Golf in the Wicklow Mountains
Two championship 18-hole courses on the famous Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry — the Sugar Loaf Mountain as a constant backdrop, the Wicklow Mountains sweeping into the distance. Peter McEvoy's East course and David McLay Kidd's West course offer complementary challenges on one of the most beautiful estates in Ireland.
The 2 Courses at Powerscourt
Powerscourt Golf Club – East Course
The flagship course of the Powerscourt Golf Club, designed by Peter McEvoy and opened in 1996. Set on the north side of the famous Powerscourt Estate with the Great Sugarloaf Mountain as the constant backdrop. A strategic, thinking golfer's course with significant elevation changes, mature tree-lined fairways and demanding bunkering. Host to European Tour events.
Green fee from €70 · HCP required
Powerscourt Golf Club – West Course
Designed by David McLay Kidd — the architect behind Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Dumbarnie Links in Scotland — the West course opened in 2003. A more open, links-influenced design compared to the East, with wider fairways, more contoured greens and panoramic Wicklow Mountain views throughout. Both courses share the Powerscourt Hotel & Spa as an on-site 5-star hotel.
Green fee from €65 · HCP required
The Powerscourt Estate
Golf at Powerscourt is inseparable from the wider Powerscourt Estate — one of the great Anglo-Irish estates, now open to the public. The walled gardens, Italian terraces, Japanese garden and Triton Lake are rated among the finest formal gardens in Europe (National Geographic: Top 3 Gardens in the World). The Powerscourt Waterfall — at 121m Ireland's highest waterfall — is a short drive through the estate.
The Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel on the estate with direct access to both courses. The Avoca café in the Powerscourt House is excellent for pre-round coffee or post-round lunch.
Powerscourt Golf — FAQ
What is the difference between Powerscourt East and West courses?
The East course (Peter McEvoy, 1996) is tighter, more tree-lined and technical — it rewards precision and local knowledge. The West course (David McLay Kidd, 2003) is more open, with wider fairways and a links-influenced design. Both are par 72 and both have stunning Wicklow Mountain views. Most visitors who play both prefer to play East first.
Do I need a handicap certificate to play at Powerscourt?
Yes — Powerscourt Golf Club requires a handicap certificate for visitor rounds on both the East and West courses. A maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for ladies is typically required. Book in advance as visitor tee times are limited, particularly at weekends.
How far is Powerscourt from Dublin city centre?
Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry is approximately 25km from Dublin city centre — about 30–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Take the N11 south and exit for Enniskerry. There is no direct public transport to the golf course, but taxis from Bray (DART accessible) are a viable option.
Can I visit Powerscourt Estate even if I'm not playing golf?
Yes — the estate gardens, house and café are open to the public. There is an admission charge for the gardens. Powerscourt Waterfall is a separate ticketed attraction about 6km through the estate. Allow at least 2 hours for the gardens alone.
What other courses are near Powerscourt?
Druids Glen Golf Resort and Druids Heath are approximately 15km from Powerscourt — about 20 minutes. Old Conna Golf Club in Bray is about 15 minutes away. Delgany Golf Club is 20 minutes south.
Explore other areas: North Wicklow · Wicklow Town & Coast · Arklow & South Wicklow · Blessington & West Wicklow