Ireland Golf Vacation Articles

Portmarnock Golf Club

Portmarnock Golf Club: A Classic Course with a Classic Warm Welcome


This is one of Ireland's classic Golf Clubs founded in 1894, its recognition and testament to its fine quality golf course is founded by being the venue for the first ever Irish Open Amateur Championships done in 1896, barely two years after it was opened, then almost a century after, the Walker Cup was hosted by the Portmarnock Golf Club in 1991. One of the greatest honors the course has received was being ranked number 30 in 2005 by the famous Golf Digest in its annual top 100 courses outside the US.

The Portmarnock Golf Club started initially with only 9-holes, two years after, 9 more were added making it a complete 18 hole championship course. Eight decades after, another 9 holes were added making it a total of 27. Each of the 9 holes done in stages were an effort collaborated by the amateur members and professionals who joined their efforts to provide the club a golf course that was not only beautiful, but extremely challenging as well.

Many golfers, pros and amateurs, have acknowledged the fact that the Portmarnock is one of the justly dubbed great links in Ireland. The seaside breeze provides a cool refresher and it is also one of the natural enemies of every golfer. A gust of strong wind can easily sway a ball in flight. This course offers little blind curves and some classic bunkers. What you get is a course that will truly test your skills and define you as a golfer.

The course is situated 12 miles from the center of the city and is hugged on one side by the Howth peninsula coastline. While playing, a golfer is rewarded with stunning views from Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island. Taming the course is a delectable experience mixed with the peace and pensive ambience, the well manicured greens, the tended landscape and the winds that abruptly changes both in direction and strength constantly.

But aside from the golf course which make the club well known. The Portmarnock Golf Club offers a variety of amenities and facilities as well. Backed by a dedicated and smiling staff, the Portmarnock Golf Club provides high international standard service to its members and guests.

A golfer may head on to the clubhouse straight to the locker rooms after a round to get refreshed in its shower facilities. They can also go to the bar and restaurant where fine dining on authentic Irish fare can be had. Or they can just go for some drinks and talk about the day's events.

A well-stocked pro shop also offers a wide range of top quality golf equipment like clubs, balls and tees. You can also be able to purchase great Portmarnock Golf Club clothing encrusted with their name and logo. They have in store different colors and designs of hats, shirts, pull-overs, jumpers and other gift packs as souvenirs or gifts.

There is also practice facilities which includes a putting and chipping green just adjacent to the clubhouse. You will also be able to rent pull carts and if they are available, caddies would be able to assist you as you play.

When it comes to a golf vacation in Ireland, the name Portmarnock is not to be missed.