Clontarf at Clontarf Golf Club

Clontarf Golf Club occupies a coastal site in Donnycarney on Dublin's northside, positioned along the shores of Dublin Bay with views across to Howth Head. The course was designed by Harry S. Colt, the renowned English architect whose work in Ireland includes significant contributions to Royal Portrush and other notable layouts. Colt's design at Clontarf dates to the early twentieth century and reflects his characteristic attention to strategic bunkering and natural land movement, though the relatively flat terrain of this coastal location presented different challenges than his more dramatic sites.

The routing makes use of the property's proximity to the bay, with several holes playing near the shoreline where wind becomes a consistent factor in club selection and shot strategy. The course features tree-lined fairways on its inland sections, creating a parkland character that contrasts with the more exposed coastal stretches. Colt's green complexes reward precision, and the layout demands thoughtful course management rather than overwhelming length.

Clontarf Golf Club serves as an established member club in the Dublin golfing community, with a history extending back to the late nineteenth century before the Colt redesign. The club maintains traditional Irish golf club culture, with an active membership and regular competitive play. Its location within the city makes it accessible to Dublin golfers while retaining a sense of separation from urban surroundings. The course provides a blend of parkland and coastal golf characteristics typical of Dublin's northern coastal corridor.