Historical Courses: Playing on Ireland’s Oldest Greens

Golf Travel Tips, Golf Travel Ideas, Golf Course Reviews, Ireland

Set against the majestic backdrop of dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, and timeless countryside, Ireland is a land of myth, enveloped in its rugged beauty and lush greenery, and home to some of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses around the world.

Ireland’s iconic courses are historic places that serve as living museums of the game, shaped by nature and layout and refined by legendary architects while paying homage to the past. With courses dating back to the great Victorian Era, which withstood the test of windswept dunes sculpted by the ever-changing Atlantic weather, these courses have witnessed the evolution of golf.

The Royal Curragh Golf Club

Holding the distinction of Ireland’s oldest golf club, the Royal Curragh Golf Club offers a unique playing experience shaped by history and military tradition. The club itself was officially founded in 1858. Its course features a semi-natural grassland that is part of an ecosystem older than most woodlands in the country.

Moreover, the course is playable all year round for its exceptional heathland conditions, making it a top destination for golf amidst Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

Royal Belfast Golf Club

Royal Belfast Golf Club is Ireland’s oldest club with Royal patronage. It was founded in 1881 and granted a Royal charter in 1885.

This course, measuring 6,309 yards as designed by Harry Colt, highlights precision over power with its well-placed bunkers and lightning-fast greens - a unique challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club

The Royal Dublin Golf Club is one of the first championship golf clubs in Ireland, starting with the Irish Amateur Open in 1894 and followed by many Irish championships.

Founded by John Lumsden in 1885, this course provides a challenging golfing experience on one of the world's greatest links courses, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Dooks Golf Club

For golfers seeking a breathtaking and tranquil environment to enjoy, the Dooks Golf Club represents one of the most scenic courses in Ireland.

Founded in 1889, the course underwent a transformation from 9 holes to 18 holes under the guidance of Eddie Hackett; it was further enhanced by Martin Hawtree in 2002. Despite its renovations, the members resisted efforts at modernization, maintaining the authenticity and history of the course.