The Island Golf Club

The Island Golf Club is located about 30 minutes north of Dublin city center and 15 minutes from the airport, in the remote and tranquil Estuary of Donabate & Malahide. A magnificent links course nestled between large sand dunes and set in rugged terrain, The Island enjoys a unique setting bordered by the sea on three sides.

It was founded in 1890 as one of the first twelve golf clubs in Ireland and is the third oldest in Dublin, born out of frustration that its older neighbour Royal Dublin Golf Club, forbade golf on Sundays. It is unknown who originally laid out the course, however, The Island has been revised by Fred W. Hawtree, Eddie Hackett and more recently by Martin Hawtree.

Although ranked amongst the top 10 courses in Ireland, many have not heard of this gem, which prompted a UK golf magazine to once comment ‘The best course in Ireland you have never heard of. Play it and tell no one!’.

The Island Golf Course overview

The Island is a must-play classic links course which is set in a rugged terrain. Nestled between some of the highest sand dunes encountered in golf, The Island will provide a test of imagination and shot-making skills that will leave golfing memories to treasure. In this unique setting, The Island Golf Club is surrounded by the sea on three sides and yet, is only a 15-minute drive from Dublin Airport.

Signature hole

The long par-3 13th measuring over 220-yards is The Island’s signature hole. With the beach and out-of-bounds all down the right side, it takes a brave player to pick the right club and go for the green. The safer option is to bail-out short and left of the putting surface and hope to chip on and save your par.

Did You Know?

Darren Clarke holds the professional course record with a 63.