Murray's summary:

So much to do in Dublin both on and off the golf course.

Birdies:

•  Big name courses

•  Big city attractions & evening entertainments

•  International flight connections

Bogeys:

•  Scarcity of cheap accommodation

•  Traffic and parking in the city centre

•  Not so much real Irish flavour (very cosmopolitan)

Why go?

Dublin is a big city and boomed over the late 90's and early part of this Century: this prosperity has caused a huge expansion of the city and an influx of migrant workers, leaving the city very cosmopolitan and in the process losing some of its unique Irish charm.  However it does still exist and you will find it alive in many Golf Clubs and in some of the more local parts of town (see the Area Info pages).

The other Dublin courses are spread inland to the West or down south into Wicklow.

When to go?

Anytime of year is good to go to Dublin, it is always fairly busy and on certain weekends (Rugby, Hurling, and the like) it will be flooded with supporters: a good or a bad time to visit depending on your preferences!

Where to stay?

Golf around Dublin is mainly to the North of the city: Portmarnock, Royal Dublin, Portmarnock Links, Malahide, The Island and St. Anne's are all to the North so it's makes most sense to stay on the North side of town.
I recommend staying either at Clontarf Castle or Portmarnock Links hotel: both of which are very well placed for getting to the golf in the day and taxis into town of an evening will be plentiful, quick and easy

What to see?

Dublin city sights are numerous: The Halfpenny Bridge over the Liffey marks the centre of town; Stephen's Green is the upmarket residential area; Grafton Street has all the shops you could wish for and tea at Bewleys Oriental Coffee Shop is pretty much a must; Baggot Street and Leeson Street hold more bars and songs than you could ever need in one evening. 

Portmarnock

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Murray's word

One of the world's classic links courses and should be played by all fans of this format of the game - if you can afford the visitors Green-fee that is.  Portmarnock sits amongst moderate dunes on a stretch of shifting sands and has evolved over the last century into a superb test of golf as you pick your way between the bunkers and gorse in search of small Greens that are often elevated and slippery to cling on to.  A pond and ditches feature in a couple of corners but are readily avoided.  There is sure to be some wind too, causing some holes to be played as bogeys from the Tee in the patient hope that you can make amends on the downwind holes.
Traditional Clubhouse with an olde golfe feel and don't forget there are 27 holes here if you need to stretch your legs after lunch.
*Early-bird Green-fee available before 09h00.

Portmarnock Links

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Murray's Word

Another fine links course on the stretch of heaven sent linksland just north of Dublin around Portmarnock.  A cleverly designed course that builds in intensity until the sustained crescendo through the dunes beside the sea.  Portmarnock Links starts with fairly level terrain (although from the new 1st Tee you get a nice peek at what's in store!) and some long straightish holes that are well bunkered, exposed to the sea-breezes and traversed by a well trained stream that will force you to make positive shot choices.  The dunes steadily increase in size until somewhere around the turn you realise you are in amongst them, fighting for your score against twisting Fairways and dog-legs: very cleverly done!  There is a small Pro-shop and golf reception but thankfully the Clubhouse has been re-instated in the old Jameson House, which has a selection of fine oak panelled rooms and a suitably cosy feel.

Royal Dublin

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Murray's Word

Eire's only "Royal" course speaks volume's of its history. On a small piece of land (Bull Island) floating in Dublin Bay just opposite Clontarf and with St. Anne's Golf Club at the far end, the Clubhouse is reached by a rickety wooden bridge - a fitting entrance to such an historic Club.  The course is an absolutely classic test of links golf: fairly flat terrain with long narrow fairways, pot bunkers, ditches and hummocks abounding between the moderately sized dunes.  A strong Membership ensures that the course is always in prime links condition.  The original Harry Colt design was strengthened in 2004 by a very sympathetic adjustment of several holes by Martin Hawtree and a local lad Christy O'Connor Jnr.  Large Clubhouse, which achieves the difficult trick of being traditional without any hint of stuffiness.

County Louth (Baltray)

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Murray's Word

Possibly the best links course that you have never heard of?  County Louth is a thoroughbred golf course from beginning to end: an hour's drive from central Dublin, but very well worth it.  Unusually for a links, the course forms two loops of nine on a stretch of land between the Boyne estuary and the sea.  Commencing on generally level land with a fairly generous width to the Fairways allows you to get into the swing of the course before the treats that lie in wait ahead.  As you work your way away from the Clubhouse the dunes grow in stature and contain some memorable holes: not least the 14th a short, bunkerless par-4, but if you miss or finish on the wrong part of the Green you will do well to escape with a par...  A great course and not to be missed if you are anywhere close.

