Utterly exposed to the elements, this layout is not for the faint-hearted; there are no tricks or nasty surprises here, but there are countless extremely challenging holes. Tall rough and undulating fairways are to be negotiated en route to the exquisite putting surfaces, which are guarded by cavernous pot bunkers and vast slopes and swails.
The curve of the Howth peninsula renders Portmarnock extremely isolated, and visitors will be struck by the remote, rugged atmosphere of the golf course, as they attempt to master one of the purest tests of links golf around.
Be sure to visit this austere, traditional golf club as part of your golf tour in Dublin; all those who play Portmarnock will understand why it is held in such high regard. The likes of Royal Dublin Golf Club, The Island Golf Club and The European Club within easy reach of Portmarnock, this makes for one of the best links golf tours anywhere in the world.
Portmarnock Golf Club is ranked as one of the best courses in Co. Dublin.. Past Championships to have been played at Portmarnock include The Irish Open, The Walker Cup, The Irish Amateur Close Championship and The Amateur Championship. A consistent feature within Top 3 Golf Courses in Ireland, as well as The World's Top 50 Golf Courses, Portmarnock, is a must-play when visiting this part of Dublin.
Tees
| Blue |
7,466 yards |
SSS 75 |
| White |
6,926 yards |
SSS 73 |
| Green |
6,701 yards |
SSS 71 |
| Yellow |
5,851 yards |
SSS 73 |
The clubhouse is one that is rich in history, the honours board is very much a who's who in golf. Spending a day at Portmarnock is sure to be one of the most memorable that any golfer can enjoy.
Many golfers visiting Portmarnock will stay in nearby Malahide (15 minutes drive) which provides a great experience of superb bars and restaurants or can stay at The Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links (5 minutes drive) or alternatively Central Dublin (35 minutes drive).
Irish Open history at Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock has held the Irish Open nineteen times and was the first course chosen to hold the event.
The Irish Open at Portmarnock
| Year |
Winner |
Country |
Score |
| 2003
| Michael Campbell |
New Zealand |
-11 |
| 1990
| Jose Maria Olazabal |
Spain |
-6 |
| 1989
| Ian Woosnam |
Wales |
-10 |
| 1988
| Ian Woosnam |
Wales |
-10 |
| 1987
| Bernhard Langer |
Germany |
-19 |
| 1986
| Seve Ballesteros |
Spain |
-3 |
| 1982
| John O'Leary |
Ireland |
-1 |
| 1981
| Sam Torrance |
Scotland |
-12 |
| 1980
| Mark James |
England |
-4 |
| 1979
| Mark James |
England |
-6 |
| 1978
| Ken Brown |
Scotland |
-7 |
| 1977
| Hubert Green |
USA |
-5 |
| 1976
| Ben Crenshaw |
USA |
-4 |
| 1948
| Dai Rees |
Wales |
295 gross |
| 1946
| Fred Daly |
Northern Ireland |
288 gross |
| 1938
| Bobby Locke |
South Africa |
292 gross |
| 1934
| Syd Easterbrook |
England |
284 gross |
| 1929
| Abe Mitchell |
England |
309 gross |
| 1927
| George Duncan |
Scotland |
312 gross |
How to get to Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock Golf Club is situated 7 miles east of Dublin airport.
Address: Golf Links Road, Portmarnock, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland. D13 KD96
