The perfect combination of breathtaking scenery and superb golf—the course of The Irish Open.
Dear Golfer:
Every year, in mid-April, we sit and watch the best golfers play one of the most treacherous yet beautiful golf courses in the world—Augusta. At first, you might think it's a bit of a stretch to compare Druids Glen to that famous course in Georgia. One trip to Druids Glen, however, and you'll quickly understand that the comparison is bang on target.
If you're visiting Ireland for a golf trip and you're planning to play mostly seaside links courses, your trip must include a visit to Druids Glen so that you experience the best of Irish parkland golf. Just 30 minutes from central Dublin and 60 minutes from Dublin Airport, Druids Glen is a course that will make for a superb Irish golf vacation—whether you stay here only or visit other courses.
Beauty, Muscle, and One of the Best Walks in Irish Golf
As soon as you arrive at Druids Glen, you start to understand that you've arrived at a special place. The clubhouse, Woodstock House, is a genuine stately home that dates to the 1700s. You'll enjoy the hospitality, grandeur, and friendliness of the clubhouse but you'll be itching to get to the golf course from the first minute you see the first tee.
To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600.
The first hole at Druids Glen ably demonstrates why the course is called “The Augusta of Europe.” From the back tees, the par-4 first is 445 yards of beauty and challenge. Find the fairway off the tee and your walk will take you past mature trees with the Wicklow Mountains visible in the background. As you walk around this gently undulating course, you'll see azaleas, magnolias, and a riot of rhododendrons.
There's no water on the first hole, but several holes on the course include water hazards that add to the challenge of the course while adding to the scenery as well. The par-3 17th features an island green; at 203 yards from the back tee, the hole requires a solid strike. And the final hole, a 450 yard par-4, requires a heroic second shot over three ponds to reach the large green. The 18th at Druids Glen is also one of the most visually appealing golf holes in Ireland, with Woodstock House beckoning just behind the putting surface. If the match has come down to the final hole, a four will likely lead to a win.
To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600.
In the early 1990s, Hugo Flinn, the visionary behind Druids Glen, gave course designers Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock the express mandate to “build the best inland course in Ireland, whatever the cost.” After 18 holes at Druids Glen, you will agree that Messrs. Ruddy and Craddock succeeded.
Are You Up to the Challenge of the Famous Thirteenth?
When Druids Glen hosted the Irish Open, the most difficult hole was the 471 yard par-4 thirteenth. Just building the hole was a serious challenge as the construction crews had to blast a huge are of granite at a cost of €300,000. The hole is a dog-leg right off an elevated tee. The drive must be long and straight as water flanks the fairway. The second shot plays to a narrow green, mostly over water. A par here is guaranteed to be memorable. However, a five for “two points” in a Stableford is a good result. Not only is the 13th one of the most difficult par-4s in Ireland, it's one of the most beautiful. Click here to see the photos.
Golf World named the 13th at Druids Glen one of its Dream Holes. Other Irish holes included holes at Waterville, Carton O'Meara, and the Old Course at Ballybunion. Touring professionals like Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, and Sergio Garcia have rated the 13th as the strongest Par 4 on the European Tour.
To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600.
European Golf Course of the Year
In 2000, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators named Druids Glen European Golf Course of the Year. And in 2005, Druids Glen won the European Golf Resort of the Year trophy. This places Druids Glen among the top golf destinations in the world: two former winners are Celtic Manor and Gleneagles.
To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600.
Test Yourself Against the Best in the World
In April, the best golfers in the world assemble in Augusta. From 1996 to 1999, the same golfers came to Ireland to play in the Irish Open, the most prestigious event in Irish golf.
So, when you come to play at Druids Glen, you're playing the same course that challenged and tested many of the best golfers.
If you're up for challenge, try the 446 yard par-4 fourth but make sure you don't miss the green to the right as there's a steep slope leading to a water hazard. The 476 yard par-4 sixth is another tough hole where par is a significant achievement.
If you're not playing the back tees, the par-5 16th which is 481 yards from the white tees, provides a good birdie opportunity.
Which hole will remind you the most of Augusta? If we had our choice, it would be the 166 yard par-3 eighth, all over water with a riot of color in the late spring.
To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600.
Open to All Golfers
Playing Augusta is difficult, if not impossible, for most golfers. However, playing “The Augusta of Europe” is, thankfully, significantly less challenging. You can enjoy Druids Glen for a day, or as part of a stay and play package. Membership is also an option if you want to enjoy Druids Glen year-round.
Excellent Conditioning—All Year and Even When it's Frosty
Like most Irish parkland courses, Druids Glen is best from spring to autumn. However, the course is playable in the winter months due to its modern design and construction. Many greens have underground heating so that it's playable even when it's frosty. To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600.
Stay and Play—In Five Star Luxury
As soon as the Druids Glen Resort Hotel opened in 2002, Druids Glen began to offer some of the best ‘Stay and Play' packages in Europe. Enjoy golf at Druids Glen and Druids Heath and stay in five-star luxury. To see current packages and pricing, click here now.
Just 30 Minutes from Central Dublin
Getting to the “Augusta of Europe” is easy. We're 30 minutes from central Dublin and 60 minutes from Dublin Airport.
Book Now For the Best Tee Times—Don't Delay
With its proximity to Dublin and the quality of the course and its amenities, Druids Glen is often booked well in advance. So, if you want to enjoy Druids Glen on your schedule, it's vital to book early. To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600. To submit a reservation request, click here.
We look forward to seeing you at “The Augusta of Europe.”
Sincerely,
The Golf Team at Druids Glen
To book your tee time, click here now or call 353-1-2873600. Call now as Druids Glen gets booked up often months in advance.
