Dublin and the East Coast Golf: 2026 Season Outlook
The stretch of coast either side of Dublin holds one of the great concentrations of links golf anywhere, all within an easy reach of the capital and its airport. With a serious bid under way to bring the Open Championship to Portmarnock, the region's profile has never been higher. Here is the 2026 outlook, the courses and the timing.
The headline: world class links on the capital's doorstep
Dublin and the east coast run on the Irish links calendar, and 2026 will follow it. The season is best from May to October, with June and September offering the finest blend of weather, daylight and firm turf, while April can be a rewarding, quieter shoulder. This is the exposed Irish Sea coast, so the sensible golfer packs for wind and a passing shower in any month.
The biggest story heading into 2026 is the campaign to bring the Open to Portmarnock. The Irish government has committed funding to support a bid, and the R&A has signalled strong support for what would be the first Open Championship staged in the Republic of Ireland. No date is confirmed, with the guide period understood to be around the end of the decade, but it underlines the quality of golf on Dublin's doorstep.
The courses that anchor a trip
The headline links is Portmarnock, laid out on a narrow tongue of duneland just north of the city and one of the most respected venues in world golf, having hosted the Irish Open many times along with the Walker Cup and the Canada Cup. A few minutes away, The Island is a thrilling links of towering dunes and tight, tumbling fairways.
In the city itself, Royal Dublin sits on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, a traditional Harry Colt links and the country's oldest. North up the coast, County Louth at Baltray is a revered championship links, while south of the city The European Club, Pat Ruddy's modern masterpiece, completes a remarkable run of golf.
How to plan it for 2026
The beauty of the region is that you can base in Dublin for the entire trip. Portmarnock, The Island and Royal Dublin sit just north of the city, County Louth a short run further up the coast, and The European Club an easy drive south into Wicklow, so you can play a different links each day and still be back in the city for dinner. Dublin Airport is close to the northern courses, which makes the region simple to reach.
For 2026, book the marquee links well ahead, since the best tee times at Portmarnock and County Louth go early, and aim at the May to October window. Green fees at the top links sit at the premium end of Irish golf and move with the season, so treat any quoted figure as indicative for 2026 and always confirm directly before booking.
What it means for your trip, and our take
For a 2026 east coast trip, base in Dublin, target June or September, and play Portmarnock, The Island, Royal Dublin, County Louth and The European Club in an unhurried loop. The region pairs beautifully with the southwest or the north for a longer Irish tour, but it stands easily on its own as a links rich long weekend.
Our take is that Dublin and the east coast offer some of the most accessible great links golf in the world, a cluster of championship courses you can reach without ever leaving the capital. With the Open bid keeping Portmarnock in the headlines, 2026 is a fine year to play it. Book early, plan for the wind, and let the coast do the rest.
Plan your Dublin and east coast golf trip
From Portmarnock and The Island to Royal Dublin, County Louth and The European Club, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
When is the best time to play golf around Dublin and the east coast?
The links season is best from May to October, with June and September offering the finest mix of weather, daylight and firm turf. April is a quieter shoulder. The Irish Sea coast is exposed, so pack for wind in any month.
Which are the best golf courses near Dublin?
Portmarnock leads the way, supported by The Island and Royal Dublin near the city, County Louth at Baltray to the north, and Pat Ruddy's The European Club south in Wicklow. All sit within an easy drive of the capital.
Is the Open Championship coming to Portmarnock?
A serious bid is under way. The Irish government has committed funding and the R&A has signalled strong support for what would be the first Open in the Republic of Ireland. No date is confirmed, with the guide period understood to be around the end of the decade.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Season, course and access details verified June 2026 from club, tour and golf travel sources; conditions and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.