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Deer Park Golf Course

The Best Golf Course Near Dublin Airport? Deer Park Golf in Howth Has the Answer

A public golf complex with stunning coastal views, 27 holes, and just 25 minutes from Dublin Airport.

If you're searching for a **golf course near Dublin Airport**, you're in for a pleasant surprise. There's a quality golf course just minutes from the airport and far from the city and motorway noise.

Deer Park Golf in Howth is perched on the dramatic headland of Howth, overlooking the Irish Sea and the distant Mourne Mountains. It is one of the finest public golf experiences in the country and one of the closest quality courses to Dublin Airport.

Whether you're a visiting golfer with a day to spare before your flight, a business traveller looking to unwind after landing, or a Dublin local who wants a quick round after work, Deer Park Golf delivers.

How Far Is Deer Park Golf from Dublin Airport?

Deer Park Golf is located on Howth Road, Howth, just north of Dublin City. The drive from Dublin Airport takes under 20 minutes, making it one of the most conveniently located public golf courses for air travellers in Ireland. The route is straightforward: follow the coast road north through Clontarf and Raheny, and you're there.

For context, many of Ireland's most celebrated links courses require an hour or more from the airport. Deer Park gives you parkland golf with panoramic coastal views in a fraction of the time.

What Makes Deer Park Golf Special?

A Historic Setting Like No Other

Deer Park Golf sits within the grounds of Howth Castle Estate, one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland. The backdrop is extraordinary. Howth Castle rises behind the clubhouse while the fairways sweep across the headland with uninterrupted views of Dublin City, Howth Harbour, Ireland's Eye, and on a clear day, the Mourne Mountains of County Down.

The first hole drops beautifully downhill, playing to the right of the castle, a memorable opening that sets the tone for an extraordinary round. On the higher holes, the panoramic views rival anything you'll find on a links course.

Three Courses to Suit Every Golfer

One of Deer Park's key strengths is its range of options. The complex offers 27 holes across three distinct courses, making it the right choice regardless of your ability, available time, or who you're playing with.

Deer Park 18-Hole Course (Par 72, 6,915 yards)

The flagship course is a proper parkland test. With wide, forgiving fairways and large greens, it suits intermediate players well, while the length and use of the headland's natural topography still challenge stronger golfers. There are no water hazards to punish the occasional wayward shot, but the rolling terrain, coastal winds, and well-positioned par 3s keep everyone honest.

St Fintan's 9-Hole Course

Ideal for an after-work round, a quick loop on a layover, or those newer to the game. The nine holes offer the same spectacular views as the main course in a fraction of the time.

18-Hole Pitch & Putt

A genuinely challenging short course that doubles as the perfect family outing. With panoramic views of Howth Harbour and Dublin City, it's far more enjoyable than the average pitch and putt.

Family Golf Cards and equipment hire are available on-site, and a round takes around 60–90 minutes.

Open to the Public - No Membership Required

Deer Park Golf is fully open to the public, with no requirement for a club membership or an introduction from a member. Tee times can be booked online at deerparkgolf.ie, and the club rents out clubs, trollies, and buggies, so you can travel light and still enjoy a full round.

This is particularly useful for international visitors or business travellers who want to play golf near Dublin Airport without the administrative overhead of arranging guest passes at a private club.

Exceptional Value for Money

Green fees at Deer Park are among the most competitive for any course within easy reach of Dublin Airport. Multiple reviewers on GolfPass and Tripadvisor highlight the value, well-maintained fairways, spectacular scenery, and a full 18-hole experience at a fraction of what you'd pay at the prestigious Dublin private clubs.

Golf Lessons and Tuition at Deer Park

Deer Park is home to PGA AA Professional Alan Staunton, a specialist in putting and the short game. If you're looking to improve alongside your round, Alan offers individual lessons, group sessions, and clinics throughout the year. There are also Junior Golf Camps during the summer, making Deer Park one of the most complete golf facilities in North Dublin for families.

The club also features an Indoor Putting Studio equipped with Capto system analysis and video feedback, a rare amenity for a public course at this price point.

Practical Information

Location | Howth Road, Howth, Dublin, D13 EH73

Distance from Dublin Airport | Under 20 minutes by car

Courses Available | 18-hole (Par 72), 9-hole, 18-hole Pitch & Putt

Public Access | Yes, no membership required to play on any of Deer Park's golf courses

Equipment Hire | Clubs, buggies, and trollies available

Golf Lessons | Individual, group, and junior tuition with PGA Pro Alan Staunton

Booking | Online at deerparkgolf.ie

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Deer Park Golf close to Dublin Airport?

Yes. Deer Park Golf in Howth is less than 20 minutes from Dublin Airport by car, making it one of the closest quality golf courses to the terminal.

Do I need to be a member to play at Deer Park Golf?

No. Deer Park Golf is a fully public golf course. Anyone can book a tee time online without a club membership.

What courses are available at Deer Park Golf?

There are three options: an 18-hole parkland course (Par 72, 6,915 yards), a 9-hole course (St Fintan's), and an 18-hole Pitch & Putt. Combined, the complex offers 27 holes.

Can I hire golf equipment at Deer Park?

Yes. Club rental, buggies, and trollies are all available. Contact the club in advance to arrange equipment hire alongside your tee time booking.

Are golf lessons available at Deer Park Golf?

Yes. PGA AA Professional Alan Staunton offers individual lessons, group clinics, and junior camps. The club also has an Indoor Putting Studio with advanced swing analysis technology.

Is Deer Park Golf suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The wide fairways and large greens on the main course are forgiving for newer players, and the 9-hole and Pitch & Putt courses offer lower-pressure options. Tuition is available for all levels.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a golf course near Dublin Airport that offers genuine quality, spectacular scenery, public access, and great value, Deer Park Golf in Howth is the standout answer.

Less than 30 minutes from the terminal, set within a historic castle estate, with 27 holes and full facilities for golfers of all abilities, it's a course that punches well above its weight and deserves far more international recognition than it gets.

Book your tee time at deerparkgolf.ie and see for yourself why golfers keep coming back from far and wide.

Posted on 29 Apr 2026.