The Island Golf Club
The Island Golf Club in Donabate, County Dublin, is one of Ireland’s premier links courses, founded in 1890. This is a must-play classic links course set in rugged terrain and located between the highest sand dunes of any links course in Ireland.
Established
The Island Golf Club, located in Donabate, County Dublin, Ireland, was established in 1890. It is one of Ireland's oldest golf clubs
Course Layout
Lahinch's 18-hole course features a mix of traditional links holes and signature features such as the "Dell", a distinctive par-3 5th hole played from an elevated tee. The course’s routing utilizes the natural terrain, offering both stunning views and testy challenges for golfers of all levels. With undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging green complexes
Location & Conditions
Positioned near the Irish Sea, the club benefits from its proximity to Dublin, making it easily accessible for both local and international visitors. As a links golf course, the Island Golf Club offers a typical experience of coastal conditions. The course is subject to variable weather, with strong winds, frequent rain showers, and cool temperatures, especially during the winter months. The ground can be soft after rain, but during the summer months, the fairways become firmer and faster.
Course Overview
The Island Golf Club is located in Donabate, a coastal village in County Dublin, Ireland. It is situated on a peninsula surrounded by the Irish Sea to the north and the Broadmeadow Estuary to the south, offering spectacular coastal views.
The club is around 12 miles (20 km) north of Dublin city center, making it easily accessible from the capital. Donabate itself is a charming, scenic area, known for its beautiful beaches and close proximity to both urban amenities and natural landscapes.
Originally designed by William Pickeman, a well-regarded golf course architect. Pickeman, who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laid out the course in 1890 with an emphasis on creating a traditional links design that utilized the natural landscape, including the sand dunes, coastal terrain, and tidal flats. His design aimed to offer a challenging experience, in line with the rugged and unpredictable nature of links golf.
Over time, the course has seen various improvements and tweaks to maintain its competitiveness and adapt to modern golfing standards. However, the original design by Pickeman remains largely intact, preserving its classic links character.