Irish Sea panoramas from every single hole — Blainroe's clifftop setting makes it one of the most visually spectacular rounds in Wicklow. Well-drained natural terrain means play is possible year-round, and green fees from €35 make it outstanding value for the scenery alone.
Open to all visitors; no handicap certificate required. Year-round play on naturally well-drained clifftop terrain.
Wicklow town pub with great food — 5 min from the course.
Get directions →Dramatic coastal path to Ireland's only octagonal lighthouse.
Find out more →Blainroe Golf Club sits on the clifftops 3.5 kilometres south of Wicklow Town, its fairways following the natural contours of the headland above the Irish Sea. The original layout was designed in 1978 by Hawtree & Son — the same family firm responsible for Arklow Golf Links — and the course was comprehensively redesigned in 2005 by Martin Hawtree, who modernised the routing while preserving what makes the site exceptional: the views.
At 6,800 yards and par 72, this is one of the longer layouts in Wicklow. The clifftop elevation means the course drains naturally and plays year-round in conditions that would close inland courses after heavy rain. The Irish Sea is visible from every hole — sometimes as a panoramic backdrop, sometimes as an immediate hazard when the wind is up and the ball is in the air over the cliff edge.
Blainroe occupies a sweet spot in Wicklow's golfing landscape: serious enough to be a genuine test for better players, accessible enough (no handicap required, green fees from €35) to welcome golfers of all abilities who simply want to enjoy one of the county's finest settings. The post-round view from the clubhouse is, frankly, worth the visit on its own.
| Day | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | From €35 | Mon–Fri |
| Weekend | From €45 | Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays |
Always confirm current rates directly with the course before travelling. Rates shown are indicative and subject to seasonal change.
| Tee | Par | Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 72 | 6,800 | Full clifftop test |
The 7th is widely regarded as one of the most scenic holes in Wicklow — a clifftop par 3 played with the full sweep of the Irish Sea as a backdrop. On a clear day the visibility stretches for miles; on a windy day the tee shot becomes a serious examination of nerve and club selection. A hole you will talk about for the rest of the round.
A long par 4 that runs along the cliff edge with no margin for error to the right. The sea is ever-present as a backdrop and an implicit hazard. Find the fairway and control your approach — the green is receptive but the surrounds are unforgiving. One of those holes where you feel the full scale of the Wicklow coastline beneath you.
Blainroe saves one of its best moments for last — a downhill closing hole with the Irish Sea behind the green. As finishing holes go, the visual reward for making it home in one piece is considerable. The clubhouse awaits on the high ground behind, with views that make the 19th hole here genuinely special.
Yes — Blainroe Golf Club is open to all visitors with no handicap certificate required. The course is playable year-round thanks to its naturally well-drained clifftop terrain. Advance booking is recommended at weekends.
Yes. The clifftop location provides excellent natural drainage, meaning the course holds up well throughout the year. Winter conditions may affect pace and presentation but the course rarely closes for weather. Always call ahead on +353 404 68168 to confirm conditions before travelling.
Both clubs sit on the Wicklow coastline and share the sea-view experience, but they are very different layouts. Blainroe is significantly longer (6,800 vs ~5,900 yards), par 72 vs 71, and was designed by a notable golf architecture practice. Wicklow Golf Club is the older of the two (founded 1904) and more compact. Both are open to visitors and well worth playing if you're in the area.
The original layout was designed in 1978 by Hawtree & Son — the same family firm behind Arklow Golf Links. The course was comprehensively redesigned in 2005 by Martin Hawtree, who updated the routing and modernised several holes while retaining the natural clifftop character of the site.
Approximately 50km via the N11, taking around 50 minutes. Blainroe is just 3.5km south of Wicklow Town — follow the N11 and signs for Wicklow, then head south along the coast road.
Historic clifftop course founded in 1904, with Wicklow Bay and lighthouse views, just 3.5km north.
Classic links golf 20 minutes south — gorse, sand hills and sea breezes since 1927.
Four-time Irish Open host — championship parkland 25 minutes north, a classic contrast to clifftop golf.