About an hour southeast of Dublin, located way off the beaten path, we played on a Friday, which apparently is the least popular day to play this course. There were a total of 9 players the whole time we were there – but that could also partly have to do with the rainy weather.
The course was designed by Pat Ruddy, who, based on some of the golf books he wrote, is all-in to this game of golf. Self-proclaimed the "Perfect Golf Links", The European Club was name a top-100 in the world.
The staff at the Clubhouse could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. With the soggy-ish weather they were so flexible with our tee-time and allowed us to take a nice mid-round break to dry and warm up a bit (even dried our clothes). While it was thankfully not pouring, it was nice to have some warm tea between rounds – a first for us from the states for sure, along with a few of the other visitors from California!
Despite the rain, we had the most enjoyable round – the course is spectacular and a must if getting to Ireland’s east coast. Many of the holes are played along the Irish Sea with spectacular views. Take a pause between the 15th & 16th holes for the view - soak it in and snap a few pictures!
The front 9 is the more challenging side - tighter and more accuracy needed. They have 2 "extra" holes (7a and 12a) so depending on the course set up you may play 19 holes - we played 7a which ended up being Liz's favorite, a short Par 3 surrounded entirely by fescue - Liz made it on the Green and par'd it! (picture lower right)
There are enormous bunkers through the course and the craziest burn just before the 18th green. While there are hundreds of courses in Ireland to choose from, if you are on the east coast this is a MUST play! Enjoy.