*Fourth Murray's Member can can play for free midweek (saving €100).

St. Margaret's

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Murray's Word

A modern course that sits very close to the airport, so ideal for a round on arrival or before you jet home – but not just the only reason for playing here!  The course is more of a garden layout than parkland (mini-Augusta?) with an abundance of imported shrubs, trees and flowers to replace the indigenous flora . When in bloom or blossom these plants add a very colourful appeal to many Tees and Greens.  Not a very local look, but on the other hand the majority of other courses around Dublin have a genuinely Irish appearance (gorse).  Water has also been marshalled into play in the form of a river that snakes around several holes and lakes beside three or four Greens.  All combined St. Margaret's is a very appealing course where you are sure to pass a very enjoyable day without being overtaxed.

St. Anne's

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Murray's Word

On the other end of Bull Island to its more illustrious neighbour Royal Dublin: a shorter more intricate course over broadly similar terrain, although the dunes are in general slightly smaller.  A true links course in every sense with a very active Membership that is beautifully maintained and consequently great fun to play.  Don't be fooled by the overall length as you will need your A-game to succeed at St. Anne's with its outcrops of thick gorse and meandering stream that criss-crosses several Fairways and approaches.  Modern circular Clubhouse with all round views is a vast improvement on the old facilities.  You are sure to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at St. Anne's and it shouldn't be overlooked as merely a cheaper links alternative to its royal neighbour.  Alternatively, you could enjoy a whole day on Bull Island - playing St. Anne's and then Royal Dublin?

Malahide

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Murray's Word

Eddie Hackett knew how to extract the best golf holes out of any stretch of land and this is in evidence again at Malahide, a parkland layout that is a few miles inland from Portmarnock in one of Dublin's most expensive suburbs.  It is by no means a hilly course, however the contours of the land have been utilised where possible to add shape and interest to the course, along with some additional planting of a variety of trees and some attractive water features.  There are three loops of nine holes, so plenty of entertainment for a full day out.  The large Membership ensures that the course is well looked after and money spent in all the right places.  Modern Clubhouse with good facilities.

Luttrellstown

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Murray's Word

A stately course in the grounds of Luttrellstown Castle that has been extended and improved in 2006 with the addition of holes that now cross the river (which frequently comes into play) and run down past the castle itself.  The course designer had  the advantage of ancient woodland to work with and there are some magnificent centennial oaks around the course that add a suitably statuesque air to the course.  The land falls away in front of the impressive wood-faced Clubhouse but the inclines are never severe, just enough to cause the occasional doubt over club selection.  Sensibly priced to encourage golfers to come and play – and you should.

The Island

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Murray's Word

Once upon a time the only way to reach the Island was by row-boat: thankfully there is now a road across the tidal causeway ensuring access at all times.  One of Ireland's lesser known lights, but a course that will be enjoyed by lover soft the links game.  The Island is a stern test with some huge dunes evident from the very start and narrow Fairways with plenty of undulations making a level stance unlikely.  Added to which the Greens are small (tiny in places) means that you will need to make plenty of up-and-downs to keep your score ticking over.
Clubhouse small and has the friendly feel of a regular Member's Club.

Clontarf Castle****

Murray's Word

Clontarf Castle has the prime location for golfers looking to enjoy both Dublin city and the golf courses on the northern outskirts.  The road outside the hotel runs directly down to Royal Dublin G.C. and St. Anne's; just around the coast is Portmarnock, Malahide and The Island.  If you want to head into town, Stephen's Green is only ten minutes away by car.  The hotel is truly ancient dating from 1172 and some key events in Irish history; there is now a discreet modern wing that houses most of the bedrooms, consequently the latter are all up to date in terms of style and furnishings. There is tremendous character about the original parts of the castle that form the reception and lobbies with its exposed stone walls and suits of armour; plus the stately Knights bar with its and medieval feel.  There are also some surprisingly modern corners, such as the Indigo lounge with its deeply coloured walls and soft furniture: somewhere for all.  For dining the Fahrenheit Grill on the first floor has a very good menu, with plenty of choice from both the land and the sea; food is also available in the more relaxed surroundings of both Knights Bar and the Indigo Lounge.
A very good hotel in a superb location for golf, with discounted Green-fees available at Royal Dublin G.C.

