Portmarnock Golf Links

Where to Stay: Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links

Portmarnock Golf Links

Portmarnock Golf Links in Ireland, not to be confused with Portmarnock Golf Club, is a beautiful new golf course designed by Bernhard Langer with the assistance of Stan Eby.

The Portmarnock Golf Links has hosted several amateur and professional events since opening in 1995. Most noticeably, the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open.

The golf course fully uses the natural terrain incorporating the fine dunes and heavy gorse. The links course design will satisfy even the purest of links aficionados. The tee boxes are generally elevated and give you a grand view of the holes ahead. Still, with blind approach shots and several dogleg holes, the course differs somewhat from most associated with Irish Links golf.

The Course has over 98 bunkers spread over 18 holes, so a new golf course is understated. This will always be the case since the location is a mere 5 minutes from its 101-year-old next-door neighbour.

The Love of Links Golf

The golf links do, in fact, play as expected, true to the traditions of links golf. The only hole where Langer and Eby have entirely removed the ground from your Arsenal of golf shots is on the 11th. Bunkers are in front of most of the greens on the course, yet well-placed running shots can still be played with great success.

Signature Hole

Our Signature Hole would have to be the 18th Hole. This a great closing hole where fortune favours left to the proper shape from the championship tees, avoiding the right fairway bunker. The approach from the right-hand side is by far the easier second shot. The green is lightning quick, and the views from this hole are out of this world.

Why Play?

It is easy to find a midge of snobbery due to this course's name and making comparisons with next door that absolutely no doubt has more history and prestige. However, this is a tremendous stay-and-play venue. The golf course is excellent. You are 30 minutes in a taxi from Dublin. The hotel is incredible value for money. You will receive two nights with three rounds of links golf for the same price as a limited green fee next door. For that reason, it is entirely unfair to compare and appreciate what Portmarnock Golf Links are; it is fantastic.