Many golfers may not have heard of Seapoint Golf Links, but it is one of those under-the-radar Irish links that offer a memorable and challenging experience. Located in the picturesque village of Termonfeckin, just a few miles from Drogheda and 50 minutes north of Dublin, Seapoint is a true links course that deserves a place on any Irish golf itinerary.
While its next-door neighbour, County Louth Golf Club (Baltray), might be the more famous name, Seapoint holds its own as a championship-standard course with stunning seaside holes and a strong design pedigree.
Seapoint’s Origins – A Modern Links with a Classic Feel
Unlike many of Ireland’s legendary courses, which date back over a century, Seapoint is relatively young, celebrating just over 30 years. Designed by two-time Ryder Cup player Des Smyth and Associates, the course was constructed at an impressive pace in 1990. However, due to challenging weather conditions, extensive reseeding was required, delaying the official opening until 1993.
Originally a private members’ club, Seapoint is now owned by Carr Golf and its partner, Genesis Links Holdings, whose recent investment has transformed the club into a top-tier golf destination. A modern clubhouse, upgraded facilities, and planned future developments ensure that Seapoint is ready to welcome golfers from around the world.
Playing Seapoint Golf Links
Seapoint is a par-72 links course with four sets of tees, ranging from 5,644 to 7,150 yards. We played from the white tees (6,700 yards), a distance that offered a solid challenge while allowing us to fully experience the course’s natural beauty and strategic design.
The layout is perfectly balanced, with two par-5s and two par-3s on each nine. However, the back nine is slightly longer and presents a particularly strong closing stretch along the Irish Sea. Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington has praised Seapoint, declaring that there is “not a weak hole on the entire course.” We were about to find out if that was true!
The Front Nine – A Strong Opening Challenge
The front nine takes you inland, away from the Irish Sea, but you can still hear the waves from several holes. The variety of holes ensures a fair but challenging test, with well-placed bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens keeping players on their toes.
Our Memorable Holes on the Front Nine
The 2nd Hole
A short, uphill par 3, where club selection is critical. It plays 152 yards and the green slopes from back to front. There is a hidden burn that winds around the front and right-hand side of the green. Miss short, and you’re in trouble. We went with two extra clubs into the breeze and were happy to finish on the green and make our par.
Holes 4 and 5 are tough. The 4th Hole at 427 yards has a demanding approach shot, with water and marshland guarding the right-hand side of the green. Play smart and aim to the left side of the green for the best chance of making a par.
The 5th Hole is rated as stroke index one, the hardest hole on the course. This difficult par 4 measures 388 yards and requires accuracy and nerve. A strong drive sets up a mid-iron approach over water to a well-guarded green—there’s no bailout here! Make two pars on these holes and you will be well pleased.
The 9th Hole
This challenging par 3 of 187 yards plays into the prevailing wind, making club selection crucial. The green features a tiered putting surface, so hitting the correct section is essential for a chance to make par. It was a cold day so we were happy to pick up a coffee before tackling the inward nine holes. One of life’s little pleasures, the coffee that is…
The Back Nine – A Spectacular Closing Stretch
The back nine starts with a relatively straightforward par 5 before leading into a trio of diverse par 4s. However, the real magic happens from the 14th hole onward, where the course opens up to the Irish Sea and delivers one of the finest finishing stretches in Ireland.
The Finishing Holes – Links Golf at Its Best
The 15th Hole
Only 152 yards, but it plays much tougher in the wind. The big dune on the right can offer some protection, but being short and left is a tough recovery. Aim just left of the front bunker and take enough club to reach the centre of the green. If you can make a par here it will set you up for the closing stretch of holes.
The Signature Hole
The 17th Hole
The most photographed hole on the course, this stunning par 3 features an elevated tee with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. At 171 yards your clubbing depends on the wind. Don’t get distracted by the views —the long, narrow green is difficult to hit, especially if the wind is swirling. Our tee shot finished on the back edge of the green and we managed to two putt for a par.
The 18th Hole
At 520 yards, this finale offers risk and reward. Big hitters can try to reach in two, but the green is tucked behind a dune, making visibility tricky. A well-placed layup leaves an 80-yard pitch, but the run-off areas and subtle slopes make par far from guaranteed. After a decent drive, we chose to go for the green in two and finished just left of the bunkers. This left us with an awkward pitch shot to the undulating green. Thankfully a decent chip and two putts meant we closed with a pair of pars.
A Modern Clubhouse – The Perfect Place to Unwind
The main lounge
The clubhouse at Seapoint is a contemporary, welcoming space, designed for comfort and relaxation. The glass-walled lounge offers stunning views over the 18th green and beyond, while the small lounge provides a cosy retreat for pre-round coffee and post-round pints.
The small lounge
The friendly staff and excellent food make it a perfect spot to reminisce about your round—especially that dramatic closing stretch along the sea. Thank you to Gerard Kelly of Carr Golf for inviting us and to Ed Martin, Seapoint’s Golf Operations Manager and David Carroll, the PGA Professional for hosting us.
In Our Opinion
Seapoint Golf Links is a fantastic test of golf that delivers everything you want from an Irish links course—challenging holes, ever-changing conditions, and stunning coastal scenery. The stretch from 14 to 18 is exceptional, and the course’s location—just 50 minutes from Dublin—makes it a perfect addition to any Irish golf trip.
With continued investment in both the course and clubhouse, Seapoint is only going to get better. Whether you’re a links golf enthusiast or a first-time visitor to Ireland, this hidden gem deserves to be played.
Sláinte! We can’t wait to return.
Thank you to Seapoint Golf Links for allowing us to use some of their course and clubhouse photographs.
At a Glance – Seapoint Golf Links
- 50 minutes from Dublin
- Championship-standard links course (Par 72, 7,150 yards max)
- Full-sized practice area, short game area, and putting green
- Modern clubhouse with excellent facilities
- Top-class hospitality and friendly staff
- A spectacular closing stretch along the Irish Sea
- For more info, visit the Seapoint Golf Links website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish 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.
If you would like to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call on 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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