County Louth Golf Club

Located on the East Coast of Ireland in the historic Boyne Valley, County Louth Golf Club, known as Baltray, is one of the best links golf courses in Ireland. The course was established in 1892 and redesigned in 1938 by Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay. This par-72 championship course stretches 7,031 yards along the scenic seaside. It’s perfect for golfers who want to experience genuine Irish links golf near Dublin. County Louth promises an amazing round of golf that challenges skill and strategy. Whether you’re booking tee times at this venue for the Irish Open or planning a golf break, get ready to enjoy beautiful dunes and breezy fairways, which are the hallmarks of classic links play.

Course Layout and Design at County Louth Golf Club

County Louth Golf Club is a beautiful place to play golf, featuring two stunning nine-hole loops. The course goes through natural sand dunes and offers amazing views of the Irish Sea, Cooley Mountains, and Mourne Mountains. Each of the 18 holes is designed in a different direction, so you’ll never feel like you’re hitting the same shot over and over. This is what makes the design special.

The course is almost 7,000 yards long from the championship tees, combining length with variety. You’ll find rolling fairways, deep pot bunkers, native fescue grasses, and occasional gorse bushes. They all contributing to a great playing experience. The front nine holes help you get comfortable with the links style of golf, featuring reachable par fours. In contrast, the back nine brings more excitement with its challenges among the dunes. This setup encourages careful shot-making, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves a good game of golf in Ireland.

Course Challenges

County Louth is a standout among Ireland’s top 10 links courses because it offers a fair challenge for all golfers. The winds from the nearby six-mile beach add extra difficulty to every shot, so players need to think carefully about which club to use and how to approach the greens. Many greens have gentle slopes and hard areas that can punish mistakes. The opening hole, a 405-yard dogleg left, sets a strong tone with its tough par four. Deep bunkers and hidden carries over dunes test golfers’ skills and recovery abilities.

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley describes it as a “pure test of links golf,”. This can be tough for both professionals and amateurs. However, the course is also well-designed, providing ample landing areas to help those who are still getting used to the windy conditions. For golfers looking to experience one of Ireland’s most underrated links courses, County Louth offers a perfect mix of strategy and strength.

Signature Holes

No round at County Louth is complete without experiencing its signature holes, each a masterpiece of links architecture. The standout is the 14th, a temptingly short 332-yard par 4 that invites aggressive drives over a vast fairway bunker. Success here can shave strokes, but failure invites bogey trouble amid the dunes.

Complementing this is the closing on the 18th. A par 5 that rewards a bold tee shot curving left toward the sea, culminating in a green guarded by revetted bunkers. These holes, alongside others like the blind par 3 fifth over a dune crest. Enjoy the thrill of playing historic Irish golf venues.

Facilities and Hospitality at County Louth Golf Club

County Louth Golf Club is proud to offer facilities for all golfers. They have practice areas, including two driving ranges and a short-game area where you can improve your wedge shots before you hit the course.

The clubhouse has stunning views and features a popular restaurant that serves fresh local seafood from nearby Clogherhead. You can enjoy oysters with a selection of Irish craft beers.

They have on-site accommodation, with comfy rooms that have sea views, perfect for a longer golf break. They also have a pro shop, locker rooms, and spaces for events to make sure everyone, whether you’re part of a group or playing solo, has a great experience.

Hosted Tournaments

County Louth is a special place for golfers, with a rich history of tournaments that make it a must-visit. The club has hosted the prestigious Irish Open twice, in 2004 and 2009. The 2009 event is especially memorable because it was won by Shane Lowry, who became famous after that victory.

Since 1942, County Louth has also held the East of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Championship each year, attracting top players from around the country. The club hosted the R&A Boys Amateur Championship in August 2025, along with the Irish Women’s Open Stroke Play and the Open Championship Regional Qualifying.

Book Now

County Louth Golf Club is a perfect example of what links golf is all about: beautiful scenery, thoughtful challenges, and a classic charm. Reserve your tee time today and become part of something special at this East Coast treasure—where every game feels like a championship experience!