St Anne's Golf Club plays on North Bull Island — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Dublin Bay — on the same sand spit as Royal Dublin Golf Club, over the same links turf, in the same prevailing wind, with the same sea views, at roughly a third of the price. The club was founded in 1921 and has the atmosphere of a proper members' club rather than a visitor facility, which visiting golfers tend to find refreshing. Weekday access is generally straightforward; weekend availability is more restricted. The island is accessible by DART to Clontarf Road followed by a short walk — the most public-transport-friendly links round in Ireland, and a genuine answer to the question of where to play links golf in Dublin without a rental car.
Highlights
- North Bull Island
- Dublin city links
- Great value alternative to Royal Dublin
Visitor Information
Getting There
Common questions
What is St Anne's Golf Club and why is it considered a hidden gem?
St Anne's is a genuine links course on North Bull Island in Dublin Bay — sharing the same ground as Royal Dublin Golf Club. It offers links golf of real quality just fifteen minutes from Dublin city centre, at a fraction of the cost of its famous neighbour. Most international visitors who play Dublin links go to Portmarnock or Royal Dublin and never discover St Anne's, which is part of what keeps it excellent value.
How does St Anne's compare to Royal Dublin?
Both courses are on North Bull Island — the same links ground, the same wind off Dublin Bay. Royal Dublin is a more celebrated and more challenging course with a stronger tournament pedigree. St Anne's is the more accessible option: cheaper, with more relaxed visitor access, and bookable through GolfNow rather than requiring direct club booking. For golfers who want a links round in Dublin without the planning, St Anne's is the answer.
How do I get to St Anne's Golf Club from Dublin?
St Anne's is on Bull Island — reachable by car via the causeway off Clontarf Road, or by DART train to Clontarf Road station (twenty minutes from the city centre). It is one of the easiest major links courses in Ireland to reach by public transport.
How do I book St Anne's Golf Club?
St Anne's books through GolfNow with reliable online availability. Weekday tee times are generally easier to secure than weekend slots.
Where to Stay
Books directly via GolfNow — no agent wait
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Course Facts
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Golf in Dublin and the East Coast
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