The Island Golf Club

The Island is a classic links layout set amongst towering dunes, located across the estuary from Malahide, just North of Portmarnock, on the north side of Dublin, maybe 15 minutes from the airport. We played here after spending four days on the south side of Dublin in Wicklow playing the European Club and Druids Glen. We had a 0900 tee time, drove up from Bray easily in an hour, and played before our flight out. Not much in the way of a clubhouse, hardly anyone on the course at that hour, in fact we were the first group out, and a very remote setting, we thought we were lost a few times. Very enjoyable and challenging layout, a few weak holes, but for the most part, superb links style golf with blind tee shots, the challenging par three 13th, the ridiculously narrow 14th, and the gracious and friendly members all made it the highlight of the trip. We didn't think it was on the level of Portmarnock or the European Club, but very enjoyable nonetheless. The club was established in 1890 and, surrounded by the sea on three sides, and until as recently as 1973 the club was approached by boat from Malahide across the estuary. Fred Hawtree, Eddie Hackett and more recently Martin Hawtree were responsible for the course design and further enhancements and improvements, and plays to a long 6,826 yards from the medal tees. Nice way to finish the trip by playing here on the last day.