Overview
St Anne’s Golf Club is a compact, traditional links course perched on the tranquil Bull Island, a man‑made peninsula that stretches five kilometres into Dublin Bay. The island is a UNESCO‑designated Biosphere Reserve, home to dunes, scrub and marshland that host a rich variety of wildlife. From the modern clubhouse you can gaze across Dublin Bay to Howth Head, the Liffey estuary and, on clear days, the distant Wicklow Mountains. The 18‑hole, par‑71 championship layout measures 6,717 yd from the back tees and offers a blend of low, bumpy dunes, firm fairways and fast, true‑rolling greens.
History
Founded in 1921, St Anne’s was born when members of the neighbouring Royal Dublin Golf Club laid out an initial nine‑hole circuit while Harry Colt was rebuilding the Royal course after its wartime use as a military training ground. In the late 1980s, renowned architect Eddie Hackett added a second nine, completing the present 18‑hole configuration. A recent investment programme has upgraded both the course and the clubhouse, ensuring the facilities meet contemporary standards while retaining the club’s historic charm.
A unique piece of Irish sporting heritage lies beneath the back nine: when Dublin’s iconic Croke Park stadium was rebuilt at the turn of the millennium, the old turf was carefully lifted and relaid on several holes at St Anne’s, giving golfers a literal connection to the nation’s Gaelic games history.
What to See & Do
- Play the Course – The layout is characterised by four short, yet demanding, holes (notably the 3rd and 10th) where water hazards guard the greens. The toughest hole, “Brent”, is a 476‑yard par‑four with a slight left dog‑leg and a semi‑blind green, while out‑of‑bounds lies to the right of the fairway.
- Enjoy the Natural Setting – The course weaves between low sand hills and dunes that provide little shelter from the sea breeze, demanding a varied shot‑making repertoire. The surrounding wildlife – gulls, foxes and a host of coastal flora – adds to the sense of being on a remote island.
- Clubhouse & Dining – The modern clubhouse offers panoramic views, a well‑stocked pro shop run by PGA professionals Bill Noble and Sean Doyle, and a restaurant/bar where you can unwind with a pint of Guinness after a round.
- Practice Facilities – A short‑game area, putting green and trolley hire are available for warm‑ups or skill‑refinement sessions.
- Explore Bull Island – Beyond golf, the island’s nature reserve is perfect for a leisurely walk along the dunes, bird‑watching, or simply soaking up the sea‑air vistas.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 07:00 – 20:00 |
The club welcomes visitors throughout the day; tee times can be booked via the website or by calling the clubhouse. Parking is available on‑site and is free for members and guests.
Getting There
St Anne’s lies just 8 km (5 mi) from Dublin city centre. The most convenient route is via the Howth Road (R105) to the Bull Island entrance, followed by a short walk across the causeway onto the island. Public transport options include Dublin Bus routes 31 and 31A, which stop near the island’s access point. From the bus stop it is a brief, well‑signposted walk to the clubhouse.
Facilities
- 18‑hole championship course (Par 71, 6,717 yd)
- Pro shop with leading brands (Titleist, Under Armour, Footjoy, Ping)
- Restaurant and bar with panoramic bay views
- Practice area with putting green and short‑game zone
- Trolley hire available on the day of play
Contact Details
- Phone: +353 1 833 6471
- Website: stanneslinksgolf.com
- Address: North Bull Island Nature Reserve, Dublin 5, D05 V061, Ireland
Accessibility While specific accessibility information is not provided, the clubhouse and practice facilities are modern and designed to accommodate a range of visitors. Prospective guests with mobility concerns are advised to contact the club ahead of their visit.
Booking Tips Given the club’s popularity with both locals and tourists, it is advisable to book tee times well in advance, especially during the summer months when daylight hours are longest and the course sees the highest demand.
Nearby Attractions
- Balbriggan – Town and Beach – A short drive north along the coastal road brings you to the seaside town of Balbriggan, where a long sandy beach and a range of cafés make for a pleasant post‑round stop.
- Howth Head – The iconic lighthouse and cliff‑top walks at Howth are easily reachable by bus or car and offer spectacular views of Dublin Bay.
- Bull Island Nature Reserve – Apart from the golf course, the reserve’s walking trails, bird‑watching hides and the historic Bull Island Visitor Centre provide additional outdoor activities.
St Anne’s Golf Club offers more than just a round of golf; it delivers an immersive experience where history, nature and sport converge on one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal strips. Whether you are a seasoned golfer chasing a classic links challenge or a visitor seeking breathtaking sea‑side vistas, a day at St Anne’s is a memorable highlight of any Dublin itinerary.