championship links
- Facilities: Practice areas, short-game facilities, superb Pro Shop
- Atmosphere: Welcoming, traditional, and steeped in history
- Highlight: Stunning links test with a classic Colt/Hawtree design
For more information, visit Royal Dublin Golf Club.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
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