Overview
Royal Dublin Golf Club sits on the slender ribbon of North Bull Island, a sandbank that stretches five kilometres across Dublin Bay. The 18‑hole links course is a classic out‑and‑back layout designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s and later refined by Martin Hawtree and the CDP bunker‑audit team. With a par‑72, 7,269‑yard championship routing, fast firm fairways, deep pot bunkers and panoramic views of Howth Head, the Dublin Port skyline and the Wicklow Mountains, it offers a pure links experience just 20 minutes from the city centre and seven miles from Dublin Airport.
The clubhouse, rebuilt after a 1943 fire, houses a museum‑like honours board, historic photographs and a bar with floor‑to‑ceiling windows that frame the 18th green. Whether you are a touring professional, a serious amateur, or a visitor seeking a taste of Irish golfing tradition, Royal Dublin delivers a stern yet fair test of skill and strategy.
History
The club was instituted on 19 May 1885 at a meeting on Grafton Street, spearheaded by Scottish banker John Lumsden. Originally called Dublin Golf Club, it moved from Phoenix Park to Sutton before settling on Bull Island in 1889. In 1891 the club received a royal charter from Queen Victoria, becoming The Royal Dublin Golf Club – the second oldest golf club in Ireland.
Bull Island itself is a product of early‑19th‑century engineering. The Bull Wall, completed in 1823, and a timber bridge built in 1819 created the sandbank that later became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the only such reserve within a capital city. During the First World War the links were commandeered as a rifle and artillery range; extensive damage was repaired with a £10,000 compensation award that enabled Harry Colt to redesign the course in 1920.
A fire destroyed the clubhouse on 2 August 1943; a new building opened a decade later. In the early 2000s, Martin Hawtree modernised the course, adding two new holes, raising most greens and extending the length by roughly 450 yards. From November 2022 the CDP bunker‑audit team began a restoration to bring the sand‑hazards back in line with Colt’s original vision, with works completed in 2023.
The club has hosted six Irish Opens (1931, 1936, 1951, 1983‑85) and the Irish Amateur Open annually from 2007‑2016. Legends such as Old Tom Morris, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Christy O’Connor Sr. (who served as club professional for 57 years) and even former US President Bill Clinton have walked its fairways. Hollywood greats Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were regular visitors in the 1960s, and Ernie Els used the course for preparation ahead of his 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
In December 2021 the club voted to amend its constitution and welcome women members for the first time, becoming the last Irish golf club to drop a men‑only policy and aligning with Golf Ireland’s gender‑equality principles.
Course Highlights
- Signature Holes –
- Hole 5 – A narrow, bunker‑flanked par 4 that demands precise placement.
- Hole 8 – A risk‑reward par 5 offering a chance to reach the green in two when the wind is calm.
- Hole 16 – A short, drivable par 4 guarded by seven deep pot bunkers.
- Hole 18 – The sweeping dog‑leg finishing hole, framed by the out‑of‑bounds “Garden” and offering a dramatic view of Dublin Bay.
- The Garden – The club’s championship‑standard practice area, comprising a driving range, chipping green, putting green and practice net, all set within the dunes.
- Wildlife & Environment – Bull Island is a haven for bird‑watchers; wintering Brent Geese, waders and rare orchids are common sights. The course’s sustainability programme includes smart irrigation, solar‑powered drink stations and a low‑chemical maintenance regime.
What to See & Do
- Championship Course – Play the same layout that tested Ballesteros, Langer and Irish Open champions.
- Clubhouse & Memorabilia – Inside, you’ll find silver trophies, historic photographs and a dedicated “Greats” room celebrating figures such as Christy O’Connor Sr. and Old Tom Morris. A jacket is required in the Christy O’Connor Room.
- Nature Reserve – Keep an eye out for Brent Geese, wintering waders, rare orchids and occasional foxes while you walk the dunes.
- Dining with a View – The bar and restaurant overlook the 18th green and Dublin Bay. Sample fresh catch of the day with new potatoes.
- Caddies & Pro Shop – Experienced caddies provide yardages and stories of the club’s past. The pro shop offers club hire, premium rental carts and Irish golf apparel.
- Nearby Links – Combine your round with visits to Portmarnock Golf Club, The Island Golf Club or Jameson Golf Links, all within 10 km.
- Nearby Attractions – After your round, explore Dublin’s historic centre – Trinity College, Temple Bar, Kilmainham Gaol – or visit the scenic Ardgillan Castle and its gardens.
Membership & Inclusivity
Until December 2021 Royal Dublin Golf Club was the last Irish club with an all‑male membership. At a special general meeting members voted overwhelmingly to adopt Golf Ireland’s governance principles, formally enshrining gender equality in the club’s constitution. Women can now apply for full membership on the same terms as men, reflecting the club’s commitment to a more inclusive future while preserving its historic character.
Practical Information
Website: Royal Dublin Golf Club Phone: +353 1 833 6346 Email: info@theroyaldublingolfclub.com
Opening Hours & Tee‑Time Windows
- Club office: Mon‑Fri 09:00‑17:00.
- Visitor tee times (daylight hours):
- Mon, Tue & Thu: 07:40‑08:50, 10:40‑12:20, from 14:00 onward.
- Fri: 10:40‑11:50, from 14:00 onward.
- Sat: from 15:30 onward.
- Sun: from 10:30 onward.
- Course operates in daylight; exact start times are arranged when you book.
Green‑Fee Structure (verified 2026)
| Season | 18‑hole fee |
|---|---|
| Standard (weekday, non‑holiday) | €120 |
| Peak (weekends, holidays) | €175 |
| Visitor package (includes lunch at Bar 19) | €130 |
All fees include access to the driving range and clubhouse facilities. Rental clubs, caddies and trolley hire are extra.
Booking
Visitors are welcome but must book in advance. Tee times can be booked online via the club’s visitor‑experience page or by calling the pro shop. Caddies should be requested at least 48 hours ahead of your round. Most bookings allow free changes up to 48 hours before the tee time.
Getting There
- By Car: From Dublin Airport, follow the M1/N1 to the Clontarf round‑about and continue to the historic wooden bridge that leads onto Bull Island. Parking is available at the clubhouse car park (free for members; a small fee for visitors).
- Public Transport: Dublin Bus routes 104 and 104A stop near the Clontarf entrance. From the stop, a short walk across the bridge brings you to the clubhouse.
- Walking/Biking: The island’s promenade is popular with walkers and cyclists; the bridge is pedestrian‑friendly.
Dress Code & Pace of Play
The club enforces a traditional dress code: collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes. Denim and collarless shirts are not permitted. A jacket is required in the Christy O’Connor Room. A strict pace‑of‑play policy ensures smooth flow, especially when the wind picks up.
Nearby Accommodation
For those wishing to stay close to the links, several 4‑star hotels are within a 10‑km radius, including Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, the Grand Hotel Dublin, and the K Club (Kildare). Many offer shuttle services to the club on request.
Sustainability
Royal Dublin uses a smart irrigation system that draws on the island’s natural groundwater, delivering water only when needed. Solar‑powered drink stations and a commitment to minimal chemical use help preserve the delicate dune ecosystem.
Plan your visit: Arrive early, cross the iconic wooden bridge, and let the sea‑breeze and historic fairways of Royal Dublin Golf Club transport you back to the golden age of links golf.