Portmarnock Golf Club

Portmarnock Golf Club is links golf at its purest. The gently undulating terrain gives the course its character, while the coastal wind keeps you thinking from the opening tee to the final putt.

Key Facts

Location: Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland
Established: 1894
Course: 27 holes arranged as three loops of nine
Championship Layout: Red and Blue nines
Par: 72
Length: 7,466 yards from the back tees
Course Type: Traditional links course
Topography: Natural, gently undulating coastal duneland
Playability: A fair but demanding test, with the wind influencing play as the holes run in different directions
Facilities: Clubhouse, bar and dining facilities

The Golf Course

The championship layout is formed by the Red and Blue nines, with holes running in different directions across the links. A helpful breeze on one hole can quickly become a much sterner test on the next, so careful club selection and a little patience go a long way.

At 7,466 yards from the back tees, this par-72 course is a serious challenge, but it never feels unfair. There are no unnecessary tricks. Its appeal lies in the natural duneland, subtle undulations and the variety of shots required along the way.

The Greens

Portmarnock’s putting surfaces are one of its most admired features. Golf writer Bernard Darwin once said: “Perhaps the outstanding beauty of Portmarnock lies in its putting greens.”

It remains a fitting description of a course where the finer details matter just as much as the bigger shots.

Championship History

Founded in 1894, Portmarnock has welcomed many of golf’s biggest names over the years. The club has hosted the Irish Open 19 times, the British Masters in 1959 and 1965, when the tournament was known as the Dunlop Masters, as well as the 1960 Canada Cup and the 1991 Walker Cup.

That golfing pedigree adds something extra to the experience, but the course is memorable in its own right. For golfers visiting Dublin & East Ireland, it is difficult to leave Portmarnock off the itinerary.

Nearby Hotels

Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links is the natural choice for a coastal stay just 5 minutes drive away. Set beside the Velvet Strand, the resort has its own championship links course, a spa and three dining outlets, including the historic Jameson Bar.

It is a particularly good base if you want to play both Portmarnock Golf Club and Jameson Golf Links during the same short break.

Staying in central Dublin is another option for groups who want to enjoy the city’s pubs, restaurants and nightlife after golf.

Location

Portmarnock Golf Club sits around 10 miles north of Dublin city and approximately 15 minutes by car from Dublin Airport. Its convenient location makes it easy to include in a weekend break, whether you stay by the coast or in the city centre.

When to Go

Spring, summer and early autumn are the most popular times for a Portmarnock golf break.

Summer usually brings the mildest conditions and longer daylight hours, while spring can be a great option if you prefer a slightly quieter trip.

As with any traditional Irish links course, the weather can change quickly and the wind is all part of the experience. Pack an extra layer, bring your waterproofs and enjoy the challenge.