Golf in Arklow & South Wicklow
Four contrasting courses that rarely make headlines but rarely disappoint — classic links at Arklow (founded 1927), river valley parkland at Woodenbridge in the Vale of Avoca, the Peter McEvoy-designed estate course at Coollattin in Shillelagh, and Paul McGinley's country retreat at Macreddin. South Wicklow's hidden gem golfing quarter.
The 4 Courses of South Wicklow
Arklow Golf Links
Wicklow's only true links course — sand dunes, firm turf and the full links experience just north of Arklow town. Founded in 1927, this is a classic Irish seaside course that welcomes all visitors without a handicap requirement. The course record holders include some of the county's finest golfers.
Green fee from €75 · No HCP required
Woodenbridge Golf Club
Set in the stunning Vale of Avoca — where the Avoca and Avonmore rivers meet at the Meeting of the Waters — Woodenbridge is arguably the most picturesque course in Wicklow. River valley parkland with tree-lined fairways. The adjacent Woodenbridge Hotel (established 1608) is one of Ireland's oldest inns.
Green fee from €55 · Max HCP 28/36
Coollattin Golf Club
A Peter McEvoy-designed course on the historic Coollattin Estate in the heart of south Wicklow. Mature parkland, generous fairways, and one of the best-value championship-quality tests in the county. No handicap required — extremely welcoming to visitors. Madeleine's Accommodation in nearby Tinahely is the preferred stay for visiting golfers.
Green fee from €30 · No HCP required
Macreddin Golf Club
Designed by Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, Macreddin Golf Club sits in a wooded river valley near Aughrim, part of the BrookLodge & Macreddin Village resort. Seventeen of the eighteen holes run alongside or across the Aughrim River. The Strawberry Tree — Ireland's first certified organic restaurant — is on-site at BrookLodge.
Green fee from €40 · No HCP required
Staying in South Wicklow
The BrookLodge & Macreddin Village resort is the obvious upscale stay for South Wicklow golf, with Macreddin Golf Club adjacent and The Strawberry Tree restaurant on-site. The Woodenbridge Hotel (Vale of Avoca) is one of Ireland's oldest hotels and sits literally next to Woodenbridge Golf Club — it's the natural choice for golfers playing that course. For Coollattin and the Shillelagh area, Madeleine's Accommodation in Tinahely is a highly regarded guesthouse popular with visiting golfers, approximately 10 minutes from Coollattin. B&B from €80/night.
South Wicklow Golf — FAQ
What is the best golf course in South Wicklow?
That depends on what you're looking for. For links golf, Arklow Golf Links is the only true links experience in Wicklow. For parkland scenery, Woodenbridge in the Vale of Avoca is arguably the most beautiful. For value and designer credentials, Coollattin (Peter McEvoy) offers exceptional golf at very fair prices. Macreddin (Paul McGinley) is the best resort experience in the south.
How far is South Wicklow from Dublin?
Arklow is approximately 80km from Dublin via the N11 — around 70 minutes. Woodenbridge and Macreddin are a further 10–15 minutes inland from Arklow. Coollattin in Shillelagh is about 90km from Dublin, typically 80–90 minutes.
Can I play a links course in County Wicklow?
Yes — Arklow Golf Links is Wicklow's only true links course. Set on sand dunes north of Arklow town, it offers the full links experience with firm turf and seaside conditions. The Brittas Bay Club (formerly The European Club) will be a second world-class links option when it reopens in Spring 2027 after its €45m redesign.
What is there to do in South Wicklow besides golf?
The Vale of Avoca is famous for the Meeting of the Waters (Thomas Moore's poem) and Avoca Handweavers — Ireland's oldest surviving business, operating since 1723. Glendalough (6th-century monastic settlement) is about 40 minutes from Woodenbridge. The Wicklow Way long-distance walking trail passes through much of South Wicklow.
Where should I stay for a South Wicklow golf trip?
Woodenbridge Hotel is directly adjacent to Woodenbridge Golf Club — the most convenient option for that course. BrookLodge at Macreddin is a 4-star boutique resort. For Coollattin and Shillelagh, Madeleine's Accommodation in Tinahely (10 min from Coollattin) is popular with visiting golfers. B&B rates from €80/night.
Explore other areas: North Wicklow · Wicklow Town & Coast · Wicklow Mountains · Blessington & West Wicklow