Portmarnock Links****

Murray's Word

The Portmarnock Links hotel is pretty much the dead centre of the golfing action to be found on the north side of Dublin.  With its own strong links on-site, Portmarnock G.C. next door and Royal Dublin, Malahide, St. Anne's and The Island just down the road, it's a great little cluster of golf.  In the midst of this the Portmarnock Links hotel provides very comfortable accommodation at good prices and Dublin's nightlife is only ten minutes away by cab.  The hotel was originally the Jameson family home, which has had new wings attached to provide the modern bedrooms, lounges and restaurant areas.  The old parts of the house are now utilised as the Clubhouse and 19th, adding a nice feeling of tradition to your apres-golf relaxation.  The bedrooms are generously sized and kept up-to-date with the latest amenities; standard rooms are traditionally furnished and overlook the course, there is a supplement for Sea-view rooms and Deluxe rooms, both of which have a more modern style to their furnishings.  The Reception is a a bright airy affair with the breakfast room just below it, above is a sunny lounge for afternoon tea and the open-plan restaurant.  There is a small beauty spa offering various treatments, but no pool (apart from the Irish sea).

Arlington Temple Bar***

Murray's Word

The Arlington Temple Bar is right in the heart of the action: Temple Bar, which is Dublin's party central.  In the narrow streets behind the hotel that run down and parallel to the Liffey you will find as much nightlife as you could ever need!  The hotel itself offers simple, clean accommodation and a good breakfast.  There are two large bars on the ground floor, one of which is dedicated to entertainment of a predominantly Irish nature, the other dedicated to drinks and simple bar style food (there are many other restaurants around).  The hotel is on one of Dublin's busiest thoroughfares (Lord Edward Street) so no parking available around the hotel but there is a nearby multi-storey car park (literally a two-minute walk away).  A good little hotel, aimed fairly and squarely at revellery; not the place for a quiet retreat!

Dining out in Dublin

Dublin, like any big city, has a whole host of options when it comes to dining out.  All varieties of cuisine are available, from Far East to Wild West.

For traditional Irish (often with music) St. John Gogarty's (01 6711 822) in Temple Bar is very well known (albeit slightly touristy).

Higher quality surroundings can be found around St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street: Balzac (01 677 8611) in Dawson Street is a Parisien style brasserie and Bruxelles (01 677 8731) off Grafton street is similar, in a Belgian way.

Dining out in Portmarnock & Malahide

From Portmarnock it's best to head into Malahide for dining out, it is one of Dublin's most affluential suburbs and consequently has a number of good eateries.

Plus with the fishing port of Howth just around the bay there is plenty of excellent fish and seafood to be found.

Nightlife

Basically, when it comes to nightlife in Dublin there's no shortage!

One of the best known areas of town is Temple Bar on the south side of the river (between Dame Street and the Liffey) it's a pretty Bohemian quarter of town with plenty of bars and restaurants open until the small hours.

There are plenty of other parts of town where you will find late bars too.  For traditional Irish music O'Donohue's (home of the Dubliners) just along from St. Stephen's Green and the other bars that have grown up around it, like Foley's opposite, are always good for a sing-song.

Flights

Dublin is very easy to get to by air with so many flights into Dublin's international airport on the North-west side of the city, so very easy for getting to Portmarnock and the surrounding areas of Malahide and Clontarf.

Hover on a logo to see the available routes, clicking the logo below will take you directly to the airline's website to book your flights.

A very useful site that searches all the major airlines and some of the "lo-cost" carries for you is Sky Scanner.  You can alter departure and arrival points, dates and times at will and the website will come back with several options fairly quickly.
Click below to give it a go.

Ferries

By sea there are routes from the UK into Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire on the southside of Dublin is even easier.

Alternative sea-crossings are available into Rosslare, which is not far to drive at all or into Cork (from Swansea or Roscoff), which is a little further to go.

Hover on a logo to see the available routes, clicking the logo below will take you directly to the ferry company's website to book.

Discounted ferry prices for Murray's Members - just click on the logo to lower the gangway to our exclusive Member rates.

Hire cars

Probably the most flexible way to get around during your visit.  Both airports offer the full range of hire-car companies: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt et cetera, whose contact details are shown opposite (if you have not already been offered a hire-car by your airline when you booked your flights!).

Holiday Autos have cars available at most Iris airports and offer a 10% discount to Murray's Members off their already low rates.  Simply click on their logo opposite to be taken to their specially discounted website.

10% discount at Holiday Autos for Murray's Members

Chauffeur driven cars, minibuses and coaches

Local transport companies

If you would prefer to leave the driving to somebody else then there are a number of local travel agents who will take care of all you transfer arrangements.