Brittas Bay Club, formerly the European Club, is the creation of Pat Ruddy, one of the country’s most beloved and respected golf artists. Since opening in 1987, Ruddy has made this amazing links course his life’s work. In fact, he adores Brittas Bay so much that it has also become the family home.
Inspired by Jimmy Demaret and Jack Burke who founded The Champions Club in Texas, Ruddy set out to find linksland on which to build his own championship course, and identified the perfect site at Brittas Bay in “the garden of Ireland”. Only 30 minutes from the capital, the club is a stunning and unmissable addition to any Dublin Golf Tour.
While Ruddy’s goal was to design and build a Top 100 Course, he also wanted to ensure it had unique elements and was also enjoyable to play every day. First and foremost a private as a member’s course that allows visitor play. He succeeded on both counts and the 7th a par 4, 470-yard signature hole has additionally been recognized as one of ‘The Top 100 Holes of the World.’
At your first glance of the scorecard, you immediately realize that there are 20 holes, not the traditional 18. When walking the land, Ruddy identified two additional sites nestled among the towering dunes that were crying out to be par 3’s and not left off the routing – so he seamlessly incorporated them. The additional holes also allow Ruddy to take a hole or two out to be reworked and still offer 18 holes of championship golf.
Other distinctive features are bunkers revetted with railroad ties and there are no caddies, it is a buggy (cart) course. A very welcome respite for visitor’s not used to walking 18 holes multiple days in a row.
Brittas Bay hosted the 2006 Irish Amateur Close Championship won by Rory McIlroy, who had another Open Champion, Shane Lowry, caddying on his bag during the final round.
McIlroy has high praise for The European saying, “This is probably the best links course I have ever played, and I include Royal St George’s, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in that…. It is totally unbelievable.”
The Ruddy Family personally offers a very warm Irish welcome to all visitors and Brittas Bay is a highlight on any Ireland golf trip.
Brittas Bay Club in Ireland is a real jewel on the Emerald Isle and is home to one of the best golf courses near Dublin. Offering sweeping sea views and proximity to the beach below, the course combines stunning scenery with traditional links play and challenging design. For keen golfers, it’s a must-play course on any golf trip to East Ireland or Dublin.
Brittas Bay Club opened in 1987 and was designed by Pat Ruddy. It has since become known as one of the best links courses in the world, consistently featuring in the Top 100 Courses lists. Emphasizing the game at hand, players here can test their skills and enjoy a rewarding experience. With sleepers in the bunkers and fast-running fairways, it’s a place where both amateurs and professionals really need to think about their next move.
Brittas Bay is a unique stop on any Ireland golf vacation. Unusually, the course offers 20 holes, and not the traditional 18 holes of most championship courses. The addition of these two par-threes enables players to customize their game and enjoy the extra challenge of a 20-hole round.
With rare proximity to the sea and plenty of challenging features along the way, Brittas Bay golf course is complex, with many golfers losing balls to the beach below. As a relatively new course in the history of links golf, the course here is well-equipped to meet the needs of the modern game.
Players can look forward to an exhilarating test, with rugged dunes, sleeper-lined bunkers, and near-impossible shots. The green on the par-four 12th hole is over 125 yards long, while the 7th par-four is over 470 yards, creating plenty of challenge for even the most experienced players. At 7,490 yards from the tips, The European Club boasts one of the longest links courses in the world, although shorter routes can be chosen.
Allan O’Connor, Ireland Operations Manager
When golfing in Dublin, I always enjoy staying at The Davenport. It’s stylish, central, and has this quiet elegance that makes it feel like a calm retreat from the busy city. The location is ideal, right off Merrion Square, so you’re close to the action, but just far enough away to relax after a day on the course.
Near Dublin, golf courses including Portmarnock, Jameson Links, The Island and Royal Dublin are must plays. These can be enjoyed alongside the vibrant culture of the Republic of Ireland’s iconic capital city.
6 nights accommodation and 5 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $5,904 per golfer
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The European Golf Club
The European Club, Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
1987
Historically open in daylight hours with clubhouse 08:00–dusk, but the club is scheduled to close fully from 8 December 2025 until late spring 2027 for major redevelopment.
The European Club (20-hole links routing with 18-hole championship card; Length: 5,569–7,355 yards; Par 71 over main 18; Type: modern, privately-owned links; Opening: 1987; Designer: Pat Ruddy)
Clubhouse with bar/restaurant, buggies (carts) rather than caddies, practice areas, pro shop
Consistently ranked in the World Top 100; signature 7th hole often listed among the world’s best; venue for elite amateur events
East Ireland / Dublin cluster with Portmarnock, The Island, Royal Dublin and Jameson Golf Links
Brittas Bay features a unique golfing experience with its single-course offering. It boasts a distinctive 20-hole layout that sets it apart from traditional courses.
To book a tee time at Brittas Bay, a prestigious golf destination, you can do so by booking through Premier Golf as part of a Dublin & East Ireland golf package.
As per the latest information the green fee is from €295 (2023). At Premier Golf the green fee is always included within the package.
Yes, golf clubs and equipment are available for rent at €50 per set at Brittas Bay.
