Getting There… ✈️
“I flew from Bristol Airport to Dublin Airport, and it only took about 45 minutes.
“That’s the beauty, it hardly feels like you’re in the air for long.
“I was picked up by a coach and transferred to Druids Glen.”
First Thoughts… 👀
“It was wet for the first two days, but it cleared up nicely by the time I was playing links golf. Thank God!
“I knew the courses would be quality, but I was very impressed with Jameson Links when I arrived.
“It’s crazy that so many great courses are within a 30–45-minute drive from Dublin city centre.
“Whether you want a parkland, heathland or links course, there is something for all tastes and skill levels.”
Accommodation 🏨
“I moved around a bit; I was lucky enough to stay at Druids Glen, Killeen Castle Hunters Lodges, and Jameson Links & Portmarnock Resort.
“My favourite was Druids Glen. The hotel and facilities were fantastic, and I had Druids Glen and Heath on my doorstep.
“The resort was incredible, and I enjoyed a few pints of Guinness at the bar.
“Killeen Castle Hunters Lodges are new and really spacious, just a short walk away from the course.
“Jameson had the best hotel bar of the three, with all the Jameson whiskies. I loved the links course on-site and it’s just 15 minutes from the airport.”
What Courses Did You Play? ⛳
“First, I played both courses at the Druids Glen resort. The Glen Course was amazing, with one of the best collections of par-3s I’ve ever played.
“The Heath course, as far as a secondary course goes, was awesome. The 12th hole was my favourite, a lengthy par-4 with trees to the left and a slight dogleg right.
“I then played the Carton House Montgomerie course, and thankfully most of the rough had been trimmed. It’s a brutal course at 7,301 yards, but 17 and 18 are great finishing holes.
“Killeen Castle was a lovely parkland course with some of the quickest greens of the entire trip, so I had to be really delicate with my putting.
“Jameson Links was incredible, and lots of fun to play. It was redesigned, so eight of the holes have sea views, it was one of my favourites for the entire trip.
“The next I played was The Royal Dublin. It’s a traditional links course with the back nine playing into the wind.
“I had great views of the Dublin docks in the distance and the clubhouse was packed with history.
“We played a Texas Scramble across the four days, so the pressure was off, and it was a lot more relaxed.
“If I had to choose my favourite course, it would either be Druids Glen or the Jameson Links. I would highly recommend these two.”
Any Advice? 🌦️
“My advice would be to pack for all weathers.
“I learned the hard way that the weather can change very quickly, and it started raining throughout some of the rounds.”
Facilities 🏌️♂️
“The clubhouses were simply amazing.
“Each 19th had a different atmosphere, and lots of history, and I enjoyed a Guinness in each of them.
“I didn’t have much time to use the practice facilities, but when I did, they were in top condition, and I felt prepared for the round.
“Royal Dublin had the best Proshop by far, and I had to grab a logo ball from each as a souvenir.
“I only used buggies at Carton House Montgomerie and Killen Castle due to the length of the courses, so I would definitely recommend hiring one for these two.”
Food and Drink Spots 🍻
“At Druids Glen, I ate at the clubhouse and the hotel restaurant and the food was top-tier.
“Killeen Castle was special. I got to try their new high-end menu, and I also enjoyed some local whiskey infused with honey from the bee hives on the course!
“I also enjoyed a juicy steak at Malahide, followed by some Guinness and karaoke at one of the local bars.”
Final Thoughts 💬
“If you’re planning on heading to Dublin for golf, I would recommend a stay at Druids Glen Hotel because the on-site courses are legendary and the resort is quality.
“But if you want to tackle some links golf, then I would stay at the Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links.”
