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Sunset at The Island
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The Island

Co. Dublin, Ireland

An Ireland golf tour is not complete without a trip to The Island, which is actually misnamed since it sits at the end of a peninsula just outside Dublin, rather than truly on an island. However, the course creates the illusion of being situated on an island with the routing surrounded by water on three sides.

Until 1973, the club was only accessible by rowing across a narrow stretch of water from Malahide to what was referred to as “the island” – hence the Club’s name. Today, the championship links course at The Island is fully accessible by road and is an excellent choice on any Ireland golf vacation.

Set amongst stunning dunes with spectacular views of the Irish Sea, it’s easy to see why this course has consistently ranked in the top ten of Irish Golfer’s Top 100 Courses.

The current championship course has benefitted from the input of world-renowned golf course architects – Fred and son Martin Hawtree, Eddie Hackett and Ron Kirby, and most recently Martin Ebert of Mackenzie and Ebert in 2019.

The Island has played host to several key championships, including the Open Championship Qualifying, The Irish Ladies Close Championship, The Irish Close Championship, The Irish PGA, The Irish Amateur, and The Open Amateur Championship with Portmarnock Golf Club.

Adding The Island to an Ireland golf vacation comes with many benefits outside the realms of golf, including its proximity to Ireland’s capital. Dublin offers plenty to do, whether you’re keen to explore the culture, learn about its history, or wind down with some shopping and great dining options.

Course Details

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Designers include Fred and Martin Hawtree & Mackenzie and Ebert
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Ideal Location for a Dublin Golf Tour
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Unique History
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A true links golf course
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UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Course
The Island Golf Club

The History of The Island Golf Club

The Island Golf Club holds plenty of history, particularly in regards to its accessibility. Original members of the club playing out at the course would display a large red & white disc from the clubhouse to the waiting boatman to fetch them after their round. In 1973 when the new clubhouse was built at the other end of the course it became accessible by road.

In the late 1880s, ten members of what was then ‘The Dublin Golf Club’ (now Royal Dublin GC), referred to as “The Syndicate’, rowed across to assess the suitability as a site for a new golf club. They liked what they saw and enlisted the local farmer to help scythe what was to become the fairways and green sites, thus creating The Island.

No record exists of the original designer’s name as it was more of a collaborative effort. The course was unusual for the day as it followed the valleys between the dunes and the path of least resistance in its routing.

It was also different in that it had no military affiliation. All the members were private citizens, and The Syndicate and their descendants controlled the Club until 1952. It was then that they gave full membership privileges to the associate members as well.

The Club has had a very active Ladies’ division, with most successes of the members in outside competitions coming between 1910 and the Second World War when all the clubs suffered.

Location

FV77+CJ Malahide, County Dublin, Ireland

Exploring the unique appeal of The Island Golf Club

Steeped in tradition since 1890, The Island Golf Club is one of Ireland’s oldest and most revered private members’ clubs. Tucked among towering sand dunes along the east coast, just outside the charming village of Malahide, it offers an unforgettable links experience shaped by both history and natural beauty.

Ranked 10th in Irish Golfer’s Top 100 Courses in 2024, its windswept terrain and rugged beauty make each round a challenge of both skill and strategy. Located just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and under an hour from the city centre, it is as accessible as it is exceptional.

The Island at sunset

The History of The Island Golf Club

Established by a group of ten forward-thinking gentlemen known as The Syndicate, The Island Golf Club has always been a private haven for lovers of the game.

For over 80 years, the only way to reach the course was by boat, adding an air of exclusivity and adventure. A signal disc on the clubhouse wall would alert the boatman when players were ready to return.

The original course, hand-cut by scythe and shaped by the natural dunes, was laid out without military influence, which was a rare departure from the norm at the time. Over the decades, legendary names like Fred Hawtree and Mackenzie and Ebert have refined the layout, while preserving the course’s untamed beauty.

In 1952, the club was gifted to its members, and with that, The Island began its journey into the modern golfing world — one that honors its storied past while hosting prestigious amateur events and Open Championship qualifiers.Today, The Island remains a luxurious escape in Ireland for discerning golfers, rich in character, and steeped in tradition.

Interesting Facts About The Island Golf Club Ireland

The Fitzwilliam Hotel

Best accommodation for golf at The Island Golf Club Dublin

Allan O’Connor, Ireland Operations Manager

I highly recommend the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin. It’s right on St. Stephen’s Green, so you’re in the heart of the city, but it still feels like a quiet, elegant escape. After a day on the course, you can unwind in style. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Glovers Alley, offering an incredible dining experience. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Inn on the Green provides a cozy spot to kick back and enjoy a Guinness.

“Playing The Island Golf Club requires smart course management and adaptability to the often strong Atlantic winds. Embrace low, running shots and the bump-and-run technique to navigate its undulating fairways and thick rough. The fast, sloping greens demand careful reading and delicate putting.”
Tips from our expert, Allan O’Connor
The bridge leading to Royal Dublin Golf Club

Take a Dublin Golf Tour

If you’re planning to visit golf courses in Dublin, Ireland, there are several must-plays to add to your list. Portmarnock, Jameson Links, Royal Dublin, and the European Golf Club each offer exceptional play and can be enjoyed as part of our Dublin and East Ireland Golf Tour. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore everything Dublin has to offer.

6 nights accommodation and 5 rounds of golf

Prices starting from $5,904 per golfer

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The Island FAQs

The Island Golf Club features one 18-hole championship links course, renowned for its challenging design and scenic views.

Tee times at The Island Golf Club can be secured through Premier Golf as part of a comprehensive Ireland Golf Trip.

The green fees for playing at The Island Golf Club can be up to €295, offering a competitive rate for a championship course. All Premier Golf vacation packages include tee times, so you don’t need to worry about green fees.

No, playing at The Island Golf Club does not require a handicap, making it accessible to a broad range of golfers.

Dublin Airport (DUB) is the closest airport to The Island Golf Club, approximately 8 miles or 15 minutes away by car.